NC Mountain Ski Slopes Opening Early Thanks To Below Average Temps, Boosting Local Economies

SUGAR MOUNTAIN, NC — Sugar Mountain is officially open, and while that is good news for skiers, it’s even better news for the local economy.

Once the slopes start opening, employees at local businesses like Bella’s Italian Restaurant say, “This place will fill right up.”

Liz Perr at Bella’s says, “It’s insanity up here. I mean, it’s like this town just explodes. The mountain explodes, both mountains explode, and it’s busy nonstop.”

Below average temperatures this year are letting Sugar Mountain open on Sunday, which is earlier than usual and is allowing the resort to make snow after the rain.

Sugar Mountain President, Gunther Joch says, “That means good business. We’re looking forward to Thanksgiving, it’s a bonus for us to be open Thanksgiving. So it looks good.”

John Peterson with High Country Hosts says the region depends on tourism dollars, because tourists help boost sales tax, gas tax, and hotel tax revenues.

The sales tax funds city operations like police and fire. Gas taxes go toward repairing roads, and hotel taxes go toward advertising to attract visitors and to build attractions like parks.

“Also, they do usually stay for a few days while they are here, like two or three days,” says Peterson. “So it really helps our restaurants and hotels and other tourist attractions in the area.”

Businesses like Bella’s are ready to open their doors and anticipate many hungry mouths to feed.

Liz says, “They’re tired and their hungry. They wanna come in and have a good hot meal.”

The owner of Sugar Mountain tells WCCB that about 1,000 people have already come through to ski and snowboard.

Other local ski resorts like Appalachian Ski Mountain and Beach Mountain plan to open this weekend.