Tradition of Southern skiing began in NC's mountains

All six ski resorts at the North Carolina mountains opened in the 1960s and early 1970s.

Southern ski buffs say the slopes are as good as any in America.

At Sugar Mountain in western North Carolina, the snow is dazzling, the sky is pure as crystal and the skis are freshly waxed.

Hit the slopes with our NC Ski resort guide

The "amazing atmosphere" at 5,300 feet is among the draws for Mohammed Suhweil, who lives in Charlotte.

"It’s the nature, being outside and especially being on top of the summit. You get to see the beautiful scenery," he said.

Every year, from about Thanksgiving through March, goggle-eyed people go up the snow-clad peaks to come swooshing down.

For Beech Mountain’s marketing director, Talia Freeman, the mountain majesty makes her feel miniature again.

"For me, it just really gives me a nostalgic feeling from my childhood. It’s that playful feeling, like you feel like you’re a kid again, playing in the snow," she said.

"We do have 100 percent snowmaking, and we could not ski without man-made snow," said Kimberley Jochl, marketing director for Sugar Mountain.

High elevation produces low-enough temps to crank up those snow machines.

"Natural snow melts very quickly. Man-made snow is a bit harder. It's able to build a base, so it definitely stays longer," Jochl explained.

When the heavens deliver, "Natural snow on top of man-made snow – skiers, riders, we all love that. It's soft and fluffy," she said.

It’s enough of a draw for Raleigh resident Candler Thornton to make regular trips.

"Oh, I love it," he said. "It's fresh out here. You're getting a little exercise. People here are friendly. It's fun."

While Colorado and California are ski meccas, North Carolina boasts some of the highest mountains in the eastern United States. On Beech Mountain, you can even get a cold one at the mountaintop bar.

"The view! You cannot beat the view, for sure, especially right where we are. It’s warm; the snow’s soft. It’s as good as it gets," Thornton said.

Both Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain resorts say it this been a robust season, despite warmth and rain in December. They say getting two feet of natural snow in mid-January was a big plus.