ASHEVILLE, N.C. (Jan. 19, 2006)— While athletes from all over the world train for the upcoming winter Olympic games, the Asheville area slopes are touting future Olympians looking for a place to sharpen their downhill skills.
Although the actual event will take place in Torino, Italy, many skiers and snowboarders wanting to mimic the swift moves made by these legendary athletes may consider challenging several of the trails in Western North Carolina.
Asheville’s peaks are the highest in the Eastern U.S., averaging 60 inches of snow annually, and each season area resort’s snow-making capabilities keep trails open through March.
Located only 45 minutes west of Asheville, Cataloochee Ski Area, the second oldest ski resort in the Southeast, has readied its 10 slopes and made improvements to its well-groomed terrain park for adventurous skiers.
“During an Olympic year, we tend to see an interest in people wanting to do what they see on TV,” said Tammy Brown, marketing director of Cataloochee Ski Area. “We see a lot of kids wanting to get out there and do what their heroes are doing.”
Would-be Olympians can train at the new Cat Cage Ski and Snowboard Terrain Park where several new elements have been added for practicing the latest techniques. Cataloochee has also designated Feb. 10 as Ski Team Day, which donates $1 from each lift ticket sold that day to the U.S. Olympic Ski Team.
Other Asheville area ski resorts have modified their trails this year. New at nearby Wolf Laurel Slopes, an expanded bunny slope with a 220-foot magic carpet lift has been added. A 20,000-square-foot mountaintop ski lodge, that includes a restaurant, rental shop and grand lobby with a fireplace, accesses a new beginners’ slope serviced by a double chair lift is now included with the price of a lift ticket.
Also this season, a fun box, tabletop, spine, quarter pipe, rail slide and a brand new lift have been added to Sugar Mountain Ski Resort. Appalachian Ski Mountain has added several new jumps and a new sound system to its terrain park.
Nearly a million visitors travel to Western North Carolina’s slopes each year. Expert skiers find the challenging trails they’re after, while beginners appreciate the instruction and value pricing offered by these resorts.
While the peaks stay blanketed in snow, the Asheville area, at 2,000 feet, stays relatively snow-free for much of the season. For more information about Asheville and other winter activities, call 800-280-0005, or follow this link for up-to-date ski conditions. Winter packages in Asheville are also available by visiting this site.
Ski Slope/Snowtubing Park |
General Information |
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Appalachian Ski Mountain |
9 slopes, 5 lifts. |
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Cataloochee Ski Area |
10 slopes, 3 lifts, 1 rope tow, 1 magic carpet lift. |
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Wolf Laurel Ski Resort |
15 slopes, 4 lifts, tubing off site. |
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Ski Beech |
14 slopes, 9 lifts. |
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Sugar Mountain Resort |
20 slopes, 5 lifts. |
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Hawksnest Winter Resort |
12 slopes, 9 tubing lanes, 4 lifts, 1 magic carpet. |
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Sapphire Valley Ski Resort |
2 slopes, 1 lift, 1 tube lane. |
Media inquiries only:
Angela Norris, (828) 257-4959
Public Relations Manager
anorris@exploreasheville.com
Visitor inquiries: (800) 280-0005
Interactive Asheville |
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