Cataloochee Ski Resort Beginner Snowboarding Experience

At 25 years old, I finally went to my first ski resort and started to learn how to snowboard. In preparation for this big day, I watched plenty of Youtube and Tiktok videos providing all kinds of tips, but I still felt pretty hopeless upon arrival at the mountain. However, Cataloochee Ski Resort proved to be a great place for beginners.

Where is Cataloochee Ski Resort?

Address: 1080 Ski Lodge Rd, Maggie Valley, NC 28751

Cataloochee Ski Resort is located in Maggie Valley in southwestern North Carolina. In 1961, it became the first ski area established in North Carolina. Due to its location, you cannot really expect to find real snow on the mountain. Rather, Cataloochee relies almost entirely on snowmaking which can create a much icier experience in comparison to ski resorts on the west coast. It is generally a bit harder to learn on ice but not impossible.

What should I bring to Cataloochee Ski Resort as a first-timer?

In addition to warm clothes, beginners should come equipped with extra safety gear. I made sure to bring wrist braces as I knew I would instinctively try to catch my falls with my hands (a big no-no), and I think they really made a difference. I wish I had also brought knee pads and butt pads as I did a lot of falling onto both of those areas. Also, be sure to bring ski goggles as the sun reflecting off the snow can be super bright.

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Where do you get snowboarding gear for beginners in Cataloochee?

If you are a beginner, you likely aren’t bringing your own snowboarding gear to Cataloochee. If you are looking for rentals, it can be cheaper to rent gear offsite as opposed to at the resort. I rented both my snowboard and helmet at Maggie Valley Skis and Tees. The snowboarding package comes out to approximately $40 a day after tax.

Does Cataloochee Ski Resort have snowboarding lessons? How much do lessons cost?

Yes, Cataloochee Ski Resort provides both skiing and snowboarding lessons. For beginners, you can choose to either take a private lesson or a group lesson. Obviously, a private lesson would be more beneficial but also three times more expensive. Both lessons are an hour and a half long and require a purchased slope pass. Group lessons cost $42 while private lessons cost $150.

Budget Traveler Hack: Book a group lesson on a slow day to get the best experience on a budget. I booked a group lesson on a weekday towards the end of the season and ended up being the only one in my class. It was so great to have a one-on-one lesson, and I really learned a lot from the instructor. Without him, I would have been totally clueless.

I cannot recommend taking a lesson enough. If you go out there with no knowledge of what you are doing, you are not going to have a good time. It is always best to learn proper technique at the beginning so that you don’t have to fix bad habits later on. Not to mention, having someone teach you how to get on and off a ski lift is a life saver.

Does Cataloochee Ski Resort have good beginner slopes?

When you are first learning to snowboard, it is best to get comfortable in the Cataloochee Ski Resort practice areas (Beginner’s Luck and Wolf Creek Hollow). Here, there is very little decline and no need to hop on a lift. Just practice your balance and strapping in your boots. Afterward, Cataloochee has great beginner trails to move up to. During my first trip, I stuck to the green slopes the whole time. Do not feel the need to advance before you are ready. Everyone learns at a different pace.

If you are planning your first trip to Cataloochee Ski Resort or your first snowboarding trip in general, it is best to be prepared and mindful. Do your research and take your time when you get there. It is much more fun to be safe and slow, than risky and in a hospital.