Ski report for 11.24.08

Maybe the family isn't up for a last-minute ski vacation for Thanksgiving. Maybe they aren't as enthusiastic about the surprisingly good early season conditions, and maybe your rendition of "I'm Dreaming of a White Thanksgiving" is growing thin. Really thin. Sing it a few more times, though, and I'm betting they'll break: "For the love of fresh powder, just go! But be sure you're back in time to peel the potatoes Wednesday night!"

Appalachian at 7:46:36 this morning.

If you can finagle such an outing, here's what you'll find. Weatherwise, today isn't a bad one to miss. Although temperatures aren't expected to break out of the 30s in the high country, there's a chance for rain this afternoon. Tuesday and Wednesday, though, it's forecast to be colder (highs only reaching into the mid-30s) and snow is in the forecast. Sounds like a couple of primo days.

Here's a recommendation, based on your likely day trip options from the Triangle. Appalachian has all lifts running and 7 of 8 slopes open. Adult lift tickets are just $27. With a buck eighty gas and a picnic lunch, you're a cheap date. Sugar has skiing from top to bottom with 3 lifts running and 4 slopes open. Its adult lift ticket, though, is in mid-season form at $50, a little steep for pre-Thanksgiving.

Your best bet: Ski Beech. Beech has 3 lifts running serving 4 slopes. But it's the best bargain, with adult lift tickets going for $19 Tuesday and $25 Wednesday. One caveat: If it snows very much, the last, windy 2-mile stretch of NC 184 to the top can make for a challenging drive. Check road conditions before making the trip.

So, all together now, "I'm dreaming of a white, Thanksgiving ... "