CATALOOCHEE SKI AREA
SNOW SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING IN MAGGIE VALLEY, NC
Cataloochee Ski Area, nestled in the picturesque Maggie Valley, North Carolina, is a beloved destination for winter sports enthusiasts, known for its family-friendly atmosphere, exceptional snowmaking capabilities, and stunning mountain vistas.
ONE OF THE OLDEST AND FIRST ESTABLISHED SKI AREAS IN THE AREA
As one of the oldest ski areas and the first established in the region, Cataloochee has established a strong reputation for offering a well-rounded experience that caters to skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. The area boasts 18 trails, ranging from beginner slopes to more challenging runs, and a dedicated snow tubing park, providing options for visitors of all ages.
STATE-OF-THE-ART SNOWMAKING
What sets Cataloochee apart from other ski areas in North Carolina is its state-of-the-art snowmaking system, which ensures consistent and high-quality snow coverage throughout the season, even in the region’s milder winters. This system, combined with one of the best snowmaking teams means that Cataloochee has some of the best slopes in the region.
OFF TRAIL SLOPES
Additionally, the area offers off trail skiing where you can have more of a natural snow skiing experience through woods and other more natural slope trails when the weather permits it.
Cataloochee’s commitment to creating a welcoming environment, coupled with its reliable snow conditions and scenic backdrop, makes it a standout choice among North Carolina’s ski destinations.
ACTIVITIES AT THIS LOCATION
Snowboarding Cataloochee NC
At Cataloochee, snowboarding thrives on reliable snow and a relaxed vibe rather than steep challenge and big airs. Whether you’re just learning to link heelside turns or cruising through the terrain park, the setting is friendly, accessible, and full of mountain character.
Snow Skiing Cataloochee NC
Friendly, efficient, and ideal for newer skiers, Cataloochee is a “first mountain” with surprisingly good snow and service for its size. Rather than steep challenges, it delivers relaxed turns, high‑elevation atmosphere, and the kind of uncomplicated fun that keeps people coming back.
BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE
Click the link to visit the official website.
OTHER AMENITIES AVAILABLE AT THIS LOCATION
ON-SITE DINING
The area has a restaurant that serves your basic food options (chicken tenders, burgers, soups, salads, etc,) that is open the same hours as the slopes. There is also a bar that opens at 11am.
INSTRUCTION
The area has numerous ski and snowboard lesson options for all ages and skill levels.
LOCKERS AVAILABLE
Lockers are available for storing personal items in four different sizes. Lockers are first come first serve and they take credit cards as payment.
RETAIL STORE
There is a retail store on-site that offers wintersports clothing and equipment as well as gifts and apparel.
SHUTTLE
Cataloochee offers shuttle service from the overflow parking areas to the ski area during busier times. Its important to note they do not offer shuttle service to/from the bottom of the moutain.
GUIDE
PURCHASING TICKETS
You can purchase tickets online before you come or you can purchase them at the lodge when you arrive. If purchasing online you can only purchase them up to 2 weeks in advance.
Online Purchases
You can purchase tickets online, up to weeks in advance. Once you purchase you will receive an email with a QR code. When you arrive at the lodge you simply enter the main lodge and proceed to the lower level and you will see the Self-Service Kiosks (computers with QR scanners). Scan the QR code and follow the on-screen instructions to print out your lift tickets.
On-Site Purchases
Simply walk up to the outside windows to purchase your lift tickets for the day. Additionally, you can go into the lower level of the main lodge to purcahse lift tickets at Guest Services.
RENTING EQUIPMENT
The rental equipment process at Cataloochee Ski Area is full service! This means they will help you all along the way and will ensure all equipment works perfectly for you.
If renting equipment you will receive an equipment rental form that you will need to fill out with some simple information (height, weight, age, etc.). So be sure to weigh and measure your children before coming!
Online Purchases
If you purchased tickets online you will proceed to the Boot Rental building (the middle building besides Main Lodge) and walk up to the front desk to get your rental equipment form. From there you walk to the bridges where Cataloochee Ski Area equipment professionals will measure your feet and custom fit the ski or snowboard boot to your foot to ensure proper size. After that you will proceed to the Equipment Rental building (next to the Boot Rental building) to get your skis or snowboard. After that you walk out, select your poles, and go hit the slopes.
On-Site Purchases
If you purchase your tickets on-site you will receive the rental equipment form when you purchase your tickets. From there you walk to the Boot Rental building and head to the bridges (no need to stop at the front desk) where Cataloochee Ski Area equipment professionals will measure your feet and custom fit the ski or snowboard boot to your foot to ensure proper size. After that you will proceed to the Equipment Rental building (next to the Boot Rental building) to get your skis or snowboard. After that you walk out, select your poles, and go hit the slopes.
PARKING
Cataloochee Ski Area has 4 separate parking areas. Once you get close to the Main Lodge you will see that there are parking spaces close to the main buildings. If these spots are full you can park in one of the three remote lots. They do offer a shuttle service if using any of the lots that are further away. Its important to note they do not offer shuttle service to/from the bottom of the mountain.
LOCKERS
Cataloochee Ski Area offers 4 sizes of locker:
Small: $7.00 per Day
Large: $14.00 per Day
Jumbo: $20.00 per Day
Gear Garage: $40.00 per Day
Credit cards are the accepted form of payment, which can be made at the bank of lockers you choose to utilize. For this reason, lockers are only available on a first-come, first-served basis. Once rented, lockers are accessed using the personal pin you created at the time of purchase. Upon completion for the day(s), pushing the red “End Rent” button will release the locker back into inventory.
Lockers are available in the Boot Rental building AND the lower level of the Main Lodge.
BATHROOMS
Bathrooms are located in the Main Lodge on the upper and lower levels.
STORE
Cataloochee Ski Area has a fully stocked ski and snowboard store that offers just about everything you could need for your day on the slopes! They even have rental clothing!
FOOD
Cataloochee Ski Area has a full cafeteria and bar located on-site serving a selection of cafeteria style entrees and plates.
SLOPES & LIFTS
Once you hit the slopes the learning hill, or bunny hill, will be located to the far right. The lift to the right will take you to two easy (green) slopes. There will be a lift to the upper left that takes you to a very short easy (green) hill as well. The further two lifts to the left will take you to the medium (blue) and hard (black) slopes as well as some easy (green) and the terrain park (orange).
BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE
Click the link to visit the official website.
RELATED LOCATIONS
Jellystone Park Golden Valley
Visit a place where family fun is the main attraction and memories are waiting to be made. Enjoy Blue Ridge Mountain camping at one of the best campgrounds in North Carolina for families! Jellystone Park™ Golden Valley also offers the best camping near Charlotte and Asheville, NC.
Highlands Outpost
Highlands Outpost, located in the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains of Scaly Mountain, NC, is a premier outdoor adventure park offering year-round fun for all ages. Conveniently situated near Clemson, SC, Greenville, SC, and Asheville, NC, it’s the perfect getaway for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and thrill-seekers looking for a unique mountain experience. With a wide variety of activities, from high-speed thrills to relaxing outdoor fun, Highlands Outpost stands out as a must-visit destination in the region.
Hawksnest Snowtubing and Zipline
Hawksnest Snow Tubing and Zipline, located in Seven Devils, North Carolina, is renowned for being the largest snow tubing park on the East Coast. The park boasts up to 30 lanes, each ranging from 400 to 1,000 feet in length, spread across four distinct tubing areas to cater to various thrill levels.
Sugar Mountain Resort
What sets Sugar Mountain apart from other Blue Ridge resorts is its perfect blend of size, versatility, and authentic mountain charm. It offers the largest vertical drop in the region—1,200 feet—yet maintains a friendly, welcoming atmosphere that appeals to both families and adventure seekers.
Beech Mountain Resort
Beech Mountain Resort, the premier destination offering the highest skiing and snowboarding experience in eastern North America.
Black Bear Snowtubing
A smaller, family owned, snowtubing location that offers a more low-key experience along with other, more unusual on-site activities.
Hatley Pointe
Hatley Pointe stands out with its upgraded facilities, boutique atmosphere, and welcoming year-round environment. The resort blends modern comfort with intimate mountain charm, creating a uniquely polished experience in the region.
Ski Sapphire Valley NC
A calm and family friendly ski and snowboard resort that is perfect for beginners and intermediate skiers.
Appalachian Ski Mtn
Appalachian Ski Mtn. is a resort in Blowing Rock, NC that offers a good mix of easy, moderate, and difficult slopes.