OK, here's the word from Cataloochee Ski Area, which in about 35 minutes will open the Southeast ski season. In the past 28 hours they've laid down an 8- to 12-inch base on two beginner trails, Easy Way and Rabbit Hill (pictured). They also got an assist overnight from Mother Nature with a dusting of real stuff.
Resort spokeswoman Tammy Brown reports that forecast looks favorable for at least the next couple of days, meaning more snowmaking, more skiing/snowboarding. Lift ticket rates are $31 for adults, $27 for students, $24 for ages 5-12.
Meanwhile, Snowshoe Mountain in West Virginia is in the midst of a significant snowstorm. Five inches fell on the mountain overnight, another five inches is expected by the end of Wednesday. Snowmaking is underway. Despite the snowfall windfall Snowshoe still plans to open Nov. 26.
Keep tabs on these early days of the ski season at skisoutheast.com.
The base of Snowshoe Mountain this morning.
