North Carolina Skiing Offers
Something For Everyone

Story By Jim Cottrell, President French-Swiss Ski College Appalachian Ski Mountain

The highest mountains on the East Coast are in North Carolina, and the mercury often drops below zero degrees
there. Two decades ago, however, few people were aware of these facts. But the 1960s marked the beginning of a new era, the era of the Southern Skier. Ski areas began to open in North Carolina, and within a few years nine areas were open.

The crest of the Blue Ridge and the Eastern Continental divide meet near Boone, North Carolina, forming the scenic terrain surrounding the hub of Southern skiing. There are four ski areas within twenty miles of Boone and when the temperature drops below freezing in late November, the skiers start their migration to the slopes. The sport that was so novel in the 60s is now a major tourist industry in the South, and nearly a half-million Southerners watch the leaves turn in the fall, in eager anticipation of winter’s first snow.

Skiing is more than just putting on a pair of skis and sliding down a snow-covered slope. It is a mountain experience, a new environment, a place where young and old can enjoy a cold snowy day, either on the slopes or by a roaring fire in the lodge.

Having a good time is what skiing is all about: racing a friend to the bottom, gently gliding down the beginner hill, jumping over moguls (mounds of snow) or picking yourself up after a fall. Skiing is fun! On a clear day, a skier can pause on top of a chair lift and see the picturesque landscape unfold below for fifty miles.

Instruction is often overlooked, but is well worth the small investment; plan on taking lessons the first three to five days of skiing. Fundamental skills and safe skiing are difficult to attain without instruction. Don’t depend on your friends to teach you to ski. Their intentions will be good, but you will probably develop poor habits and before you know it you will be skiing down slopes too difficult for you ability – a liability to yourself, your friends and the other people on the slopes.

The only way to find out why North Carolina skiing is for you is to make the move and try it. And if you haven’t skied North Carolina for awhile, you’ll find it even better than you remembered.

Your First Time Skiing . . .

Do you remember the first time you stepped into a roller coaster? You didn’t know what it was going to be like, but you knew it would be exciting. Well, that’s your first day on skis. The first slipping, sliding run down the beginner slope is a thrill, a few spills and a lot of laughs, and before the day is out you are well on your way to balancing on skis. Being proficient is not necessary to enjoy skiing; however, being able to control your speed, avoid objects, and stop are very important for everyone’s enjoyment.

How To Get Started . . .

Become familiar with skiing in general. By doing so, you will have a head start on what you need and what you can expect.

Obtain information on learn to ski programs. Your first day on skis under the guidance of a trained ski instructor will find you walking, sliding, gliding, balancing, edging, turning and stopping – these are the basic skills used by all skiers. Some people will progress more quickly than others, but it’s exciting and gratifying to master a hill or slope that caused you some frustrating spills.

Before heading off to the slopes, make sure that you have everything you need to get the most out of your time at the ski area. Make up a list of clothing you will need, and don’t forget the little items that are so important, like a hat, scarf, goggles, gloves or mittens, long underwear, and proper socks. You may also want to bring a change of clothes, especially socks, because after driving to the ski area with your car heater on, your socks may be filled with moisture that translates into “cold” on the slopes. Rental ski clothing is available in many places. If you do not have clothing for cold weather, this is a good option.

Plan to rent your equipment. This is probably the best plan for you because as a novice you’ll want to try the sport before investing in skis, boots, and poles. Keep in mind that when renting, boots are your most important consideration. Be sure they fit snugly but with room to wiggle your toes.

Get to know your gear. Putting on your ski equipment can be traumatic, so it’s a good idea to do it in stages. First secure the boots, walk around the lodge and try to maneuver a set of stairs. Practice going up the steps, down the steps, and walking around for five or ten minutes, just to get the feel of the boots. After you’ve gotten used to the boots, make sure the bindings have been set for your height, weight and ability. Bindings hold your boots to the skis and are designed to release when you fall making the proper setting very important.

Look forward to winter. Try snow skiing in the North Carolina Mountains.