WATAUGA COUNTY — With a warm February that saw temperatures climb into the 60s and 70s, several area ski mountains felt the pinch of the weather.
Beech Mountain Resort, located in the town of Beech Mountain, closed its slopes for the season on Feb. 24 in response to the recent extended stretch of abnormally warm February temperatures.
“Our goal is to always provide a quality product for our customers,” said Talia Freeman, director of marketing at Beech Mountain Resort. “Due to the unseasonable weather, the conditions were not something we could control.”
“I am incredibly happy with this ski season and grateful for our loyal customer base,” Freeman explained.
Ryan Costin, general manager at Beech Mountain Resort, sent a thank-you email to resort customers regarding the conclusion of the season.
Beech Mountain Resort will also be open for the summer.
Hawksnest Snow Tubing in Seven Devils has closed its tubing for the season due the the warm weather and rain, the resort announced on Feb. 21.
“Due to the warm weather and rain, we will be closed for snow tubing for the remainder of this season,” Hawksnest announced. “If the weather changes enough for snow-making, we may reconsider opening up again this season.”
Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing in Newland also shut down for the season due to warm weather, according to a statement released on Feb. 23.
Sugar Mountain Resort in the village of Sugar Mountain remains open and plans to make snow with multiple slopes remaining open on the mountain for skiing, according to an email from the resort on Tuesday.
“After a few, long, weeks of warm temperatures the weather pattern finally made a turn toward winter conditions,” the statement from Sugar noted. “Snow-making began (Monday) afternoon and will continue as long as temperatures allow.”
The resort has not announced when the 2017-18 season will conclude.
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