The opening is a little later than the past few years due to a warmer fall. Cataloochee opened Nov. 2 last year — the third earliest opening day in history — and had a total 141 skiing days. The ski area’s average is 127 days of skiing and riding each winter. 

Cataloochee’s robust snowmaking operation makes it one of the first ski areas in the country to open each season. Each year Cataloochee continues to invest in its snowmaking infrastructure and technology. 

“Staying current with advances in the industry has enabled us to make snow more effectively in the early season. This allows us to open earlier each year as the weather cooperates.” said Chris Bates, Cataloochee’s vice president and general manager.

Cataloochee Ski Area is located off of Fie Top Road outside Maggie Valley. Snow reports and other information is available at www.cataloochee.com.