Cataloochee Ski Resort Maggie Valley NC
Cataloochee Ski Resort offers diverse slopes for all levels, snow tubing, and lessons in Maggie Valley, NC.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better for learning
Cataloochee Ski Resort Maggie Valley NC
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better for learning
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Cataloochee Ski Resort offers diverse slopes for all levels, snow tubing, and lessons in Maggie Valley, NC.
"Great for beginners and seasoned riders, with friendly staff and surprisingly good food."
🎯 Beginner Slope Caution
Weekends on 'Creek Hallow' can be chaotic. Opt for lessons on 'Beginner's Luck' slope. :athletic_shoe:
⏰ Session Starts on First Run
Your ski/board session time begins when you hit the slopes, not at a set hour. :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Diverse Ski Slopes
Main ski area
From gentle greens to challenging black diamonds, there's a run for every skill level.
Snow Tubing Fun
Designated tubing area
An exhilarating snow tubing experience perfect for families and non-skiers.
Wheels Through Time Museum
Maggie Valley
Home to an incredible collection of vintage American motorcycles and memorabilia.
Ghost Town in the Sky
Maggie Valley (abandoned)
An eerie, abandoned Wild West theme park offering a glimpse into a bygone era.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Beginners
Beyond the Slopes: Explore Maggie Valley
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Beginner Slope Caution
Weekends on 'Creek Hallow' can be chaotic. Opt for lessons on 'Beginner's Luck' slope. :athletic_shoe:
⏰ Session Starts on First Run
Your ski/board session time begins when you hit the slopes, not at a set hour. :ticket:
🚗 Parking Lot Strategy
Always check the lower parking lot first for potentially better access. :car:
🏍️ Motorcycle Mecca
Maggie Valley hosts events like Mini Nats, attracting truck and motorcycle enthusiasts. +2
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Beginner Slope Caution
Weekends on 'Creek Hallow' can be chaotic. Opt for lessons on 'Beginner's Luck' slope. :athletic_shoe:
⏰ Session Starts on First Run
Your ski/board session time begins when you hit the slopes, not at a set hour. :ticket:
🚗 Parking Lot Strategy
Always check the lower parking lot first for potentially better access. :car:
🏍️ Motorcycle Mecca
Maggie Valley hosts events like Mini Nats, attracting truck and motorcycle enthusiasts. +2
🏞️ Majestic Mountain Town
Experience the stunning mountain vibes and natural beauty of Maggie Valley. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cataloochee Ski Resort is praised for its diverse slopes suitable for all skill levels and friendly staff. Visitors appreciate the efficient rental process and the surprisingly good food. However, some beginners find the weekend crowds on easy slopes overwhelming, and the lodge food can be pricey. The nearby abandoned Ghost Town in the Sky is a popular, albeit closed, attraction that many visitors fondly remember.
"Fun fun!! Lots of slopes ranging from little to Black Diamonds, which made it excellent for the beginners as well as the seasoned snowboarders. All the staff were really friendly and helpful as well.
I just wish that the Western Theme Park, Ghost Town in the Sky- that is 2 seconds down the road from the Ski Area, was still open! So bummed it closed down. So many great memories from going there when I was little! Nothing beat the long chairlift ride that you had to take to get up to the top of the mountain to get to the entrance of Ghost Town.❤️
Someone needs to buy that place and reopen it!!"
Rebecca Mason
"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."
Robert Greene
"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."
Sarah Kelley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cataloochee Ski Resort is about an hour's drive from Asheville, NC. The drive is scenic, taking you through the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. +1
There are spacious parking lots available. It's recommended to check the lower parking lot first for easier access.
Yes, Maggie Valley can experience catastrophic flash flooding, especially during hurricane season. Stay updated on weather alerts. +1
Driving is the most convenient way to explore Maggie Valley and its surrounding attractions.
Public transport options are limited. Driving is the most practical way to reach the resort and explore the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Lift ticket prices vary by day and time. Rental packages (boost and board) are around $50 with tax.
It's advisable to check the official Cataloochee Ski Resort website for the most up-to-date information on ticket purchasing and availability.
Operating hours can vary based on weather and season. It's best to check their official website or social media for current hours.
Cataloochee offers lessons for adults and children. Inquire directly with the resort for any group booking discounts or package deals.
Information on season passes is typically available on the resort's official website. Check there for details on pricing and benefits.
🎫 ⛷️ Onsite Experience
While it has beginner slopes, weekends can be very crowded and challenging for true beginners. Weekdays or lessons are recommended.
Cataloochee offers a variety of slopes, including green (easy), blue (intermediate), and black diamond (difficult) runs, catering to all skill levels.
Rentals are generally efficient, with a focus on fast boot fitting. The process is designed to be as quick as possible.
Snow quality can be excellent, especially after a snowstorm, with some comparing it to conditions in Salt Lake City.
Yes, Cataloochee offers snow tubing, which is a popular activity for all ages.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The food at Cataloochee is surprisingly good, with a nice variety. The bar offers a selection of craft beers.
Some visitors find the food prices to be a bit high, but generally consider it good quality.
Maggie Valley has various dining options, from casual eateries to restaurants offering local cuisine.
While not explicitly stated, it's common for ski resorts to have policies on outside food. Check with the resort for their specific rules.
The lodge bar offers a nice variety of craft beers, perfect for warming up after a day on the slopes.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning mountain vistas from the top of the slopes and scenic overlooks. The lodge also offers picturesque views. +1
Yes, the abandoned Ghost Town in the Sky is a popular spot for photographers interested in urban exploration and eerie landscapes. +1
Soco Falls is a short walk from the parking area and offers a beautiful waterfall for photography.
Maggie Valley attracts photographers interested in nature, abandoned places, and automotive events like truck and motorcycle shows. +2
Yes, with clear weather, the ski slopes offer dynamic shots. Consider capturing action shots of skiers and snowboarders. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When exploring Maggie Valley, keep an eye out for local events that might appeal to families. The town's scenic beauty provides a great backdrop for family photos.
🏂 Snowboarders & Skiers
For advanced riders, Cataloochee offers challenging terrain. However, if you're looking for a more pristine powder experience, consider visiting shortly after a significant snowfall.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
For those interested in the unconventional, the abandoned Ghost Town in the Sky offers a unique, albeit eerie, roadside attraction.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Beginner Skiing at Cataloochee
It's also worth noting that the resort's session time for skiing and snowboarding begins with your first run, not at a specific clock time, offering flexibility.
Beyond the slopes, Maggie Valley itself offers unique attractions. The abandoned 'Ghost Town in the Sky' theme park provides a fascinating, albeit eerie, photographic opportunity, and the Wheels Through Time Museum is a must-visit for motorcycle enthusiasts.
Maggie Valley's Unique Attractions Beyond the Slopes
For those with a passion for vintage machinery, the Wheels Through Time Museum is an absolute gem.
Maggie Valley also serves as a gathering place for enthusiasts of trucks and motorcycles, hosting events like the Mini Nats.
Weather and Safety in Maggie Valley
For skiers and snowboarders, safety on the slopes is paramount. While Cataloochee offers runs for all levels, the crowded conditions on beginner slopes during weekends can pose a safety risk if not managed carefully.
When exploring the natural attractions, such as Soco Falls, be mindful of trail conditions, especially after rain.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit