Cataloochee Ski Area

Ski area in North Carolina, United States

35°33′47″N 83°05′24″W / 35.563°N 83.090°W / 35.563; -83.090Vertical 740 feet (226 m)Top elevation5,400 feet (1,646 m)Base elevation4,660 feet (1,420 m)Trails18 total
44% beginner
39% intermediate
17% advancedLongest runUpper & Lower Snowbird 1,900 feet (580 m)Lift system3 chairs, 2 conveyor liftsTerrain parks1Snowfall48 inches (120 cm)Websitecataloochee.com

Cataloochee Ski Area is a ski area in the eastern United States in southwestern North Carolina, near Maggie Valley. With eighteen ski slopes and trails, approximately 44% are rated beginner, 39% intermediate, and 17% advanced. Its top elevation is 5,400 feet (1,646 m) above sea level, yielding a vertical drop of 740 feet (226 m). The slopes are accessed by three chairlifts and two carpet lifts.

Cataloochee on a -2 degree morning in January.

Typical of North Carolina ski areas, Cataloochee relies primarily on snowmaking for its slopes. Cataloochee is known for having one of the longest seasons in the southeast, and in 2008 it opened October 28. The average ski season lasts 125 days.