Cataloochee Ski Area - Maggie Valley, North Carolina

Robert G.

We always have a great time skiing and boarding here. Staff is friendly and helpful. The food is surprisingly great, and they have a nice variety of craft beers at the bar. I love how your session starts on your first run, not at specific times. They really have the equipment rental process as fast and efficient as possible, especially the boot fitting station.

Chen R.

Thanks to the snow storm. The first night when we arrive here, the snow is as good as the snow in Salt Lake City. Very powder! And less people during this weekend. The rental is 50 with tax coming with boost and board. Very reasonable price. The second is a big sunny day, cozy weather. And the snow is still quite good! Parking lot is pretty spacious. Always check the lower parking lot first !

Nitzan L.

I would like to warmly recommend a trial lesson at this ski resort. I came today to learn skiing for the first time without ever trying it before. After an hour's lesson and a few more hours of practice, I understood the technique and was able to ski. This is largely thanks to the teacher who taught me, Nancy, who patiently explained the basics and gave us tips. Later, we practiced and Nancy corrected us. I am very happy with the experience and hope to return soon.

Sarah K.

Overall, we had a really good time! Wish their bunny slopes were a little bit wider. It was hard for the kids to get on it once all the little school kids got out there.
Lodge was nice, budge to spend a lot of food though. Haven't been here in 15 years, so it was nice to come back.

Heather T.

If you are a beginner, this is probably not where you want to start. We decided to try this place with our 11 year old who wanted to learn and for my husband and I to refresh our skills, since we haven’t been on a snowboard in 15 years. This was the closest place to us and a few other reviews stated it was good for beginners. Both my husband and I learned to snowboard at a resort in PA, so perhaps all the resorts in the south are just very different than what I’ve been to in the past, but after we got our rentals and I saw Creek Hallow (green slope where most start), I had to laugh. If you are truly a beginner you are going to find it to be a nightmare if you go on a weekend!! People stand in the middle of the slope, people walk UP in the middle when you are trying to ski/board down, people just sitting in the way hanging out. I’ve literally never seen anything like it at any of the places I’ve been to previously. Nobody enforces any rules here? I’m not sure how people are actually supposed to learn when you can’t even get down the slope. It was actually super frustrating for our son, who was ready to just give up after 30 minutes. Since obviously this isn’t a cheap day, and we did sign him up for a lesson, we encouraged him to give that a chance. Thankfully the instructor took the group over to the Beginner’s luck slope, which was closed off to the public, so far less chaotic and because the instructors enforced some form of order over there the kids could actually make it down the slope. After his lesson we were able to wait in line and do a few runs down Easy Way as the crowds for the lift had dwindled down a bit. Prior to that the lift lines were just insane and it’s hard to even maneuver around them. I would say if you are advanced and don’t need to use the easy slopes (like Creek Hallow), this place is maybe more for you. Just be prepared for large crowds - long lines for rentals, lifts and the line for food wrapped the entire way around the building.

Patricia J.

I had a blast coming to ski here! I purchased tickets online to help speed up the process. I arrived early so there were no lines to obtain our boots, & skis. Just know you'll stop at 3 buildings before hitting the slopes. The 1st is admission to obtain your passes, the 2nd is the building right behind it to obtain boots & helmets, the 3rd the building behind it to obtain ski & poles. I don't know what the bad reviews are talking about because everyone I encountered was pleasant. The staff on the slopes were so helpful in providing tips (I'm a beginner lol). It did get crowded as the afternoon crowd arrived. The lines for the lift would get long but moved quickly. There was someone scanning passes & someone helping people get on so maybe a 5 min wait max. The bunny hill for learning was packed with people so idk how anyone was able to practice. I saw a few instructors teaching various age groups how to ski down the mountain throughout the morning. Overall, I'd suggest arriving early to avoid the crowds and coming ready to have fun.

Joey J.

I preface this about all the wonderful resorts in NC. You are skiing in North Carolina, do not expect Colorado slope difficult or Utah levels of snow. What you can expect is a mountain that is made for the enjoyment of skiers here on the Ice Coast. I’ve been coming here for 6+ years and have hundred of miles and thousands of vert feet here. In certain cases, it’s hot, crowded, and difficult to find parking. In other cases, the mountain is wide open that leaves you in the best case to have a great ski sesh. The park is gets better every year and their cat cage crew knows what the people want. The new lift that is coming next season will bring the top of the mountain that much closer.

This is a local mountain no doubt about it, however if you find yourself coming up here for a weekend of skiing, you will not be shunned or shamed. You are welcome and will enjoy your time and a great mtn run by people that actually feel like they care. Come for a great time and a good experience. If that’s not what you’re taking here, go up to Sugar cause that’s all you’ll get and see there. Cataloochee is my home mountain and I’m proud to call it that.

Dj R.

*military discount is available at the window, but not on line* Cataloochee Ski Area is a great spot for beginners, with gentle slopes and wide, groomed trails. The resort's smaller size and short lift lines make it an ideal environment for learning to ski or snowboard. However, the base area can become congested, causing chaos for lower-experienced skiers. Despite this, Cataloochee remains a great choice for families and beginners, offering a welcoming atmosphere and a variety of amenities.