Intro
Cataloochee is home to great skiing and snowboarding in the Great Smoky Mountains. Make your way over from Asheville and you are sure to agree with this sentiment. With expansive views, varied terrain, a full service lodge, and friendly staff, Cataloochee offers one of the most memorable winter experiences in the Southeast.
What Makes It Great
Cataloochee Ski Resort lies just outside of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The view from the top of the mountain is incredible and overlooks the resort’s namesake, Catalaoochee Valley. The lodge sits directly at the base of the mountain and hosts a restaurant and bar with a massive deck overlooking the slopes. “The Looch” has impressive snow-making infrastructure and is able to cover 100% of the terrain. This ability leads to a long season for one of the southernmost ski resorts on the east coast. If you and your family are looking for a day of fun on the snow, it’s a great mountain for all skill levels to play on.
Slope Breakdown: Cataloochee has a total of 18 trails and 5 lifts: 1 quad, 1 triple, 1 double chair, and 2 moving carpet surface lifts for the beginner learning areas.
- 44% beginner terrain
- 39% intermediate
- 17% advanced
- Top Elevation: 5,400 feet
- Base Elevation, 4,660 feet
- Vertical Drop 740 feet
Cataloochee is also proud to offer the Cat Cage Terrain Park which features creative features that are varied throughout the year.
Who is Going to Love It
Cataloochee has a giant sale on future season passes every spring. Keep an eye on their website in March to grab yourself a pass at up to half off regular price!
Cataloochee offer an awesome beginner’s skiing package to help “sell the stoke” to first timers. The Slide in 5 program is a multi-lesson beginner’s package which includes a free pair of skis. The package includes lift tickets, ski rentals and lessons for any five days during the year.
Directions, Parking, + Regulations
The drive to Cataloochee from Asheville winds through scenic Maggie Valley and climbs high atop the Great Smoky Mountains. Cataloochee’s website provides detailed driving directions for visitors from all directions.
Before you head up the mountain, check out Cataloochee’s webcams and their detailed Snow Report.
Current pricing on Lift Tickets can be found on Cataloochee’s website.
Featured image provided by Steven Reinhold
