Polar Plunge Brings Needed Business to High Country Ski Slope Operators

 

SUGAR MOUNTAIN, N.C. – The polar plunge is bringing much-needed business to ski slope operators in the High Country.

Up until now, the unusually warm temps have kept visitors away.

β€œI’m super excited! Winter is back!” says Banner Elk resident Jeff Johnson.

Skiers and snowboarders say Monday night, it finally felt like it’s January.

β€œIt’s been back and forth. Felt like it started out so cold and strong in early December. It a tease! Then it got wet and warm. And it’s cold again. We hope it sticks around for a while,” says Ashley Gallegher.

An inch of snow fell during the day Monday and more is expected later in the week.

β€œThis is actually ideal, somewhere in the teens, real low humidity, clear skies,” says Kim Jochl, with Sugar Mountain Ski Resort.

β€œYou know, we go through a January thaw every couple of years, so um, we don’t necessarily like it, but it’s not something that’s unusual,” she says.