Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains of Maggie Valley, Cataloochee Ski Area is a historic southern skiing destination, operating as the oldest ski resort in North Carolina since 1961. Despite being located in a temperate southern climate, Cataloochee is famous for its incredibly powerful snowmaking infrastructure, which often allows it to be one of the first ski areas on the entire East Coast to open each season. The mountain offers 50 skiable acres with a respectable 740-foot vertical drop from its 5,400-foot peak.
Cataloochee features 18 trails serviced by 5 lifts, including a high-speed quad. The terrain is ideal for families and beginners, with gentle, wide-open learning areas near the base. However, intermediate and advanced riders aren’t left out; runs like Upper Omigosh offer steeper pitches to pick up speed. The resort also boasts 100% lighting across all its trails, allowing for extensive night skiing sessions under the North Carolina stars.
Stay updated with the latest conditions at Cataloochee using our live webcams. Because natural snow can be inconsistent in the Southeast, checking the webcams is the best way to see the snow guns in action and confirm coverage before you make the drive up the winding mountain road. Always remember to check our live weather widget at the top of the page for current temperatures to ensure you dress appropriately for a day (or night) on the slopes.