Cataloochee Ski Area

Natasha Parker

After reading other reviews, felt we needed to add ours. Brought my son for his first time snowboarding MLKjr weekend for the big snow! Then came again today for his 3rd visit! 1st- order your tickets and rentals online, it’ll save you time and you won’t get turned away. Since we did that, it only took a little time to figure out where to get everything we needed. They are super organized, they have plenty of skis and boots and helmets and you will get what you need! If you don’t want to wait in the rental lines, there are places in the Valley that offer rentals. You can also pick up bibs in town. Get there early. 2- get a private lesson, my son was paired up with Zack and after two hours with him (the Private lesson has a shorter lift line!) he had improved SO much and was ready for the blue trails. This also helped as I wasn’t on the slopes with my teenage son! Five stars for Zack! 3. They’ve got typical cafeteria food, it goes quickly, but you can also bring ALL the food you need! Second trip we brought ramen noodles and tea and used the hot water they’ve got. 4. It’s a pandemic, supplies are low, buy your goggles in town, they’re out as of today. They do still have helmets. Also, it’s a pandemic, outdoor activities are all the thing, have patience and enjoy it! Get there early. 5. Everyone’s super nice and helpful. Thank you for that. Great training and management!

Mandy Benton

I took my family of four children (9-15yrs) skiing for the first time over Christmas break. I drove four hours to Cataloochee because I wanted something manageable for new skiers, yet still fun and exciting. We were beyond pleased. In fact, we got there at 8:30am, bought lift tickets and splurged on private ski lessons for myself and my children, rented snow skis, bibs, and jackets, and HAD A BLAST for 11 hours! We left so tired but so fulfilled. Our ski instructor, Cullen Porter, was absolutely amazing. All of the instructors and employees seemed to really enjoy their jobs. Our instructor went above and beyond to help my children and myself feel confident and in control on our very first day of skiing. The lodge offered a great selection of food and hot drinks--we never wanted for anything. The little gift shop sold necessities and souvenirs. I am so glad my children had a fun and positive experience skiing for the first time. I think if you are a more experienced skier, there are more challenging places to go, but for us, this was perfect. We will be back!

Malissa Sue Cooke

We visited the week of Thanksgiving and we were a little nervous based on reviews. I like to give honest reviews to help others because I use a ton of reviews to guide my decisions. We got to the resort very early. The ticketing process is very slow. One line open. Getting equipment was a little ridiculous. I've never seen having to walk to multiple buildings to get equipment, especially having to wait in line multiple times. It did move fairly fast but still annoying. The lift lines were never long, even during peak hours. My kids took lessons to freshen up and they enjoyed them. I was baffled that there was NO outside seating. Very strange!!! The food options were also terrible. The only lunch option was soup or chili, delicious but my small kids were NOT pleased. I understand this was opening week but still...some grab n go options would have been appreciated. Overall, I plan to return..great small ski resort.

Tiffany Collins

Read the previous reviews and thought things were going to be backed up and crazy. And being first timers to any ski resort we had no clue what to expect or do..Not at all! This place was great. Went today the first Sunday after Thanksgiving… Went there at 8:30am to take a snowboarding lesson at 930. Three people in line….everyone was friendly and helpful through all the rentals. Chris the instructor was great and helpful. We will be back for additional lessons here in the next few days with him , we had a great time. 😀