INTERMEDIATE Local resorts offer a variety of terrain to challenge the intermediate snowsporter, from wide, gradual slopes to runs with steeper pitch and bumps. Appalachian Mtn -- Strudel -- Strudel is a wonderful short and wide intermediate hill with enough zip to thrill the beginner while allowing you to maintain control. It is also a great slope to continue learning the basics. -- Orchard Run -- This run is a nice dogleg that curves away from the rest of the mountain. Orchard has a narrower top section, a sharp and somewhat narrow curve and sometimes has bumps (moguls) on the sides. Not for the beginner, but definitely a playground for the intermediate. Hawksnest -- GOSHAWK -- A lower level run with plenty of fun is the Goshawk. While classed as a beginning slope, this run has some tricks to teach the beginning intermediate. -- RIGHT STUFF -- The Right Stuff has what it takes. Combined with the Goshawk, The Right Stuff is a great cruising trail with moderately wide stretches mingling with a few narrow spots, challenging bumps here and there, and a moderately steep pitch. Several lead-ins at the top give this trail a little variety. -- THE BIG RUNS -- Adventurous advanced intermediates will want to try out the resort’s two black diamonds, Top Gun and Sock ‘Em Dog. But be aware, these two slopes have very steep pitches and are known for large and plentiful moguls. These slopes are not for beginners or even mid-level intermediates. The advanced intermediate will learn a thing or two on Sock’Em Dog, but Top Gun should be left to the experts. Hawksnest offers late night skiing until midnight on the weekends, so for the younger intermediate crowd, this slope is a great night out. Sugar Mtn -- The Flying Mile -- Sugar Mountain distinguishes itself by having the longest intermediate cruising run in the region. Starting at the top with Northridge run, a comfortable dogleg that for some reason changes names and becomes Switchback, the slope spills into the Flying Mile for a straight cruise to the bottom of the mountain – about a mile and a half from the start at the summit. Wide spaces, smooth terrain and moderate pitch make this a run to be enjoyed from top to bottom. The length is a guaranteed ‘leg burner’ for those not in shape. -- Big Red -- Big Red is a shorter intermediate run on the side of the mountain with a wide boulevard that alternates between flatter and steeper stretches as it steps down the mountain. This run is served by its own chairlift, which makes this the perfect exclusive slope during busy times. ADVANCED If you’re the type of skilled snowsporter who enjoys a serious challenge, the three mountains in the area will live up to your expectations. Ski Beech -- Upper to Lower Shawneehaw -- The upper section has a nice pitch to challenge the intermediate, but not enough to be risky, and it spills into the lower Shawneehaw’s extra-wide boulevard - a great section of snow to pick up some speed and still maintain control. Always watch out for slower people on this run. Lower Shawneehaw is actually served by it’s own lift, and is a perfect learning ground for beginners ready to step to the next level. -- Robins Run -- Hidden between the Shawneehaw and Southern Star (a steep and mogul-riddled advanced slope) Robin’s Run is a great crusing run which slips into the bottom of Lower Shawneehaw and the Powder Bowl. Relatively few bumps, a moderately steep pitch, and a wide area make this the perfect slope for advanced intermediates who love to carve turns. Appalachian Mtn There’s more than meets the eye at Appalachian Ski Mtn., the little mountain with a big heart. Big Appal, the centerpiece terrain there delivers a broad lane of exhibition area for the best skiers, and for the first time this season, snowboarders. Some of the south’s best junior racers have been developed here. Thin Slice and Hard Core offer two alternate routes from the top for the skier in search of speed. Hawksnest Hawksnest Ski Resort changed the face of southern skiing several years ago with the addition of Top Gun, regarded by some as the best advanced terrain in High Country. With a sustained slope of 38%, Top Gun delivers non-stop action for skiers and boarders. Alternate routes from the top of Hawksnest, like Sock ‘em Dog, Right Stuff, and Merlin, provide visitors here with a diversity of options. Sugar Mtn For years Tom Terrific, the expert terrain at the top of Sugar Mountain, and the adjacent Boulder Dash run, served as the southern snowsporters’s benchmark of ability. And while the two slopes remain as challenging as ever, Sugar Mountain recently opened a third slope designated for experts only. Christened Whoop-De-Doo, this double diamond may be the steepest terrain in all the south. Once over the edge at the start of this run and the bottom literally drops out. The toughest part about Whoop-De-Doo is keeping snow on it. Its that steep. Expansive Ski Beech offers four great runs from the top. From Upper Shawneehaw to White Lightning, and the designated racing slopes of Tri-South and Robbins Run, the resort delivers fast-paced variety. Formerly called “SkyDive”, White Lightning remains a favorite of many downhill lovers. In fact, White Lightning has been host to downhill and giant slalom events featuring racers like Jean-Claude Killy and Spider Sabich in the early days of the U.S. pro racing circuit.

On The Level

For a region that has had to fight mightily for its standing in the pecking order of the alpine world, the North Carolina High Country is home to four winter resorts that have thrived over the course of four decades in the southern Appalachian mountains. Defying logic, Sugar Mountain, Ski Beech, Hawksnest and Appalachian Ski Mountain have not only survived, but grown stronger while refining a product that improves over time. Better utilities, better snowmaking, and the know-how of the men and women who have stayed the course have produced not just a viable industry, but a vibrant one. Nowhere is that commitment more evident than in the ski and snowboarding schools of the High Country.

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French-Swiss Ski College - Appalachian Ski Mtn
Founded by Jim Cottrell and the late Jack Lester in 1969, French-Swiss instructors are nearing the one million mark in lessons served. No other organization has played as significant a role in the education of the southern skier. Cottrell founded the Southeastern Special Olympics Alpine Games and wrote the training manuals for Special Olympics Coaches at the request of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, matriarch of the games. Cottrell is a thirty-year member and past board of director of the Professional Ski Instructors Association (PSIA). French-Swiss programs dedicated to preparing students to handle all types of snow conditions. www.skifrench-swiss.com (828) 295-9311.

French-Swiss Ski College - Appalachian Ski Mtn
Ski & Snowboard Lessons
One-hour group lesson $16
Two 1-hour group lessons $30 (same day)
Three 1-hour group lessons $43 (group discounts available)
Private 1-hour lesson $38 (each add’l person add $16)
Learn To Ski & Snowboard
Nov. 17 - Dec. 14, 2006
March 12- April 1, 2007
Lift ticket, ski rental & group lesson $36
For snowboarders $48
SKIWEE Program
Instruction for kids 4 to 10 years of age. Ski rental, lift ticket and instruction. 9:30 a.m. til 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. til 3:30 p.m. Register by 9 a.m. $62
Afternoon only. 1:30 p.m. til 3:30 p.m., includes lift ticket, ski rental and instruction Register by noon $44

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Sugar Mountain Ski School
Director Len Bauer is in his 16th season at the helm of the highly regarded ski school at Sugar. He coached the Sugar Mountain race team for five years before taking over the top teaching spot at the resort. Bauer is a fully-certified level 3 PSIA instructor. If you don’t think Bauer’s been around the High Country a while make a note. He worked at the Land of Oz during the Beech Mountain summers of the late seventies and even taught grass skiing there one season. He did a teaching stint at Okemo, Vermont and he’s utilized all those experiences to find a home at Sugar Mountain. Bauer is particularly proud that all new Burton snowboards are in place for his Polar Bear Snowboard Program, while the ski school features all new shape skis. Bauer’s enthusiasm is infectious and its clear this is one guy who wouldn’t trade places with anyone in the business. www.skisugar.com (828) 898-4521.

Ski & Snowboard Lessons
(Prices in parentheses March Madness rates begin March 5, 2007)
Group Lessons $20 (15)
Private Lesson-One Hour $48 (36)
Add’l Person in Private Lesson $20 (15)
Private Snowboard Lesson $48 (36)
Midweek Learn To Ski/Snowboard
Monday through Friday, non-holiday. (8 yrs. old and up) Includes lift ticket, equipment rental and lesson.
Learn to Ski Special $58 (44)
Learn to Snowboard Special $72 (54)
Sugar Bear Ski School
For children 5 to 10 years old includes equipment, lift ticket, lessons, lunch and supervision. Register 8:30 am-9:30 am.
Full Day 10am til 3pm $75 (56)
Half-Day $57 (43)
Polar Bear Snowboard School
For children 7 to 14 years old includes board rental, lift ticket, lessons and lunch. Register 8:30 am-9:30 am.
Full Day 10am til 3pm $125 (94)
Half Day 1pm til 3pm $74 (56)

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Ski Beech Ski School
Scott Boutilier, director of the Snow Sports Learning Center, started his coaching career at Ski Beech in 1980 taking the position as racing director and head coach of the ASU Ski Team and USSA junior team. The season of 1991-92, Boutilier was hired as the ski school director working with one of the largest certified staffs in the south. Ski Beech is a PSIA certified school and uses the American Teaching System. The Snowsports Learning center offer group and private lessons for all levels of skiing and snowboarding. www.skibeech.com (828) 387-2011

Youth Learning Center: Shawn Brown is the director of the youth learning center, and registration is daily from 8:30 to 9:15. Pre-paid reservations encouraged as space is limited to first come first serve. Programs include lift ticket, equipment, day long instruction and hot lunch.
Skiing (3 yrs. old) $70
Skiing (4 - 8) $70
Skiing (9 -12) $70
Skiing (13 - 14) $75
Snowboarding (8 - 12) $80
Snowboarding (13 - 14) $85
Group Lessons
One hour $20
Private Lessons
One Hour $45
Additional person $20

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Hawksnest Snowsports School
Justin Grimes is a veteran ski school director and instructor who has taught thousands of people how to ski. A N.C. native, Grimes began skiing here in the High Country and has lived and worked in Steamboat Springs, CO and in Mount Ashland, OR. Professionalism, patience, and practice are Justin’s mantra. “We’re so concerned about beginneres having a good experience their first time on the slopes that our school is giving away free beginning lessons to groups of 15 or more,” said Grimes. Top guns shouldn’t be worried about Hawksnest Ski School’s committment to beginners. Grimes has carving lesson plans for intermediates and advanced enthusiasts as well. Master clinics as well as technique specific classes will round out Grimes’ offereings for the year. All this should keep top guns and beginneres alike turning in their sleep in anticpation. www.skihawk.com/ (828) 963-6561

Ski & Snowboard Lessons
Group lesson, one hour..........................$17
Private lesson, one hour..........................$38
Add’l person in private lesson................$20

Learn to Ski/Snowboard
For ages 12 and up, includes lift ticket, equipment and lesson (Junior rates- shown in parentheses- apply to students, military personnel and ski club members )
Ski - Day 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Monday - Friday.....................$50 ($42)
Sat, Sun, Holidays...................$82 ($72)
Ski - Night 4:30pm - 10pm
Sunday - Thursday..................$35 ($30)
Fri, Sat, Holidays....................$55 ($48)
Snowboard - Day 9am - 4:30pm
Monday - Friday.....................$52 ($46)
Sat, Sun, Holidays...................$91 ($84)
Snowboard - Night 4:30pm - 10pm
Sunday - Thursday..................$40 ($36)
Fri, Sat, Holidays....................$60 ($55)

Kiddy Hawk School
For children ages 5 to 11, the package includes lift ticket, equipment, instruction, lunch. Registration required by 9 a.m. for full day; or noon for half-day
Full Day (9:30 am -11:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.-3:15 p.m.)
Saturday, Sunday, Holidays $75
Half-Day (9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. or 1:15 pm - 3:15 pm)
Saturday, Sunday, Holidays $55
Monday-Friday, non holiday, by reservation only.