The following is a complete listing of ski areas in the Southern Appalachians. Most ski places open mid- to late- November, but depending on the weather could open sooner or later. If it is an early winter, chances are most slopes will open by Thanksgiving week. Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley is usually one of the first in North Carolina to open and among the last to close, thanks to its incredible snowmaking ability and the cooperation of Mother Nature. Most ski areas have expanded hours during peak holiday weeks. All ski areas have rope or handle tows on bunny slopes, but only overhead lifts are included in listing. All ski areas listed have rental equipment.

North Carolina

• Appalachian Ski Mountain

www.appskimtn.com

What: Nine runs; Two quad lifts and one double lift; Day-care available for ages 1 to 4 with advance reservations; Ice skating; Restaurant, but no bar.

When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Where: Along U.S. 312 between Boone and Blowing Rock.

Contact: 800.322.2373

• Cataloochee Ski Area

www.cataloochee.com

What: 10 runs; One quad lift, triple and one double lift; Tubing; Lodge with fireplace; Full bar with enclosed porch overlooking slopes.

When: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. seven days a week; 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tues. through Sat. and some Sunday’s in December. Opens Nov. 30.

Where: Off U.S. 19 on the west end of Maggie Valley.

Contact: 800.768.0285

• Sapphire Valley Ski

www.sapphirevalleyresort.com

What: Two runs; One double lift; Restaurant, lounge.

When: Wednesday through Friday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Where: Three miles east of Cashiers on U.S. 64.

Contact: 828.743.7663

• Ski Beech Mountain Resort

www.skibeech.com

What: 14 runs; One quad and six doubles; Two restaurants, both with bars; Ice skating; Tubing; Child care for 6 months to 3 years by reservation; Highest elevation ski area on east coast.

When: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Where: North of Banner Elk on N.C 184.

Contact: 800.438.2093

• Sugar Mountain

www.skisugar.com

What: 20 runs; one triple lift and four double lifts; tubing; restaurant; lounge with bar.

When: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Where: South of Banner Elk on N.C. 184.

Contact: 828.898.4521

• Wolf Laurel

www.skiwolflaurel.com

What: 15 runs; one quad lift and one double lift; tubing; restaurant

When: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. seven days a week; 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Where: North of Asheville on U.S. 23 near the Tennessee border.

Contact: 800.817.4111

Georgia

• Sky Valley

www.goski.com

What: five runs; one double lift; restaurant but no alcohol.

When: noon to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Where: East of Dillard on highway 246.

Contact: 800.437.2416

Tennessee

• Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort

www.skiobergatlinburg.com

What: Eight runs; one quad lift and one double lift; indoor ice skating rink; scenic chairlift; enclosed aerial tramway; 1,800’ sledding track/ice chute.

When: noon-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

Where: downtown Gatlinburg.

Contact: 800.251.9202

Virginia

• Wintergreen Resorts

www.wintergreenresort.com

What: 20 runs; one six-person lift, one quad lift, two triple lifts and one double lift; restaurant with bar on slopes; large country-club type resort complex with condos, golf courses, multiple restaurants, etc.

When: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Where: West of Charlottesville.

Contact: 434.325.2100

West Virginia

• Snowshoe Mountain

www.snowshoemtn.com

What: 57 slopes; 14 lifts; restaurant with bar on slopes; large country-club type mega-resort complex with condos, golf courses, multiple restaurants, etc.

Where: East of Charleston off

U.S. 219.

Contact: 877.441.4FUN