Most slopes endure through warm weather

By Tiffany Allison

Sugar Mountain

The High Country Junior Race first run was held at Sugar Mountain Jan. 4 and, according to event organizers, was a success. Emily Kosmala won the race with the fastest time for men and women at 25.33 seconds. Corey Wessinger followed closely and won the fastest time for men at 25.39 seconds.

This year marks the 25th season of the High Country Junior Race Series, which started in 1984. It was formed by Appalachian Ski Mountain, Ski Beech, Hawksnest and Sugar Mountain in order to create a “friendly” competition for young skiers ages 4-18.

Sugar Mountain celebrating the 14th annual National Winter Trails Day Saturday Jan. 10 with free snowshoeing for children and adults. Both the snowshoe rental and guide are free of charge, and tour times start at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Children’s tours are for participants ages 8-11, and adult tours are for participants 12 and up. Those who are interested in this event should meet at the ski/snowboard school building 15 minuets prior to tour time. Tours are limited in space and are on a first come first serve basis. For more information about National Winter Trails Day visit www.wintertrails.org

The resort expects upcoming temperatures to drop, creating snowmaking conditions to improve and expand the slopes. The average snow depth on Sugar Mountain is between 15-40 inches with a wet and loose granular surface condition. As of Jan. 7, Sugar has 11 slopes and four lifts open. For current conditions, visit www.skisugar.com/conditions

Skiers can enjoy live North Carolina High Country bluegrass preformed by Boss Hawg Saturday, Jan. 10, from 4 to 6 p.m. Sugar Mountain is hosting a Septuagenarian Party Tuesday, Jan. 13, to honor and recognize their senior citizen skiers.

Ski Beech

Ski Beech is starting its Edge of the World Revival Series with boarder cross on Thursday night, Jan. 8, at 6:30 p.m. if the weather stays cool. Ryan Costin, vice president of Ski Beech, said if the weather allows, Beech will start making snow Wednesday night in preparation for the competition. If the main event is cancelled the optional make up day is Feb. 26.

The slope-style competition, the second Edge of the World event, will start at noon Sunday, Jan. 11. Beech is hosting five other snowboard competitions in the next two months. The second boarder cross and slope-style competitions are Jan. 22 and 25.

Participation is free for the events with the purchase of a lift ticket. An after party will be provided after every race in the Beech Tree Bar & Grill for frozen snowboarders to commensurate a good day on the slopes. Speaking of Beech Tree Bar & Grill, skiers can also check out the Harris Brothers performing this Saturday, Jan. 10, starting at 9 p.m.

As of Jan. 7, snow tubing is currently closed, and Beech has three out of 10 lifts available and two slopes out of 15 open with between an eight to 24-inch wet granular base. For updates, check the Web site at www.skibeech.com.

Hawksnest

The warm, wet weather has taken a toll on Hawksnest’s slopes. They will be closed from Jan. 6 through Jan. 8. If weather allows, Hawksnest will start making snow Thursday night to ensure excellent conditions for the weekend. The slopes will open Friday Jan. 9, and sessions will run at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Appalachian Ski Mountain

Zambelli Internationale lit up the sky on New Year’s Eve at Appalachian Ski Mountain. Zambelli Internationale is one of the largest firework companies in America, having participated in some of the largest firework displays in firework history, including the famous annual firework display, Thunder Over Louisville, marking the beginning of the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Ky.

“We had a great New Year’s Eve celebration,” general manager Brad Moretz said. “They (Zabelli Internationale) did the best job ever.”

Those who missed the fireworks on New Year’s Eve might mark their calendars for President’s Day weekend, because Zambelli is returning for the celebration.

As for as slope conditions, Appalachian has all but two slopes open with 36 to 62 inches of groomed base. All lifts are operational, and both terrain parks are ready for some action. For updated information, visit www.appskimtn.com/themountain.

App Terrain Park started its Shred for the Cup series Tuesday, Jan. 6. The 80 contestants shredded ATP’s slopestyle setup with 15 features available for riders to test their skills.

Shred for the Cup Winners
Advanced Snowboard:
1st: Austin Leonard
2nd: Andrew Sanchez
3rd: Chase Weaver

Advanced Ski:
1st: Berkley Wilcox
2nd: Ross Rowan
3rd: Josh Pepper

Intermediate Snowboard:
1st: Evan Williams
2nd: Ben Margolis
3rd: Andy Dickenson

Intermediate Ski:
1st: Brock Pennell
2nd: Barrett Williams
3rd: Dakota Barnes

Beginner Snowboard:
1st: Matthew Sutton
2nd: Christian Jewkes
3rd: Luke Winkelmann

Beginner Ski:
1st: Alex Brewster
2nd: Mason Woodrow
3rd: Sebastien Branstrom

Women’s Snowboard:
1st: Christi Nasser
2nd: Heather Phillips
3rd: Molly Clay

Women’s Ski:
1st: Mercedes Green

The third Fresh Friday is coming up Saturday, Jan. 9. Registration lasts from 5 to 6:30 p.m., and the event starts at 7 p.m. Fresh Friday is free for snowboarders and skiers of all ages and skill levels with a purchase of a lift ticket. This week’s new signature feature will be an App Terrain Park logo box.

“It was fabricated here in the shop. It’s a pretty striking piece,” Moretz said. “They ought to have a lot of fun with it.”