FAQ

General Questions

WHEN IS OPENING DAY?
Our goal is to begin snowmaking efforts as soon as cold weather arrives each season. Historically, this occurs in mid to late November. Given that opening is entirely weather dependent, this varies from season to season and is often not determined until 24-72 hours prior. You can find our historical season operation dates here.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING AS A FIRST TIMER?
Find our first time and beginner snow preparation tips here.

DO YOU HAVE A LOST AND FOUND?
Yes. Lost and found is located on the lower level of the main lodge at Guest Services. If you are no longer on-site, you can send an email with your contact information and a description of the lost item to info@cataloochee.com. If you have photos of the item(s) please include them.

DO YOU HAVE LODGING AVAILABLE?
We do not offer lodging at Cataloochee Ski Area. The best resource for finding lodging that meets your personal criteria is here.

WHAT IS THE MEADOW RUN AND IS IT OPEN?
The meadow is the only ski area run beyond the official ski area boundary. For this reason, it is only open when we receive a significant amount of natural snowfall. This run is prohibited unless explicitly listed as being open on the snow report due to inherent risks associated with skiing or riding in areas not maintained or monitored by the ski area.

DO YOU SELL GIFT CARDS?
We no longer sell Gift Cards. Previously purchased Gift Cards (CAT Cash) can still be redeemed during your next visit. To redeem, guest must present the physical card at the outlet of choice at the time of use/purchase.

IS THERE A SCENIC LIFT RIDE OPTION?
No. A valid slope pass or night pass and appropriate skiing or snowboarding equipment are required to access any lift or slope systems (including bunny slopes). During the off-season we are closed to the public and do not offer scenic lift rides or spring/summer activities.

ARE YOU OPEN DURING BAD WEATHER?
Yes. We operate rain or shine at Cataloochee Ski Area. We take precaution when there are thunderstorms and/or heavy winds forecasted in the area. On rare occasions we may cease lift operations for a short period of time during such storms. We do not issue refunds for variable weather conditions.

CAN WE SLED?
No. Sledding, tubing, and walking on the slopes at Cataloochee Ski Area without appropriate ski or snowboard equipment is strictly prohibited. Tubing is available at Tube World located at 4721 Soco Rd in Maggie Valley.

DO YOU MAKE SNOW DURING BUSINESS HOURS?
We make every attempt not to make snow on guests during business hours, however, at time slope conditions and weather dependent windows of opportunity occasionally take precedence. We work hard to bring you the best skiing conditions all season long.

DO YOU HAVE A DRONE POLICY?
Check it out here.

WHAT ARE THE FOOD AND BEVERAGE OPTIONS?
We have a cafeteria that operates the same hours as the ski area and serves burgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, french fries, hot soups, hot and cold drinks, salads, sandwiches, daily specials, etc. Be advised, outside alcohol is prohibited throughout the property. We have a full bar on-site that is open from 11:00 Am until close each day. All alcohol purchased must be consumed inside the main lodge or on the slopeside deck attached to the lodge.

DO YOU SELL RETAIL ITEMS ONLINE?
Currently, we only sell retail items and Cataloochee Ski Area merchandise on-site. The Shop is located on the upper level of the Main Lodge. Items available range from t-shirts, hoodies, and hats to stickers, hand warmers and ski/snowboard locks.

ARE LOCKERS AVAILABLE?
Electronic lockers are available for rent both downstairs in the main lodge, as well as next door in the boot rental building. Daily use lockers are available in four sizes:
Small: $6.00 Large: $12.00 Jumbo: $18.00 Gear Garage: $40.00
Credit cards are the accepted form of payment, which can be made at the bank of lockers you choose to utilize. For this reason, lockers are only available on a first-come, first-served basis. Once rented, lockers are accessed using the personal pin you created at the time of purchase. Upon completion for the day(s), pushing the red “End Rent” button will release the locker back into inventory.

CAN I USE SNOW SKATES OR A SNOW BIKE?
Yes. Snow skates are permitted any time, while snow bikes are permitted on non-holiday weekdays. Both can be utilized from quad lift down, on blue and green trails only. All alternative sliding equipment is required to have metal edging and a restraining device (leash). Equipment must be approved by management or Ski Patrol, and users are required to sign a waiver at Guest Services prior to accessing any lift or slope systems.

IS THERE SHUTTLE SERVICE UP THE MOUNTAIN?
No. We do not provide transportation from the bottom of the mountain to the ski area, or on any portion of Fie Top Rd. We do provide an on-site complimentary shuttle service once overflow parking lots are in use.

WHAT ARE THE ROAD CONDITIONS?
Cataloochee Ski Area maintains Fie Top Rd (scraping and salting, etc.) at times of inclement weather. On these occasions, we recommend 4-wheel or all-wheel drive. If only 2-wheel drive is available, we recommend installing chains on tires for better traction. We update the road conditions daily here.

DO YOU HAVE AN ATM?
Yes. The ATM is located in the corridor to the immediate left when entering through the front door of the main lodge’s upper level.

CAN I BRING MY DOG?
We love your furry friends; however, animals are not permitted inside or around Cataloochee Ski Area, with the exception of service animals. Service animals are welcome in the lodge and surrounding area of the lodge building. All animals, including service animals, are prohibited from accessing lifts and slope systems, as well as activity areas. They must be on a leash and under control at all times. It is the responsibility of the service animal owner to clean up after service animals; waste left behind is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.

Reservation Questions

CAN I MAKE RESERVATIONS ONLINE?
Yes! In fact, we highly encourage pre-purchasing slope passes, rental equipment, and lessons, as it is the only way to guarantee availability. Products become available starting on opening day, and from then on can be pre-purchased up to two weeks in advance. Secure your products here.

HOW DO I PRE-PURCHASE MY DISCOUNTED PASS?
Passes with rates other than full price (appreciation days, homeschool days, family days, senior discounts, toddler pass, military discounts, etc.) are only available for purchase on-site at Guest Services. Valid identification and/or documentation for the respective discount is required at time of purchase to honor discount.

HOW DO I REDEEM MY ORDER ONCE I’M THERE?
Redeeming is simple! Scan the QR code from your confirmation email at the kiosks located in the lower level of the main lodge. Once you have printed your pass(es) you can proceed to rentals starting with the boot rental building next door. Staff can fulfill the rest of your order and provide instructions for lessons (if applicable) from your printed passes.

WHAT ARE REFUND OPTIONS?
Passes, rentals, and lessons are non-refundable and non-transferable. Refunds will not be issued should there be inclement weather, temporarily ceased lift operations for any reason, or early closure due to unforeseen circumstances. Retail items purchased from The Shop are non-refundable. When you make a purchase, you have accepted and agree to our terms and conditions.

WILL MY WHOLE FAMILY RECEIVE THE HOMESCHOOL DISCOUNT?
Yes. Everyone in the immediate family who is present at the time of purchase will be included in the special pricing. Please send pricing inquiries to info@cataloochee.com.

Pass Questions

DO I NEED A PASS FOR THE BUNNY SLOPES?
Yes. A slope pass is required to access any lift or slope systems, along with appropriate ski and snowboard equipment. If you want to accompany your child on the bunny slopes, you will need your own slope pass and equipment. Additionally, parents are not permitted on the snow to accompany a child during their lesson, unless they are also enrolled.

CAN I SNOWMOBILE IF I PURCHASE A PASS?
No. We do not allow snowmobiling, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing at Cataloochee Ski Area. The closes resort offering these recreational activities is in West Virginia.

CAN I PURCHASE A PASS SO MY CHILD CAN PLAY IN THE SNOW?
Children under the age of 13 should be accompanied by an adult while on the slopes. Anyone accessing lift or slope systems are required to have appropriate ski or snowboard gear to do so, regardless of age. We do not have an area dedicated for “snow play” at the ski area but do have the Wee Bowl available at Tube World. Pricing and more details can be found here.

DO YOU SELL MULTI-DAY PASSES?
No. Aside from Unlimited, Limited, and Weekday/Night season passes, we only offer single day slope and night passes. Slope passes are valid for any consecutive 4 or 6-hour period on the day purchased and/or date purchased for. Night passes are valid from 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM.

Rental Questions

WHAT RENTAL EQUIPMENT DO YOU OFFER?
Ski rentals include skis, boots, and poles. Snowboard rentals include a snowboard and boots.

DO I HAVE TO WAIT IN LINE TO PICK-UP MY RENTALS?
While we cannot guarantee no wait or line to pick0up rentals, we do allow guests to pick-up their rentals after 7:00 PM the evening before they are reserved.

I HAVE MY OWN GEAR, CAN I JUST RENT SKIS OR BOOTS?
Cataloochee Ski Area only offers complete sets of ski and snowboard rentals. To ensure we can provide sets to everyone in need of equipment, we do not separate boots from skis or snowboards to rent. Additionally, we only set our skis and snowboards to our boots.

DO YOU RENT CLOTHES?
Yes. We have ski bibs (overalls) and insulated jackets available to rent for $19 each, or $30 together.

DO MY RENTALS INCLUDE A SLOPE PASS?
No. Slope passes must be purchased separately and are required to access any lift or slope system.

CAN I RESERVE RENTALS ONLINE?
Yes. Once you have added a slope pass to your cart you will be given the option to add on both equipment rentals and clothing rentals.

DO YOU RENT GOGGLES OR GLOVES?
No. We do not rental goggles or gloves. These items, along with hats, helmets, and other essential items are available for purchase at The Shop located on the upper level of the main lodge.

DO I NEED A HELMET?
While helmets are not required, we strongly encourage guests to wear them when possible. We have helmets available for rent for $10, or purchase for a range of prices in The Shop located on the upper level of the main lodge.

WHAT SIZE BOOTS ARE AVAILABLE?
We offer toddler/little kids size 9c through adult size 16 for both skiing and snowboarding.

DO YOU OFFER TUNE-UPS OR REPAIRS?
We do not offer waxing or any maintenance services to personal gear. We perform these services on our rental equipment on a regular basis. For personal services, we recommend Flipside Board Shop located in Maggie Valley.

WHY DO I FILL OUT PAPERWORK FOR RENTALS ONLINE?
Our rentals staff pre-sets equipment for adults when business permits. Children’s rental equipment must be set with the child present.

CAN I CHANGE FROM SKIS TO SNOWBOARD OR VICE VERSA?
No. We do not allow for this to ensure an appropriate stock remains available for daily reservations made online. If you would like to make the switch from skis to snowboarding, or vice versa, you will need to purchase another set of rental equipment.

ARE KIDS SKI POLES AVAILABLE?
Yes. Kids poles for skiing are available upon request in the ski rental building. Guests are asked to return these back to where they were retrieved as we have a limited supply.

Lesson Questions

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE IN A GROUP LESSON?
We aim to keep lesson size at 6 to 8 people per instructor. At times, your group lesson could include as many as 12 people.

IS IT EASIER TO SKI OR SNOWBOARD?
While general feedback would say skiing is simpler to learn, it depends entirely on the individual. We recommend starting on skis and moving to snowboarding once you are comfortable on snow. Be advised, you cannot change from skis to snowboard, or vice versa, on the same day when renting equipment unless another set of rental equipment is purchased.

WHERE DO I GO FOR MY LESSON?
Once you have your gear, head out to the flags located at the base of the slope between the boot and ski rental buildings. A ski and ride center employee will be there to greet you at least 10 minutes before your scheduled lesson.
*purple flag: private lessons, orange flag: snowboard lessons, green flag: ski lessons*

AM I A BEGINNER?
Cataloochee Ski Area defines a beginner as someone who has never been on skis or a snowboard. If you have, but still do not have confidence in stopping and turning, a beginner lesson is a good fit for you.

Tube World Questions

Tube World is located separate from the ski area at 4721 Soco Rd, in Maggie Valley.
Visit this link for pricing and session calendar.

IS THERE A MINIMUM HEIGHT REQUIREMENT?
Yes. All guests who are tubing must be 42″ tall to ride a tube.

WHEN DOES TUBE WORLD OPEN?
Tube World will open for the season once cold weather arrives and we have the ability to make enough snow. We do have all-weather snowmaking capabilities at Tube World, however, it is always warmer down in the valley than it is up at the ski area so opening dates are often different. Opening typically occurs between mid to late November.

CAN MY CHILD BE IN MY LAP TO TUBE?
No. Safety protocols at Tube World require limitations of one person per tube. Multi-person riding is prohibited.

CAN I USE MY OWN TUBE?
No. Tube World uses commercial inner tubes that are designed to withstand the environment and repeated use. As a safety precaution, we do not allow the use of personal inner tubes.

DOES TUBE WORLD HAVE FOOD OR DRINKS?
Tube World has an assortment of beverages available for purchase, as well as a food truck that is often available on weekend and during holiday periods.

IS THERE ANYTHING FOR MY CHILD UNDER 42″ TO DO?
Yes! Wee Bowl is a small, enclosed area with snow and tubes for children under the height requirement to play. Children in this area must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Slop proof footwear is highly recommended for both adults and children for this activity area.

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE CAN WE RESERVE TICKETS?
Tubing tickets become available for purchase online on opening day. Once available, they can be purchased up to two weeks in advance.