The Skiers' Guide to Cataloochee Ski Area: Expert Analysis & Reviews

Beginner snowboarder here - came during a snowstorm and the runs were great, atmosphere was lively, and everyone was friendly. Great place overall for an affordable, budget friendly spot.

Cataloochee Ski Area is hands-down one of the best family-friendly ski destinations around! Their customer service is absolutely amazing, with a team that goes above and beyond to ensure your experience is unforgettable. The rental program is so efficient that even during peak times, youre geared up and ready to hit the slopes in no time. And lets talk about their ski schoolwhether youre a first-timer or brushing up on your skills, their instructors are top-notch and make learning so much fun. While Cataloochee doesnt have the longest runs or the most vertical drop, they more than make up for it with short lift lines and the charm of Maggie Valley, which has to be the coolest ski town out there. This is a ski area that feels like homewarm, welcoming, and perfect for families. Though they rely heavily on man-made snow and dont get a ton of natural snowfall, their snowmaking team works magic to keep the slopes in excellent shape. With other resorts nearby, we could easily choose a different home mountain, but we dont. Cataloochee has won our hearts, and it remains one of our absolute favorite places to go skiing. Highly recommend!