Cataloochee Ski Area

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.

Cataloochee was good for what is it, a ski area in the South East. I was not expecting Colorado conditions. I lived out West for many years and an experienced snowboarder. I learned to ski at Cataloochee as a child. During a non holiday week in the morning I walked right up to the ticket window and bought a ticket. I have my own equipment. The lift lines were short. I found some of the runs to be narrow. Conditions on the first day were good. Second day I encountered icy runs. I'm not use to that. I have not been snowboarding in 3 years so I was struggling. I know ice should be expected. Coverage was very good, no bare spots. Overall the staff was friendly and it was good enough. Better than no snowboarding.

Crowds were reasonable on MLK Day, so we did lots of runs in a short amount of time. The weather was perfect (sunny but below freezing so no slush) and snow quality was good. The ski rental process was smooth and we loved that they helped size and fit the boots. The rentable ski pants and coat were also great for my son who will outgrow ski pants before he can wear them again! Nice selection of blue and green slopes for moderate experienced skiers. I do wish they had more indoor seating space and women's bathroom stalls. I also wish they offered some refund for cancellations.

I haven't been here for about 25 years, however, I agree with a lot of other posts....It's a place to snow ski. Manmade snow, but it is snow. Not much else going on here. I'm use to Ober Mountain. Lots to do there, just costs a bit more. Saturday "day" session was crammed packed! Parking leaves a lot to be desired. Did 2 night sessions. Not as crowded. Food is extremely over priced! It will sustain life, but that is about all. Stay away from the Coke machines....$4.00 for a bottle of Coke is outrageous! Resting areas were not very warm. Outside patio heaters were not lit. I can say the staff was friendly, helpful, and welcoming. Just don't get your expectations up about much else.

Honest review: Most important thing you need to know!!!!! Before you start heading here. If your gps is telling you that it’s not ok to go thru Maggie Valley, that’s not the right way to go. There’s a back way…. But unless you got chains and skill you’re not gonna make it. There’s a red sign…. I was fortunate that we had some good experiences with some staff, Travis and Mia. We had an issue that would’ve fortified our class, Travis listed to us and there was an opening left for a class. So we got to still have our snowboarding class with Mia. Mia was very patient with us, and did her best to teach us. We had a lot of fun with her. The area getting to the lodge is beautiful. Once you get to the lodge, it’s a bit chaotic. They are seeming to do their best, but at times there are just so many people there, they can’t keep up. I’d recommend going throughout the week. If it’s your first time skiing or snowboarding, you’re gonna fall. I’d recommend some water proof over pants and gloves. They do allow you to rent gear, I’d probably recommend that if you don’t already have it. So if you’re wanting to take the classes, there are additional charges. Renting the board, which comes with boots. Then you have to pay for the access to the slopes/lifts. I’d recommend giving yourself about an hour to get checked in and gear situated. Would I come back, probably so. We had fun falling and fumbling our way thru. If you like honest reviews please hit that like and or follow button, have a great day!!!!

We went in Feb and it was fake snow on the one mountain. I really enjoyed it especially my son and I are begginging skiers... I found this much higher value than starting in Tahoe CO etc. His kids coach was great! My feedback is that the attendants from registration to boots to ski rental should explain where to go next. It would have made our lives so much easier given we were new and walking in clunky snow boots. One more tip is the shoe locker in the boots rental area was only $7.

Took a few days off from work to come up and do a some Southern skiing. Have been here about 3 times and as long as you keep your expectations in check, you’ll have a good time. Coming from the west coast, skiing in Mammoth, Tahoe, Park City, this resort does the job. Smaller resort, decent runs, man made snow, I got my fix. Came here after the holidays and it was the best time to come. Little to no crowds, bought lift tickets and ski rentals online. Was on the slopes in 30 min. Did a night skiing session and a 4 hour day session the next day. Fun place to spend the day.

Overall pretty good, our bigger kids were able to ski and do all the activities. However, what attractions like this one really lack are activities for the toddlers who don't really know how to ski. Even further, it's recommend that you like activities like this because if you're new to it like our bigger kids, they get bored pretty easily. Staff was friendly, you find yourself waiting around an hour if you rent the equipment before you go out to the slopes. Food is not top tier but it's definitely levels above being average. Still recommended for the enthusiasts who really like to ski.