Beech Mountain, NC – Beech Mountain Resort’s 2015-16 winter season will feature enhanced snowmaking on the slopes and a new activity, as the resort has constructed a state-of-the-art snow tubing park.
Eleven more high-tech guns have been added in key places on the mountain, especially on White Lightning, a black diamond run with the steepest terrain on the mountain. Three more have been used in the new tubing park.
“We continue to dramatically improve our snowmaking capability,” says resort general manager Ryan . “The 14 new SMI Super PoleCats bring our total to 61, plus dozens of smaller guns. We can make a good amount of snow quickly.”
The lighted tubing park sits adjacent to the ice skating rink in the resort village and features long runs with sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
“The catalyst for the park was a desire to add more amenities for our guests,” says Costin. “People of all ages and skill levels enjoy tubing. It’s a good family activity as well.”
The tubing park will be open day and night seven days per week. Guests are not required to have a skiing or snowboarding lift ticket to snowtube. Sessions begin every two hours at a rate of $25 weekdays and $30 weekends/holidays.
“People can be in the village enjoying the coffee shop or brewery or ice skating or eating at the Beech Tree, and tubing is right there,” Costin says. “It ties together the overall package.”
Skiers and snowboarders who visit Beech Mountain Resort this winter will also notice a thorough renovation of the Beech Tree Bar & Grille. The Beech Tree, which opened in 1967, is one of the main gathering places at the resort and one of the last to be renovated.
“It’s been nice to complete projects over the last few years that are focal points for people when they get to the mountain,” Costin explains. “Last year was a strong year for skiing across the board in North Carolina and definitely at Beech Mountain. And with all the improvements and upgrades, we hope people will be even more impressed with the product this year.”
Behind the scenes, the resort’s two main chairlifts received new electrical systems and mechanical upgrades this summer, while an entirely new rental fleet of Burton snowboards was added.