CityView Magazine

The season generally runs from the middle of December to the middle of March. Scenic and breath-taking views are standard fare at the state's ski des- tinations, and most of the ski areas are lighted, meaning snowbirds can play until about 10 p.m. Do your homework before planning a trip, though. Lodging, liſt tickets and, in some cases, food can be wrapped into package deals and large groups make out best. Western North Carolina is home to six ski resorts, each of which cascade from the Appalachian Mountain range. Each resort stakes its own claim to fame, and one resort specializes in snow tubing. Ski Beech on Ski Mountain is the high- est ski area in Eastern North America. The signature Alpine-style village has been around since the mid-1960s. Visi- tors don't have to wander elsewhere for shopping as the four-season resort has shops, restaurants and events within walking distance of the community. Lodging ranges from rustic cabins to chalets to condos to inns and a Bed and Breakfast. Ski Beech, which has a ver- tical rise of 830 feet, 100 rideable acres and 15 slopes, is located in Beech Moun- tain, N.C. Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Val- ley, 35 miles west of Asheville, is the state's oldest ski area, and the southern- most ski area in the Deep South. It has 14 slopes and a vertical rise of 740 feet. While not the largest ski area, about half of its trails are designed for beginners. The Cat Cage Terrain Park is for snow- boarding. Snow Tubing can be experi- enced at nearby Tube World. This is a ski only area — snowboarding is not per- mitted. Accommodations can be found at 25 hotels in Maggie Valley proper. Sugar Mountain, located in Banner Elk, has the largest mountain in terms of size and the most liſts. It has 116 skiable acres, a vertical drop of 1,500 feet and 20 slopes. It has a family-orientated repu- tation. Sugar Mountain offers many ski and snowboarding lessons for children. Tubing on the golf course features 700- CityViewNC.com | 37 Ski Beech on Ski Mountain Western North Carolina is home to six ski resorts, each of which cascade from the Appalachian Mountain range. Each resort stakes its own claim to fame, and one resort specializes in snow tubing. Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley

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