OCTOBER 15, 2009 ISSUE
Beech is Back
Ski Beech Invests $1.5 Million, Restores Oz Run, Debuts Second Terrain Park
Over the past two summers, Ski Beech at Beech Mountain Resort invested $1.5 million into the mountain’s infrastructure. The result is a new terrain park, a new quad lift for the Oz run, a new location for tubing, improved snowmaking and new promotions.
Squashing perceptions that it is not the snowsport giant it once was, Beech Mountain Resort is looking ahead to a bright future, standing tall upon the fruits of its $1.5 million, two-year investment in the resort’s infrastructure.
“We started a good run at [implementing improvements] last year—getting our quality and product up to par,” said Ryan Costin, Beech Mountain Resort director of operations. “So we’re excited to move forward this year in a positive direction.”
In addition to infrastructure investments, Ski Beech at Beech Mountain Resort is welcoming back its award-winning team of snowmakers and groomers for the 2009-10 season. Also, the popular Oz run returns this season, a second terrain park will debut this winter and tubing will return to its location between the Viewhaus and Beech Mountain Club.
Ski Beech is scheduled to kick off its 2009-10 season on Saturday, November 21, weather permitting, and hopes to stay open until March 14, 2010—a 114-day season. Season passes are currently available for a discounted price of $350 through Sunday, November 1. The regular price of $550 goes into effect on Monday, November 2. To purchase season passes, click to www.skibeech.com or call 828-387-2011.
The Oz slope, named for its proximity to the old Land of Oz theme park and labeled by skiers as “the South’s most favorite intermediate run,” was closed last season to improve chairlift seating from 35-year-old double chairs to new, padded quad chairs. Ski Beech staff also installed airless electrical snowmaking hookups along the entire run so the slope can be covered with snow within 24 hours.
“The reopening of the Oz run is great news for skiers,” said Costin. “It has nice intermediate terrain and opens up another side of the mountain. This will help disperse skiers during peak times.”
Ski Beech’s second terrain park will be unveiled this winter. The opening of the park was delayed a year because of lift problems. However, the lift is now fully functional and provides access to a multi-featured park with rails, boxes and jumps for intermediate to advanced freestyle riders. The park will have full-time staff to maintain the features and ensure safety.
Also new this year is a private locker room for season pass holders to store their skis and equipment, while snowmaking upgrades continued during the off-season.
“In the South, snowmaking is something you have to improve every year,” Costin said. “We’ve upgraded our product and want people to come see the quality of skiing we now offer.”
For more information, click to www.skibeech.com or call 828-387-2011.
Midweek Discounts are Back at Beech Mountain Resort!
Perhaps one of the most popular discounts available to locals, the midweek discounts are back at Beech Mountain Resort for the 2009-10 winter snowsport season, helping residents get on the slopes without breaking the bank. The midweek discounts are as follows:
Mondays—all children under age 13 ski/ride for free
Tuesdays—half-price lift tickets
Wednesdays—day and night tickets $25 apiece
Thursdays—ladies tickets $25
Snow Days—school children receive $15 lift tickets and $15 rentals
Must-Have Contact Info for 2009-10 High Country Snowsport Season
Appalachian Ski Mountain
828-295-7828
www.appskimtn.com
www.appterrainpark.com
Beech Mountain Resort
828-387-2011
www.skibeech.com
Hawksnest
828-963-6561
www.hawksnest-resort.com
Sugar Mountain Resort
828-898-4521
www.skisugar.com
North Carolina Ski Areas Association
www.goskinc.com
Ray’s Weather Center
www.raysweather.com
Leez Weather
www.leezweather.com
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