Check out the resort map of all the ski resorts in the US and the ones I have gone to: shellnut.github.io/Buckhouse/ Don't forget to snag an Evolution Sticker here: www.etsy.com/shop/KeepevolvingCO?ref=seller-platform-mcnav All Hats, Shirts, hoodies, long sleeves and so much more: teespring.com/stores/evolution-store
Thanks for reviewing these NC mtns! You forgot to mention something: Beech is the highest lift-serviced mountain E of the Mississippi, Cataloochie is second, and Sugar is third. These mountains are significantly higher than anything in the Northeast. I’ve skied Sugar and Beech a ton. Sugar is a much better mountain than Beech. For the most part, I don’t think that’s controversial. The variety of terrain, the lifts, the truly impressive vertical drop and subsequent long runs, Beech can’t touch that. I will agree that Beech has a better vibe, and I do agree that the runs at Beech are fun. Appalachian has an even better vibe than both, but its runs are even shorter than Beech’s. At the end of the day, I consider it to be a miracle that these ski hills exist at all here in the South. I find it downright heroic that the owners of these resorts fight the Southern weather with its inconsistent cold every winter and make places for us to slide down the hill and build memories. I am deeply grateful that these mountains exist. Thanks again for the review!
I’m a volunteer patroller at Sugar and I get asked about that building a lot by people who have never been to the area. In fact when it was built it caused so much controversy that an ordnance was put in place that you could not build a structure higher than two stories on a ridge
Jonathon the mountain top condos you are referring to have been the topic of controversy in the state of NC for almost 40 years. As soon as it was being built it prompted outrage all over the state and people are still mad about it today. I can remember being able to see the building on a backpack trip in the Roan Highlands like 40 miles away. Almost immediately after construction the state passed the "Mountain Ridge Protection Act of 1983" so that no such building can be constructed in the state again. Ironically the owners of the building now use this as a selling point, as it is the only condo of its kind that can ever be built.
Actually from a real estate investment standpoint (your comment that) "Ironically the owners of the building now use this as a selling point, as it is the only condo of its kind that can ever be built" is a very valid point. It is surely prime real estate as is all of the real estate at SUGAR. And, I must say, having been to the Sugar Top "hotel" more than once, that the views from all of the condos in the building are gorgeous! It is a massive building situated in the perfect setting much like the fictional hotel in “The Shining” called the Overlook. If you don't like looking at it just turn in any other direction! There are beautiful mountain ridges literally all over North Carolina, especially around SUGAR. People act like it's the only one LOL. The other best views at SUGAR MOUNTAIN are at some of the SKY LEAF condos and some of the RESERVE condos. Personally, I'm glad the Sugar Top "hotel" is there. I find it to be quite beautiful somehow. Peaceful, isolated and majestic. I'm also glad they aren't going to build any more of them! Keeps Sugar Top special and the views special. PEACE and HAPPY SKI TRAILS! ⛷🏂⛷🏂⛷🏂⛷🏂❄❄❄❄❄
I'm a ski instructor at sugar and just a heads up for anyone that is desperate to ski as soon as possible were potentially opening this Saturday the 6th of November
At Sugar every week. Gunthers way and Tom Terrific give you the best mix of length and challenge. 2 hours from Charlotte and lift tickets under $50. Support our Mountains NC!
$50 on weekdays not weekends lol but sugar isn’t a horrible resort, I’ve just had a lot of bad experiences with Gunther and staff, got my pass taken 3 times this last season for hitting a side hit
This is my home resort....that I haven't been to in two years. I love sugar, but if I can go to Vermont or Colorado, or even Snowshoe (I have an Ikon pass), then that's what I'm doing. Sugar is probably the best in North Carolina. The big plus to Sugar is that it has a great mix of trails. Only downside is that it has essentially zero terrain park (the park that's there, or was there, isn't maintained and the rope pull has never worked anytime I've been there). Straighten out the terrain park situation, and Sugar would get top marks for the Southeast region. And the mix of terrain and trails is more interesting than Beech, IMHO. Edit 1: Sugar should have gotten higher marks on the lifts system. The main lift is a detachable 6 person lift that is the fastest in the southeast by far (including Snowshoe's Western lift). The gondola is for VIPs - I know the former governor of NC rode it, but I've never seen it actually used. Edit 2: Appalachian Ski Mountain is a nearby hill that only has 3 things going for it - ease of access, low-priced lift tickets, and 3 terrain parks. It's almost like Sugar Mountain made a deal with them to let them have the terrain park business.
Yessss beech is just 4 runs straight down to the bottom, and they're super short! I go there for a change of scenery occasionally but Sugar is a lot more entertaining.
@@JohnathanBuckhouse yeah being from the Carolinas I have to say sugar is the top ski location, like beech to but sugar is just all around better imo....again I haven't ever been anywhere else to ski lol but I give sugar the nod over beech .....did they still have "hillbilly dew" in the lodge??
Charlotte native. Started skiing sugar and beach and went to college in that area. Simply put Beach is more of the large groups say church, school, etc. Kind of place good beginner intermediate runs while sugar you got it right more intermediate to advance. Sugar actually has more advanvw terrain than any resort in the southeast and generally always nlows snow anytime temps are close to freezing. Meaning they have better conditions most of the time and open first close last. But since going to colorado late 90s i have never been back cause of skiing reality hit me oit west.
I'm now living in Colorado and ski almost every week during the season. Beech and Sugar were my home mountains for decades though and they still hold a special place in my heart. Beech is overall better, but Sugar has better runs. It's kind of like Vail vs Breck for me. Vail has a way better mountain, but the rest of the experience sucks. I'll go to Breck anyday over Vail.
Sugar has the better lifts and terrain. I guess the vibe of beech is but sugar has more high speeds than a lot of west coast resorts (obv excluding top dogs)
I’d love to see your take on my home mountain of Snowshoe, WV. When my friends from Utah came to visit they didn’t believe me when I said we have a resort sitting at 4848ft in WV lol
So many memories at sugar, I have only skied but always wanted to snowboard...just so many great times twilight and day skiing sipping hillbilly dew ,only bout a hour n half from my house being young and going with the fam and just skiing my legs off. .. great memories haven't been in a WHILE thanx for this bruh 🤙
I know you hate the hotel at the top, but it's one of my favorite parts about sugar. Great affordable condos that give you ski in ski out with a very short walk.
That building was the reason that the Mountain Ridge Protection Act of 1983 was enacted in NC and is why no more of those mountain ridge structures have been built. I think the view would be much better if that was not there. But, the new high speed 6 pack towers don't so much for the view either, so I guess you have to take the good with the bad.
Funniest thing I ever saw was in Sugar Mtn when the skiing Santa did a yard sale about 30 feet in front of me. God, what I wouldn't have given for a GoPro at that moment.
Someone has probably already said this but... Snowshoe bro... It's my home base. Tough to get to and no wireless service because of the telescope array. But they have 3 terrain parks and change with medium features and a lot of advanced terrain including 3, sometimes 4 black diamond runs that are on par with black runs in CO. You need to go. It's the best you can find in the southeast.
I've probably said it in a live stream but if you want a resort with some of the best lift ticket prices and employees, you should go to Sipapu NM. Not the biggest resort but it's great for beginners and family's on a budget.
@@SnowboardJedi two things 1. He will go there eventually because his goal is to ride all resorts in the US (I believe) 2. Sipapu is much much cheaper than both of those resorts. It really wins on its price point, I can admit that it is much smaller but it's still pretty good for budget familys. But yes angle fire and taos are overall better.
first ski resort i ever rode. went on a boyscout trip when i was 13 there. fell and fractured both knee caps and refused to snowboard again. never touched a snowboard for 14 years after that till recently
@@DaBluBarron1918 I’m fine now. I was fat back then and it was my first day abs my friend tried to take me to the top of the mountain and essential pushed me off the chairlift when unloading
@@JohnathanBuckhouse yeah thanks to Arizona snowbowl running a valentines special with 25 dollar lift tickets and free lessons a few years ago when I was living in Phoenix
Mountain High, California Ski Resort Review :)? I know you had a nasty fall and not best snow conditions but like to see our local mountain reviewed aha!
The owner of the resort is a European skiier, from what I know from a couple guys at Beech Mountain. My buddy also rides Sugar a lot and I am going for the first time in March.
From a local, the NC ski areas ranked: 1. Sugar 2. Cataloochee 3. Beech 4. App Ski 5. Wolf Ridge 6. Sapphire They're nothing like Colorado but we still love them!
I’m from Bristol, Tn, haven’t been skiing probably in 25 years, 😆. I definitely want to again. I used to ski at Beech, Sugar, App, and Hawksnest. Which would you suggest I go to? In my mid 40’s now, and don’t want to kill myself, lol.
@@michellebardinelli9904 Hey Michelle! What's your skill level? If you're an intermediate or above, I'd say Sugar is the place to go just because they have the most variety of higher-level runs. Beech just has really short, straightforward runs so unless you're a beginner or you like terrain parks, you might get bored there, plus the lines tend to get really long. App is super small and made for people who like terrain parks, and Hawksnest doesn't do skiing anymore, just tubing and zip lining. Hope this helps!
Beech and appski are definitely more tailored to boarders, their parks are much better appski being like 80% park. Sugar is really only fun for bombing night ice runs and goin fast.
It's been over 20 years since I went to Sugar. I liked Sugar but the lift lines were long when I went. Not sure if they have more lifts now. You should check out Cataloochee if you haven't already. It's my go to. They have great snow making there and lift lines seem to move pretty well. I also like the relaxed sleepy town of Maggie Valley.
@@devv__VFX I think the thing that makes Sugar more popular is they have more lodging closer to the slopes. Cataloochee doesn't really have anything near it. When skiing in the southeast you have to take it for what it is.
Honestly, Sugar is nice and has long-ish runs, but I've had the most fun in NC by night riding at Cataloochee. It's such a cool vibe there. Can't wait for you to visit!!
@@JohnathanBuckhouse kickass! I will get in about 40 days at AF and Taos this year....hopefully I see ya bro. Great stuff you are putting out and thanks for all the tips
Former employee during the first season with the detachable chairlift (2015-2016 if I remember correctly. Someone can find out if they want). But, yes I can confirm. Gunther, the owner, had my supervisors put the gondola on during his ski race nights and first tracks after grooming when I was there. The governor of NC at the time also rode in it on the lift's opening day when they showcased it, and it drug on the unloading ramp...oops. I saved my lift ticket that they gave out for free rides that day, wish I could upload my pictures for you from it all. It was a neat day to get a high speed lift like it in North Carolina! I'm sure they are old news to the European, western US, and Whistler skiers and riders.
The locals call the big ugly ass hotel at the top 'the Citadel'. It was so contentious, they passed ordinances/laws forbidding anyone from building something like that again. Really, it is detested by the locals.
I appreciate & enjoy your videos! This was just a shocker for me personally haha views+park+staff netted beech an entire 15 pts higher 41/56. Sugar’s runs could definitely weigh a lot heavier on the scale. If we were comparing apples to apples & Beech didn’t have a park, I’d say Beech would be down to somewhere around a 35-38. I just don’t see myself walking up to the average North Carolinian & them claiming Beech is better than Sugar 😅😂 Understand the scale though Thanks for your awesome videos!
This is a popular topic amongst the NC community, I would say most skiiers/casuals/familys prefer sugar, and most snowboarders/more hardcore skiiers/boarders etc generally prefer Beech. @@matthewgarcia9502
Im from the North East, and now live in the south. Last year we skied at Snowshoe in WV because it is the "largest ski destination" in the south. We found it be basically not worth the trip. The lines were long, the snow was 95% man made, the 40ish something runs were really like 9 or 10 with too many named cut offs. Londging was so far away and its in the middle of nowhere. We are considering a NC trip this year but im concerned about the lack of snow and terrain. I'm not a skier that needs large mtn only. Some of my favorites are independent, 200 to 400 acres spots. But like 6 real runs just doesnt seem worth the travel expense and lift prices. We are experienced skiers, and have skied everything from Waterville Valley, NH to Vail, Breck, Powder Mtn. Thoughts on if this is going to be a huge disappointment ?
I know what you mean about Snowshoe. It was the closest to western skiing I'd experienced since leaving WA state, but restaurants and lodging were ridiculously overpriced. The cheapest accommodations had been torn down, including a $50 a night hostel with a kitchenette. It was a 5 hour drive from Charlotte, and there was absolutely nothing from I-64 to the front entrance. I wouldn't be surprised if there are "zoning" issues to keep the competition (eg Comfort Suites or Denney's) out. At least WinterPlace is right off I-77 with food and lodging within a few miles.
The owner of Sugar is a ski "purist" and isn't into park and not a big fan of snowboarding. All the park kids ride at Beech. (Edit: just saw the park about it being more of a skier mountain and that is the perfect way to describe the vibe of Sugar)
Man, loving your videos! We are from Florida and we’ve only been to east coast resorts…. Well/ resort…… lol We go to snowshoe in West Virginia. I don’t understand the problem with buildings on the mountain? I guess if you’re a west coast skier/boarder then buildings at the top is weird? Anyway! Dude your awesome! Keep posting. Because of you we will go to Colorado next year…
Ive been going here since I was eight, as far as the terrain park goes, its hardly ever open its been like that for a long time and i dont know why. Also if the map doesnt match up with exactlly was there, its because its very old. Theyve had the same one for abt 10-ish years
@@rayramos9439 depending on your skill level i would recommend “easy street” for green, “big birch” for blue, “tom terrific” for black, and (even tho there’s only one) “whoopdedoo” for double black
hi i just watched your appalachian, beech, and sugar video. As a first time skii family of 5 with various aged kids, im getting the idea that beech would be the best beginner option? do you agree?
Try to go mid week...if your group is mostly beginners you wil hate the week-end and the extra cost...let the kids ditch school....you will thank me later..
Ik I’ve said this many times but you should come to “lonesome pine trails” in fort Kent Maine this year and while you up there you’ve got Big Rock ski resort in Mars Hill too
Check out the resort map of all the ski resorts in the US and the ones I have gone to: shellnut.github.io/Buckhouse/
Don't forget to snag an Evolution Sticker here: www.etsy.com/shop/KeepevolvingCO?ref=seller-platform-mcnav
All Hats, Shirts, hoodies, long sleeves and so much more: teespring.com/stores/evolution-store
:)
Bro you must review wachussetts :D
Thanks
Thanks for reviewing these NC mtns! You forgot to mention something: Beech is the highest lift-serviced mountain E of the Mississippi, Cataloochie is second, and Sugar is third. These mountains are significantly higher than anything in the Northeast. I’ve skied Sugar and Beech a ton. Sugar is a much better mountain than Beech. For the most part, I don’t think that’s controversial. The variety of terrain, the lifts, the truly impressive vertical drop and subsequent long runs, Beech can’t touch that. I will agree that Beech has a better vibe, and I do agree that the runs at Beech are fun. Appalachian has an even better vibe than both, but its runs are even shorter than Beech’s. At the end of the day, I consider it to be a miracle that these ski hills exist at all here in the South. I find it downright heroic that the owners of these resorts fight the Southern weather with its inconsistent cold every winter and make places for us to slide down the hill and build memories. I am deeply grateful that these mountains exist. Thanks again for the review!
Facts
Agreed
Preach!!
I’m a volunteer patroller at Sugar and I get asked about that building a lot by people who have never been to the area. In fact when it was built it caused so much controversy that an ordnance was put in place that you could not build a structure higher than two stories on a ridge
Good ordnance too bad they couldn’t have figured that out before they built that monstrosity.
Jonathon the mountain top condos you are referring to have been the topic of controversy in the state of NC for almost 40 years. As soon as it was being built it prompted outrage all over the state and people are still mad about it today. I can remember being able to see the building on a backpack trip in the Roan Highlands like 40 miles away. Almost immediately after construction the state passed the "Mountain Ridge Protection Act of 1983" so that no such building can be constructed in the state again. Ironically the owners of the building now use this as a selling point, as it is the only condo of its kind that can ever be built.
Actually from a real estate investment standpoint (your comment that) "Ironically the owners of the building now use this as a selling point, as it is the only condo of its kind that can ever be built" is a very valid point. It is surely prime real estate as is all of the real estate at SUGAR. And, I must say, having been to the Sugar Top "hotel" more than once, that the views from all of the condos in the building are gorgeous! It is a massive building situated in the perfect setting much like the fictional hotel in “The Shining” called the Overlook. If you don't like looking at it just turn in any other direction! There are beautiful mountain ridges literally all over North Carolina, especially around SUGAR. People act like it's the only one LOL. The other best views at SUGAR MOUNTAIN are at some of the SKY LEAF condos and some of the RESERVE condos. Personally, I'm glad the Sugar Top "hotel" is there. I find it to be quite beautiful somehow. Peaceful, isolated and majestic. I'm also glad they aren't going to build any more of them! Keeps Sugar Top special and the views special. PEACE and HAPPY SKI TRAILS! ⛷🏂⛷🏂⛷🏂⛷🏂❄❄❄❄❄
@@mickhammer8547 yup go free market
Its a disgusting eye sore.....profit over nature. More proof than mankind doesnt deserve this planet
Sugar and beech are my to-go resorts, you have to try Snowshoe WV though for sure bro
Ill drive out of the way, 5 hours one way for a day trip at Snowshoe
@@josephfitzpatrick6948 im in raleigh, its about 6-7hrs depending on the weather for me
I went to snowshoe one time it was soooo fun would recommend
Love Beech. Go there at least once a year. Never tried Sugar but will have to!
For sure! Gunthers way is probably the best run in the southeast right now.
I'm a ski instructor at sugar and just a heads up for anyone that is desperate to ski as soon as possible were potentially opening this Saturday the 6th of November
Wow no way!
That would be amazing to get opened up soon. If it’s gonna be cold in NC, I’m ready to hit the slopes.
Hi, for a first timer who has never ever skid. Sugar or beach? Or someplace else I can get to easily from south Florida hehehe thanks 😊🥂
At Sugar every week. Gunthers way and Tom Terrific give you the best mix of length and challenge. 2 hours from Charlotte and lift tickets under $50. Support our Mountains NC!
$50 on weekdays not weekends lol but sugar isn’t a horrible resort, I’ve just had a lot of bad experiences with Gunther and staff, got my pass taken 3 times this last season for hitting a side hit
@@smarchetti7 I’m a week day warrior. I think Gunther is Anti-Boarders. That’s why no park maybe.
This is my home resort....that I haven't been to in two years. I love sugar, but if I can go to Vermont or Colorado, or even Snowshoe (I have an Ikon pass), then that's what I'm doing. Sugar is probably the best in North Carolina. The big plus to Sugar is that it has a great mix of trails. Only downside is that it has essentially zero terrain park (the park that's there, or was there, isn't maintained and the rope pull has never worked anytime I've been there).
Straighten out the terrain park situation, and Sugar would get top marks for the Southeast region. And the mix of terrain and trails is more interesting than Beech, IMHO.
Edit 1: Sugar should have gotten higher marks on the lifts system. The main lift is a detachable 6 person lift that is the fastest in the southeast by far (including Snowshoe's Western lift). The gondola is for VIPs - I know the former governor of NC rode it, but I've never seen it actually used.
Edit 2: Appalachian Ski Mountain is a nearby hill that only has 3 things going for it - ease of access, low-priced lift tickets, and 3 terrain parks. It's almost like Sugar Mountain made a deal with them to let them have the terrain park business.
I love it! Thank you 🙏🏼
Yessss beech is just 4 runs straight down to the bottom, and they're super short! I go there for a change of scenery occasionally but Sugar is a lot more entertaining.
@@JohnathanBuckhouse yeah being from the Carolinas I have to say sugar is the top ski location, like beech to but sugar is just all around better imo....again I haven't ever been anywhere else to ski lol but I give sugar the nod over beech .....did they still have "hillbilly dew" in the lodge??
Charlotte native. Started skiing sugar and beach and went to college in that area. Simply put Beach is more of the large groups say church, school, etc. Kind of place good beginner intermediate runs while sugar you got it right more intermediate to advance. Sugar actually has more advanvw terrain than any resort in the southeast and generally always nlows snow anytime temps are close to freezing. Meaning they have better conditions most of the time and open first close last. But since going to colorado late 90s i have never been back cause of skiing reality hit me oit west.
I'm now living in Colorado and ski almost every week during the season. Beech and Sugar were my home mountains for decades though and they still hold a special place in my heart. Beech is overall better, but Sugar has better runs. It's kind of like Vail vs Breck for me. Vail has a way better mountain, but the rest of the experience sucks. I'll go to Breck anyday over Vail.
Sugar has the better lifts and terrain. I guess the vibe of beech is but sugar has more high speeds than a lot of west coast resorts (obv excluding top dogs)
I’d love to see your take on my home mountain of Snowshoe, WV.
When my friends from Utah came to visit they didn’t believe me when I said we have a resort sitting at 4848ft in WV lol
Man I cannot wait to go!
I love Snowshoe mountain!
Snowshoe is great
That was the last resort I worked at and now in alaska at a small lodge
Grew up on Snowshoe! Got sick on the way up a few times as a kid otherwise it’s a beast!
So many memories at sugar, I have only skied but always wanted to snowboard...just so many great times twilight and day skiing sipping hillbilly dew ,only bout a hour n half from my house being young and going with the fam and just skiing my legs off. .. great memories haven't been in a WHILE thanx for this bruh 🤙
I know you hate the hotel at the top, but it's one of my favorite parts about sugar. Great affordable condos that give you ski in ski out with a very short walk.
That building was the reason that the Mountain Ridge Protection Act of 1983 was enacted in NC and is why no more of those mountain ridge structures have been built. I think the view would be much better if that was not there. But, the new high speed 6 pack towers don't so much for the view either, so I guess you have to take the good with the bad.
Know I’m a bit later but whatever they had a park at sugar but they do not open it a lot because the owner kinda dislikes things that aren’t skiing
Sugar and beech are the go to resorts in NC. You gotta go check out snowshoe though it’s killer.
That slap noise is horrible
The audio got messed up this video. Sorry
Living in the area I always get a season pass to Beech and go to Sugar when conditions are good!
Funniest thing I ever saw was in Sugar Mtn when the skiing Santa did a yard sale about 30 feet in front of me. God, what I wouldn't have given for a GoPro at that moment.
Someone has probably already said this but... Snowshoe bro... It's my home base. Tough to get to and no wireless service because of the telescope array. But they have 3 terrain parks and change with medium features and a lot of advanced terrain including 3, sometimes 4 black diamond runs that are on par with black runs in CO. You need to go. It's the best you can find in the southeast.
I've probably said it in a live stream but if you want a resort with some of the best lift ticket prices and employees, you should go to Sipapu NM. Not the biggest resort but it's great for beginners and family's on a budget.
Yeww
Yo don't tell him to go to Sipapu when Taos and Anglefire are right there....I went to Sipapu 1 day on my Monarch pass and just did 1 run.
@@SnowboardJedi two things
1. He will go there eventually because his goal is to ride all resorts in the US (I believe)
2. Sipapu is much much cheaper than both of those resorts. It really wins on its price point, I can admit that it is much smaller but it's still pretty good for budget familys.
But yes angle fire and taos are overall better.
He's coming to New Mexico soon hitting all nine of our resorts in a row..
@@_b3d612 gotcha that makes sense
first ski resort i ever rode. went on a boyscout trip when i was 13 there. fell and fractured both knee caps and refused to snowboard again. never touched a snowboard for 14 years after that till recently
Incest in impact pants with the knee pads build in. Demon United is a good brand
Dude! That sounds so bad. Lol stoked you shred again though
@@DaBluBarron1918 I’m fine now. I was fat back then and it was my first day abs my friend tried to take me to the top of the mountain and essential pushed me off the chairlift when unloading
@@JohnathanBuckhouse yeah thanks to Arizona snowbowl running a valentines special with 25 dollar lift tickets and free lessons a few years ago when I was living in Phoenix
Mountain High, California Ski Resort Review :)?
I know you had a nasty fall and not best snow conditions but like to see our local mountain reviewed aha!
Oh it’s going down 😂
The owner of the resort is a European skiier, from what I know from a couple guys at Beech Mountain. My buddy also rides Sugar a lot and I am going for the first time in March.
Going tomorrow morning to learn how to snowboard
How did you do?
We live in west palm beach Florida and are heading there this weekend for spring break… kids 10 and 11 never seen snow !… so it’s going to be great -
Have fun!
From a local, the NC ski areas ranked:
1. Sugar
2. Cataloochee
3. Beech
4. App Ski
5. Wolf Ridge
6. Sapphire
They're nothing like Colorado but we still love them!
Cataloochee night riding is a vibe
I’m from Bristol, Tn, haven’t been skiing probably in 25 years, 😆. I definitely want to again. I used to ski at Beech, Sugar, App, and Hawksnest. Which would you suggest I go to? In my mid 40’s now, and don’t want to kill myself, lol.
@@michellebardinelli9904 Hey Michelle! What's your skill level? If you're an intermediate or above, I'd say Sugar is the place to go just because they have the most variety of higher-level runs. Beech just has really short, straightforward runs so unless you're a beginner or you like terrain parks, you might get bored there, plus the lines tend to get really long. App is super small and made for people who like terrain parks, and Hawksnest doesn't do skiing anymore, just tubing and zip lining. Hope this helps!
sugar is where I learned to board being from Georgia. In the last 5 years they have not 1 time opened that terrain park that I can remember.
Beech and appski are definitely more tailored to boarders, their parks are much better appski being like 80% park. Sugar is really only fun for bombing night ice runs and goin fast.
The gold Gondola 😂😂😂
Will you ever come over the pond and hit some resorts in Europe ? be interested to see what you think and compare Europe to US
If you are in jersey, check out mountain creek. Awesome park good conditions 2 hours from Long Island
You should go to Snowshoe WV!
It's been over 20 years since I went to Sugar. I liked Sugar but the lift lines were long when I went. Not sure if they have more lifts now. You should check out Cataloochee if you haven't already. It's my go to. They have great snow making there and lift lines seem to move pretty well. I also like the relaxed sleepy town of Maggie Valley.
the one time i went the lift was so slow the crowd didnt really matter to me
@@devv__VFX I think the thing that makes Sugar more popular is they have more lodging closer to the slopes. Cataloochee doesn't really have anything near it. When skiing in the southeast you have to take it for what it is.
Western NC is the best on the east coast.....hands down.
yep i timed it and it was 16 minute i think from bottom to top.... think about that lol @@devv__VFX
Here is a comment for the algorithm - Dude who had the fanny at App Ski lol
Snowshoe WV!! January 5-9!! February 12-17th!! Let’s go!!
Carolina boy, love sugar and beech
Honestly, Sugar is nice and has long-ish runs, but I've had the most fun in NC by night riding at Cataloochee. It's such a cool vibe there. Can't wait for you to visit!!
I would love to see you go to my home mountain cataloochie not huge but enough space to have a great time
Going to every resort, wow! Thats ambitious and cool!
Anglefire in NM and Taos are super sweet! Can't wait to see your videos when you do those.
This season!
@@JohnathanBuckhouse kickass! I will get in about 40 days at AF and Taos this year....hopefully I see ya bro. Great stuff you are putting out and thanks for all the tips
when you gonna review the Florida ski resort ? ;p
Once it’s made 😂
My hometown resort! Love to see it🤙
Heck yeah!
Former employee during the first season with the detachable chairlift (2015-2016 if I remember correctly. Someone can find out if they want). But, yes I can confirm. Gunther, the owner, had my supervisors put the gondola on during his ski race nights and first tracks after grooming when I was there. The governor of NC at the time also rode in it on the lift's opening day when they showcased it, and it drug on the unloading ramp...oops. I saved my lift ticket that they gave out for free rides that day, wish I could upload my pictures for you from it all. It was a neat day to get a high speed lift like it in North Carolina! I'm sure they are old news to the European, western US, and Whistler skiers and riders.
Lol! The ‘building’ is SugarTop Condos - great place to stay!
So, Beech or Sugar? What's your pick?
The locals call the big ugly ass hotel at the top 'the Citadel'. It was so contentious, they passed ordinances/laws forbidding anyone from building something like that again. Really, it is detested by the locals.
I bet!!!
Yeah its a shitty eyesore
Ha! The golden gondola is ridiculous
Right 😂
Yeaaaaaa Ima say noooo on Beech getting a higher score than Sugar, Ima need to see some work on that one lol
It’s all on the score system which isn’t a perfect system. Sugar not having a park hurt their score.
I appreciate & enjoy your videos! This was just a shocker for me personally haha
views+park+staff netted beech an entire 15 pts higher
41/56.
Sugar’s runs could definitely weigh a lot heavier on the scale. If we were comparing apples to apples & Beech didn’t have a park, I’d say Beech would be down to somewhere around a 35-38.
I just don’t see myself walking up to the average North Carolinian & them claiming Beech is better than Sugar 😅😂
Understand the scale though
Thanks for your awesome videos!
This is a popular topic amongst the NC community, I would say most skiiers/casuals/familys prefer sugar, and most snowboarders/more hardcore skiiers/boarders etc generally prefer Beech. @@matthewgarcia9502
Hey John, thanks for the stickers! The gold looks sick.
Might hit up sugar for the first time this weekend
Went to sugar last season. It was sick. Looking forward to going back this year.
Aye NORTH CAROLINA . I live in Utah now but I love NC resorts
You can fly in to Asheville Regional Airport through a lot of locations now as well.
Nice!!
Going from Florida. Thank u for ur videos
I love when you review different parks.
Im from the North East, and now live in the south. Last year we skied at Snowshoe in WV because it is the "largest ski destination" in the south. We found it be basically not worth the trip. The lines were long, the snow was 95% man made, the 40ish something runs were really like 9 or 10 with too many named cut offs. Londging was so far away and its in the middle of nowhere.
We are considering a NC trip this year but im concerned about the lack of snow and terrain. I'm not a skier that needs large mtn only. Some of my favorites are independent, 200 to 400 acres spots. But like 6 real runs just doesnt seem worth the travel expense and lift prices.
We are experienced skiers, and have skied everything from Waterville Valley, NH to Vail, Breck, Powder Mtn.
Thoughts on if this is going to be a huge disappointment ?
I know what you mean about Snowshoe. It was the closest to western skiing I'd experienced since leaving WA state, but restaurants and lodging were ridiculously overpriced. The cheapest accommodations had been torn down, including a $50 a night hostel with a kitchenette.
It was a 5 hour drive from Charlotte, and there was absolutely nothing from I-64 to the front entrance. I wouldn't be surprised if there are "zoning" issues to keep the competition (eg Comfort Suites or Denney's) out. At least WinterPlace is right off I-77 with food and lodging within a few miles.
i love beach mountain you gotta check out the tree runs mid January when it snows out here
The owner of Sugar is a ski "purist" and isn't into park and not a big fan of snowboarding. All the park kids ride at Beech. (Edit: just saw the park about it being more of a skier mountain and that is the perfect way to describe the vibe of Sugar)
Heck yeah man!
Man, loving your videos!
We are from Florida and we’ve only been to east coast resorts….
Well/ resort…… lol
We go to snowshoe in West Virginia.
I don’t understand the problem with buildings on the mountain?
I guess if you’re a west coast skier/boarder then buildings at the top is weird?
Anyway! Dude your awesome! Keep posting. Because of you we will go to Colorado next year…
Heck yeah I love to hear it man! Stoked you enjoy the videos and the buildings are just an eye soar. You would never see that in CO
@@JohnathanBuckhouse
Because of your videos, (and talking it other skiers) We’ll be coming to CO next year
Is there a way to know where your going this year?
These sound affects are a lot louder than the speaking. Lol every time there is a sound effect my ears are getting busted
Would you recommend Appalachian ski mtn or sugar mtn
I miss snowboarding so much
Can you recommend some kid girl boots or are kids boots one size same for girls and boys
Johnathan is never letting keystone employees live down “yOu cAnT BoMB doWn ScHoOL MaRm”
I always stay at Cataloochee or Beech it’s rough out here on the ice coast. Snowshoe trip once a year.
Sounds like a sick time
Ive been going here since I was eight, as far as the terrain park goes, its hardly ever open its been like that for a long time and i dont know why. Also if the map doesnt match up with exactlly was there, its because its very old. Theyve had the same one for abt 10-ish years
Any recent runs lately that you went on? I’m planning on going
@@rayramos9439 depending on your skill level i would recommend “easy street” for green, “big birch” for blue, “tom terrific” for black, and (even tho there’s only one) “whoopdedoo” for double black
What board did you ride?
My own custom snowboard
@@JohnathanBuckhouse 🤣
hi i just watched your appalachian, beech, and sugar video. As a first time skii family of 5 with various aged kids, im getting the idea that beech would be the best beginner option? do you agree?
Sugar is better for a beginner.
Great military discounts too
Can u try your best to ride bridger bowl in Montana. It’s the best mountain round
Love this…
Beech or Sugar for a Floridian novice/intermediate snowboarder?
Beech 🤘🏼
when was this filmed
Asheville is the closest city. JC kinda sucks. Asheville has a dope food scene and is centrally located to all of NC ski areas.
I feel like you ranked these really low, you said great things about lifts and then give it a 3 ?
Don't forget all the resorts in Alaska. Of which you'll need to make a military friend as at least two of them are on military bases.
So ur telling me they made that much snow already
Family of five planning on going. How much would the budget be? I seen online to rent snowboard it's a 400$ deposit.
Try to go mid week...if your group is mostly beginners you wil hate the week-end and the extra cost...let the kids ditch school....you will thank me later..
Love the resort reviews, keep em coming
Stoked you like them 🙌🏼
Yesir you should go to pine knob Michigan they have a fun park
I think we are this year
Love your reviews! Your mic needs to be much much louder though
It’s a six not four
Are you gonna ride at ober?
Awesome review but the audio balancing in this video is all over the place.
What’s the song name?
Anyone know where I can get boots and bindings for cheap
Should do a review on App State next time you go to NC
Si si
Easy to find a place to stay overnight = 5 ? I would give it an 8 if it’s that easy
You should try snowstar in Illinois it's not huge but it's fun
We will!
If you’re coming to cali this year you should come board sugar bowl
That would be sick
@@JohnathanBuckhouse hell ya let’s run it💪🏼
They have 3 hi-speed
I really don’t think you need to explain why you do employee vs snow conditions in every single resort review
yeah agreed!
70% of people that watch my videos are new viewers 🤘🏼
@@JohnathanBuckhouse gottem! So subscribe!!!!!
Gotta check out seven springs in pa this yr. Best terrain park on the east
I think we are 🙌🏼
Ik I’ve said this many times but you should come to “lonesome pine trails” in fort Kent Maine this year and while you up there you’ve got Big Rock ski resort in Mars Hill too
Why would he go there when there’s sugarloaf, Sunday river, saddleback, Shawnee and black mountain.
@@parker5323 cause why not he can start up north and then he could go to sugarloaf after
@@parker5323 plus lonesome is right next to Canada so when your at the top you see Canada and the valley river between the 2 borders
@@farmingking4670 Cause it’s a small random hill
@@parker5323 lol Ik but that doesn’t mean he can’t go visit it, he’s already gone to the smallest resort in the US so why not come to lonesome
Sugar sadly never runs a park but beech and app basically make up for it because their parks are sick
They are super sick
First resort I ever rode at
Also about the hotel at the top of the mountain. Every local hates it. No idea why they would do that (except for $$$ obviously)
the owner has a custom gondola?! Thats sooo funny lmao
Right lol 😂
I live here and that bigass building on top is awful. so awful that they wrote a law outlawing anything else ever being built up there.
The owner is from austria and hates snowboarders.
Are you going to review Tyrol Basin in Wisconsin?
You know it!