Sugar Mountain
The Action Heats Up Atop Sugar

Sugar Mountain Slope Specs Website: www.skisugar.com Office: (828) 898-4521 Toll Free: (800) SUGAR-MT Fax: (828) 898-6820 Snow Report: (828) 898-5256 Address: P.O. Box 369 Banner Elk, NC 28604 7 Beginner - 10 Intermediate - 3 Expert Slopes and Trails Open: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Peak Elevation: 5,300 feet Vertical Drop: 1,200 feet

Since 1969, Sugar Mountain Resort has strived to make skiing as sweet as, well, sugar. Some 38 years later, the resort’s intentions remain the same, though it’s grown significantly in terms of size, services, sports and all-around fun. The man to thank is Gunther Jochl.

As Sugar’s president and general manager, Jochl took the helm in 1976, a time when the resort sunk knee-deep into bankruptcy. The native Bavarian, having worked in the ski industry nearly his entire life, took it upon himself to dig Sugar free from its fiscal snowdrift.

Several slopes have been added since then, as well as additional chairlifts, a “magic carpet” to replace the tow rope, and a snowboard park with its own lift.
“And, of course, I’d say we almost tripled the size of our snowmaking capacity,” Jochl said. “And we are still improving things today.”

The most recent addition is an 10,000 square foot ice-skating rink, which is located across from the tubing park to comprise Sugar’s Tubing/Ice-skating Center. Other improvements are not always visible to the casual onlooker, such as the replacement and upgrading of 6,000 feet of snowmaking pipes from the lower-mid loading station to the three-quarters unloading station of the yellow chairlift. This will dramatically improve the speed in which Sugar makes snow, said Kim Jochl, marketing director and wife to Gunther Jochl.

“It’s a larger pipe, and a larger diameter pipe allows for more water to flow up the mountain, which leads to quicker and more snowmaking,” she said.

Add several new snowmaking machines to the lot, and Sugar’s season could rival Mother Nature’s. The tubing park has received snowmaking and snow-grooming machines of its own, to help with its upkeep and maintenance, allowing the tubing park to open earlier and close later.

“Our philosophy has always been to open as soon as we can,” Kim Jochl said, “and that’s obviously determined by the weather. We’re in the ski business, so as soon as we can be open, we’ll be open.”

Visitors and area residents alike can rest assured that while the resort is open, there will be plenty of goings-on.

Here’s proof:

November – End of Season
2007 Spyder Sample Sale
The Sugar Mountain Sports Shop continues to sell all 2007-08 Spyder samples at 30 percent off retail until gone.

Nov. 22 - 25
Thanksgiving Turkey Treat
Visitors can have a bit of Sugar with their Thanksgiving turkey this year. For a low price, customers can hit the slopes for four days of the Thanksgiving weekend, from Nov. 22 to 25 for $109. The offer expires Sunday, Nov. 18, at 5 p.m. If orders arrive before Oct. 2, customers pay only $89. If Sugar is closed due to weather, folks can return for any four non-holiday weekdays throughout the year.

December – March
Nastar
Nastar is a public racing program that provides recreational racers with the opportunity to compare their ability with that of the fastest member of the U.S. Ski Team. Nastar races are held every Saturday and Sunday at noon on Big Red.

Dec. 1 – 9
Pre-season Ski/Snowboard Clinic
The clinic offers three days of nonstop individual instruction and attention from topnotch skiers/snowboarders and instructors. Kim Jochl started this particular program, which she said, “continues to thrive as a great program for intensive training, like a three-day camp immersion for people who want to improve their skiing technique.”

Dec. 15, Jan. 5, Feb. 9, March 8, Last Day of Season
Live: Boss Hawg
Visitors may enjoy the acoustic sounds of High Country bluegrass band Boss Hawg from 4 to 6 p.m.

Dec. 15 – 16
SugarFest ’07
Equipment demos, giveaways, ice-sculpting, bluegrass by Boss Hawg, fireworks, Edge of the World/Burton Rail Jam snowboard competition and more return for the 2007 SugarFest. And back by popular demand is the Extreme Ski/Snowboard Makeover Contest, where two winners receive everything from goggles and equipment to lift tickets. Winners even win free accommodations during the festival.

Dec. 15 – 24
Santa at Sugar
Santa Claus will hit the slopes, skiing, riding and talking with all the good boys and girls.

December – End of Season
Snowshoe Guided Tours
Snowshoe tours offer an ideal way to remain fit during the winter months. Tours will be offered every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 3 p.m., and Saturday at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Based on instructor availability, additional tours will be given on demand for groups of four to 15.

The program includes a one-hour tour and snowshoe rental. Cost is $20, and adult tours are for people 12 years and older. Children’s tours are for those from 8 to 11 years old. Participants should sign up at least 15 minutes prior to the tour time at the Ski/Snowboard School.

Dec. 31
New Year’s Celebration
The general public is invited, free of charge, to attend a mountain-style New Year’s celebration, with a torch light parade and fireworks at midnight. A fee, as well as reservations, are required for indoor festivities and should be made in early December by calling (828) 898-4521, x. 233.

Jan. 6
High Country Junior Race Series Giant Slalom
A giant slalom competition lets junior skiers hit the slopes.
“All the kids that belong to the ski club come out and race – it’s a fun experience,” Kim Jochl said, adding the race includes participants anywhere from six years old to 15.
Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 8:30 a.m., with the race scheduled for 9 a.m. on Big Red.

Jan. 8
Septuagenarian Party
This event offers a party to recognize all of Sugar’s senior citizen skiers.

Jan. 12
National Winter Trails Day – Winter Feels Good
The 13th annual National Winter Trails Day is returning to Sugar Mountain Resort. The event offers children and adults new to snow sports the chance to try snowshoeing for free. Guided tours are available at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The program includes a one-hour tour and snowshoe rental. Adult tours are for people 12 years or older, and children’s tours are for those 8 to 11 years of age. Participants should sign up at least 15 minutes prior to the tour time at the Ski/Snowboard School.

Jan. 12 – 13
College Race
This event offers slalom and giant slalom races for college students, with competitions beginning at 9 a.m.

Feb. 24
Sugar Bear’s Birthday Celebration
Skiers, riders and all are invited to celebrate the birthday of Sugar’s resident mascot, Sugar Bear. Activities include the Great Bear Race with some of Sugar Bear’s friends, the Fun Course on which kids may test their skills, special treats, cake and ice cream.

Feb. 28 – Until It’s Gone
Spyder 2008-09 Sample Sale
Spyder’s 2008-09 line samples are available in late February, only at Sugar Mountain Resort. Quantities and sizes are limited, so participants should come early. Prices are 30 percent off retail.

March 1
Richard T. Trundy Memorial Sugar Cup Competition
A giant slalom competition for participants with, at least, an intermediate or above ability raises funds for the American Cancer Society in memory of Sugar Mountain Resort’s former director of operations, Richard T. Trundy
.
March 3
March Madness
Beginning March 3 and running through the end of the season, the resort offers up to 25 percent savings on lift tickets, rental equipment and lessons. Restrictions apply.

March 23
Easter Egg Hunt
Kids can dress up in their favorite Easter get-ups and join Sugar Bear and Sweetie Bear on the slopes in search of prize-filled eggs. Rumor has it one egg might contain a season pass. Valid lift/slope tickets or passes are required for participation.

Event details are subject to change due to weather and other variables. For more information and updates, visit www.skisugar.com on the Web, call 1-800-SUGARMT or email events@skisugar.com.

Story by Frank Ruggiero