This weekend, Governor Josh Stein and First Lady Anna Stein are visiting several ski resorts in North Carolina as the Winter Olympics take place in Italy. Their tour includes stops at Appalachian Ski Mountain’s French-Swiss Ski College, Beech Mountain Ski Resort, and Sugar Mountain Ski Resort. The governor’s visits highlight the importance of skiing to western North Carolina’s economy.
“Western North Carolina is open for business, and thousands of people are choosing our state as their vacation destination,” said Governor Josh Stein. “The ski industry is a key part of western North Carolina’s economy, supporting jobs and small businesses alike. I encourage everyone to rediscover the unforgettable mountains of North Carolina for your next vacation destination, no matter the season.”
Kimberley Jochl from the North Carolina Ski Area Association commented on the industry’s current status: “North Carolina’s ski industry has never been so vibrant, and the time has never been better to head over to the mountains for a winter escape. North Carolina’s leadership as the Winter Sports Capital of the South attracts hundreds of thousands each year, one-third being first-time skiers. With new perks and enhancements to the state’s resorts, we’re confident this winter season will be enjoyable for winter enthusiasts old and new.”
Wit Tuttell, Executive Director of Visit NC, added: “With the highest mountains, the biggest variety of activities and the best instruction for beginners, our ski areas have helped make North Carolina the winter sports capital of the South. Each year, it’s exciting to see the mountain landscapes extend their appeal with new developments on and off the slopes.”
Brad Moretz, President of Appalachian Ski Mountain, noted recovery after recent weather events: “We are pleased that Governor Stein is getting the word out that North Carolina Ski Resorts and our local supporting lodging and restaurant businesses are fully back on track following the 2024 Hurricane Helene event, and are currently enjoying a strong winter.”
Governor Stein also recognized athletes connected to North Carolina who are competing in Italy: Eunice Lee in speedskating, Mystique Ro in skeleton, Kayden Beasley in sled hockey, as well as five Olympians from the Carolina Hurricanes NHL team—Sebastian Aho (Finland), Frederik Anderson (Denmark), Nikolaj Ehlers (Denmark), Seth Jarvis (Canada), and Jaccob Slavin (United States).
For more than six decades, North Carolina has promoted itself as a center for winter sports in the region. The state offers six main ski resorts near Asheville and Boone: Sugar Mountain Resort; Beech Mountain Resort; Appalachian Ski Mountain in Blowing Rock; Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley; Hatley Pointe in Mars Hill; and Sapphire Valley Ski Area. Since its founding in 1962, Appalachian Ski Mountain’s French-Swiss Ski College has provided instruction to over 1 million individuals.
Each year, snow sports generate over $244 million for North Carolina’s economy while supporting close to 2,000 full-time and seasonal jobs across these resorts. Nearly half of more than 780,000 annual visitors come from outside North Carolina. In addition to direct spending at resorts, visitor activity contributes over $96 million indirectly each year.
North Carolina boasts some of the highest elevation skiing options east of the Mississippi River with peaks rising above 5,000 feet.
The Office of the Governor serves all residents throughout North Carolina by executing state laws as chief executive while leading policy initiatives such as tourism promotion. The office also directs budgets and chairs important councils within state government according to its official website https://governor.nc.gov/news/press-releases. Josh Stein is currently serving as governor—the state’s oldest public office dating back to 1776.
