Skiing at Cataloochee Ski Area: Western North Carolina’s Winter Playground

Destinations Southeast North Carolina Asheville

Skiing at Cataloochee Ski Area: Western North Carolina’s Winter Playground

When winter transforms the Blue Ridge Mountains into a snowy wonderland, Cataloochee Ski Area becomes the ultimate destination for skiers and snowboarders near Asheville. Located in Maggie Valley, about 40 miles west of the city, Cataloochee offers thrilling downhill runs, picturesque mountain views, and a welcoming atmosphere that appeals to families, beginners, and seasoned skiers alike.

As one of the oldest ski resorts in the Southeast, Cataloochee boasts 18 slopes and trails catering to a variety of skill levels. Beginners can hone their skills on gentle greens like Easy Way, while more advanced skiers can carve through steeper runs like Upper Omigosh and Rock Island Run. The resort’s high-tech snowmaking system ensures consistent conditions throughout the season, even when natural snowfall is sparse.

Cataloochee isn’t just about skiing—it’s about creating memories. The ski school offers lessons for all ages, making it a perfect spot for families and first-timers. After a day on the slopes, unwind in the lodge with a cup of hot cocoa, or explore the charming town of Maggie Valley for a post-ski dinner.

Whether you’re zipping down the slopes or simply enjoying the mountain scenery, Cataloochee Ski Area delivers a quintessential winter adventure in Western North Carolina.

Adventure Guide: Skiing at Cataloochee Ski Area

Resort Overview

Location: Maggie Valley, NC, approximately 40 miles west of Asheville
Elevation: Summit at 5,400 feet, with a 740-foot vertical drop
Trails: 18 slopes and trails (44% beginner, 39% intermediate, 17% advanced)
Best Time to Visit: Mid-December through February for peak conditions

What to Expect

Features:
- Well-groomed trails for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced.
- A top-tier snowmaking system covering 100% of the slopes.
- Terrain park with features for freestyle skiers and snowboarders.
Lessons and Rentals:
- Ski and snowboard lessons available for all ages and experience levels.
- On-site equipment rentals, including skis, snowboards, boots, and helmets.

Tips for Skiers

What to Bring:
- Waterproof clothing, gloves, goggles, and a helmet for safety.
- Layered clothing to adapt to changing mountain weather.
- Snacks and water, though the lodge offers food options.
Safety Note:
- Always adhere to resort rules and stay on marked trails.
- Beginners should consider a lesson to build confidence and technique.

Nearby Accommodations

Maggie Valley Lodging: A range of cozy cabins, inns, and hotels.
Waynesville: A charming nearby town offering additional dining and lodging options.

Getting There

From Asheville, take I-40 West to Exit 20 for Maggie Valley. Follow US-276 South, then turn onto Fie Top Road to reach the ski area. Travel time is approximately 45 minutes.

Fun Fact

Cataloochee Ski Area opened in 1961, making it one of the first ski resorts in the South. Its long-standing tradition of snow sports continues to draw generations of families to its slopes every winter.

Adventure Map

Asheville Info

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Reviews

Jolene Pierce10 months ago

We went on a quiet Thursday. We had repurchase tickets and our rentals and the pickup process was easy and seamless. My husband and oldest did a private ski lesson that they seemed to enjoy. I like that they have two magic carpet slopes for new learners. The weather has clearly not been ideal and by midafternoon it was slushy, but it didn't dampen our enjoyment. I do feel like a busy weekend would have made it feel overcrowded, but we were very pleased with our experience.

M H11 months ago

Very over crowded. I would have given it two stars had I not had fun, but I was in a good mood so it wasn’t terrible for me. There is a good amount of parking but back up parking is pretty far away and they have a shuttle there and back. When you get to the lodge, you go through 3 checkpoints to go ski. First you purchase your tickets (buy online ahead of time to decrease chances of being sold out), then you get in line for boots and helmets. We were in line for at least 30 minutes for this step, then we had to get in line for our ski/snowboard rental which was like 15 minutes. After that you go and you’re able to ski but to get to the hills you first have to go on a lift, there’s only one beginner lift and each time we waited in line for it we waited at least 30 minutes (very bad crowds) one reason for this is because they have to stop the lift a bunch because so many people fall at the top of the lift. Employees are very kind and quick to help us off the ground when we fall (will Happen). Slopes get pretty icy near the end of the day and the most crowded time is around 11-1. Gets less crowded around 4ish and I’m sure night skiing is a better option to miss crowds (but snow will be icy and slick). We got here around 11 on a Thursday but didn’t start skiing till 4. Employees are very kind except one man at the boot rental area. I think the processes could be quickened a lot more to reduce crowds. Also a kiddie area with little slant. 4 hour pass is plenty Bring snacks, lodge food is overpriced and lines there are veryyyyy long, have to wait in whole line just for water bottle (3$) You will probably fall a lot so wear waterproof clothing. Look online for tickets, live cams, etc. Overall I would not return because of extreme lines that are not necessary and you will not find them elsewhere.

Allison Johnson11 months ago

Oh wow! Where do I begin? This was our first time skiing. From the warm welcome to the slopes, Cataloochee Ski Area exceeded our expectations. The smiling faces and helpful staff created a fantastic experience for my family. The camaraderie among the skiers added to the enjoyment and fun. From the moment we arrived, everyone was nice and welcoming. We had a great time. I highly recommend.

Vitality Voyages Travel4 months ago

We decided to visit Cataloochee Ski Area for our first skiing experience, and it was an incredible choice! We booked a last-minute trip for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, and the 3.5-hour drive from Atlanta was totally worth it. As first-time skiers, we took private ski and snowboarding lessons, and the instructors were fantastic—patient, knowledgeable, and made the entire experience enjoyable. The lodge was a great spot to relax, offering food, snacks, and adult beverages. For our first time on the slopes, it couldn’t have been better. We thoroughly enjoyed our time and would highly recommend it!

Senor Builder11 months ago

Overall, I had a great experience. When there were lines inside for gear and food, they were extremely short. The lifts had quick lines of a minute or two wait at most. This was my first time snowboarding and I took a private lesson. Dylan, my instructor, was super friendly and taught everything in an easy-to-understand way. I only snowboarded on Beginner’s Luck (that’s where the lesson was given), Easy Way, and Rabbit Hill. The runs were not overcrowded at all and I had tons of room to mess around with. Nobody was being aggressive on the slopes, either. I went on a Tuesday afternoon. The weather was scheduled to be worse than it was. It drizzled lightly a couple of times which did not seem to affect very much. Visibility varied but was never very bad; the worst is shown in the video.