The mountains of Western North Carolina are a winter haven for skiers and snowboarders. But while Mother Nature can be fickle, snow bunnies will find that it's always snowing up at Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley.

Nestled in the breathtaking mountains that ring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cataloochee has boasted the longest ski season on the east coast for two of the last four years. Last season, the mountain closed on March 29 after a record 133-day season, its longest ever.

"We're skiing as long a season as there is in New England or any other part of the country,"  said Chris Bates, general manager of Cataloochee.

It's all thanks to Catalochee's incredible snowmaking system, one of the most advanced in the country. Four years ago, the ski area switched from a manual to computerized system - and increased its snow output by 30 percent.

"We're running everything through computers, meaning everything is remotely controlled and the decisions on snowmaking are based on data," Bates said. "The temperature of the water, the air, the humidity - all those are factored in, and the computer makes the decision of how much to put out. "

No one has to monitor the 90 snowmaking machines, meaning they start churning out snow as soon as it hits 28 degrees - even in the middle of the night. The machines can cover one acre with two feet of snow in an hour. So much snow can be made at Cataloochee that there was still a 10- to 12-inch base on the slopes at the end of last season.

"This climate's a challenge, so we catch it anytime we can," Bates says. "But with the machines, we can overcome that challenge."

Bates says visitors are attracted by the consistency and good coverage the machines provide, as well as the early opening they make possible. Since the snowmakers were installed four years ago, visitation has increased 50 percent - more than 100,000 people walked through Cataloochee's doors last year.

From bunny slopes to black diamonds

The varied terrain of Cataloochee Ski Area means there s something for all skill levels, and makes the mountain a popular spot for beginners. Countless skiers and snowboarders have taken their first runs at Cataloochee over the years.

That was the case with the Brown family, up visiting the slopes from their home in Decatur, Ga., last season. Mother Joanne grew up in Maryland, and brought her young sons Tiger and Jean-Luc up two years before to give them their first taste of snowboarding.

"I just wanted them to have that winter experience,  Joanne said.

The Browns liked the resort so much that they were back for a return trip, staying in a log cabin for several days to give their kids, "the whole mountain experience,  as Joanne put it.

Nearby, Olivia and Patrick Burnham were getting their first taste of the slopes. Mom Laurie and dad Wayne were attracted to Cataloochee by the learn-to-ski package deals the ski area offers for kids, offering the lesson, equipment and ticket together as one low price.

"The instructor was very patient with the kids. We 're very pleased,  Laurie said.

The family, who hails from Athens, Ga., was also attracted by the proximity of the ski area.

"Rather than driving up North to go ski, we decided to stop here,  said Laurie.

The Burnhams are already planning a return trip.

"Next time, we 're going to stay for a couple of days and make a vacation out of it,  Laurie said.

With 14 trails covering 45 acres of terrain, Cataloochee offers plenty for more advanced skill levels. The mountain boasts two black diamonds, including one that features a 740 foot vertical drop. A stunning view of the Smoky Mountains greets those who make the trek to the highest run. The resort is also gearing up for a major expansion of its snowboarding terrain park this coming season.

Overall, Cataloochee makes a great ski experience for people of all ages, whether hitting the slopes or surveying the fun from a cozy spot in the resort s lounge, which features a double-sided fire place and plenty of food and drink options.

For more information, visit www.cataloochee.com.