Industry News
Winter is arriving early in the North Carolina mountains. Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley has announced it will open for the 2025–26 season tomorrow, Wednesday, November 12, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.—just one day after Sugar Mountain became the first ski resort in the state to spin its lifts.
The resort confirmed the news this morning on social media, writing:
“Ready, set, SNOOOW! What’s better than the start of snowmaking? An official opening date – and we’re here to deliver the goods. We will most certainly ski you soon, friends… Wednesday, November 12th from 9:00 AM until 4:30 PM to be exact. Get out the wax and call in sick because it’s going down! Well, up the chairlift first and then down.”
Cataloochee began snowmaking earlier this week as cold air surged across the southern Appalachians, creating ideal conditions for early-season snowmaking. In a follow-up post, the resort said it had received a surge of interest from skiers eager to lock in tickets and rentals.
“Due to significant incoming inquiries regarding pre-purchasing passes for tomorrow, we made the decision to push pass and rental products live for tomorrow through the weekend,” the resort said, reminding guests that quantities are limited and advance purchase is recommended.
Cataloochee’s early opening continues a strong start to the season for the eastern U.S., where an early November cold front has brought sustained below-freezing temperatures and even natural snow to higher elevations from West Virginia to New England.
Further north from North Carolina, Killington, Vermont, and Sunday River, Maine, are poised to open tomorrow. Meanwhile, on the other side of the country, unusually warm weather has slowed progress at many western resorts. Persistent mild temperatures across the Rockies and Sierra Nevada have delayed snowmaking and forced marquee destinations such as Mammoth Mountain, California, and Brian Head, Utah, to adjust their planned opening dates.
