1/13/11

NC Snowboarding


Across the southeast, the biggest news has been snow, snow, snow and unusually cold weather. We finally broke down on Saturday and decided to dust off our snowboards and head to Cataloochee Ski Area.

After living in the Jackson Hole area during one of the decade's best winters for powder, it took us a while to adjust our standards and prepare ourselves for East Coast conditions. Well, we picked the right day to snowboard in North Carolina! Cataloochee received several inches the night before we arrived, and a foot of snow fell while we boarded. We were definitely pleasantly surprised!

If you head out to check out the "Looch," be sure to review their directions on their website. Our "smartphone" tried to take us down a road that is scarcely passable in winter. We arrived close to 9:00 and found road crews busy trying to prepare the road for weekend traffic. The Maggie Valley area had tons more snow than Brevard and Asheville. Thank goodness for our trusty Subaru and for the two Jeeps in front of us not slowing down too much on the last few miles to the resort!

The road was very much covered in snow and not 2wd friendly! Yet, by early afternoon, the traffic and plowing had brought the road to excellent conditions in all but the actual parking lot.

Vinca and Daisy hung out in the car while we boarded so as not to spend too long of a day at home, and had a blast playing in the snowdrifts when we took a break from the slopes.

Sunday we spent a half day climbing on 215, which by now, ought to be much fatter thanks to the recent cold days and nights. Check Phil's ice climbing conditions blog for more info.

Happy winter fun!



Climb Globally, Shop Locally
Looking Glass Outfitters
69 Hendersonville Hwy
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
828.884.5854
www.lookingglassoutfitters.com

No comments: