Sandy gives ski season a lift.

PositionWestern

Superstorm Sandy was a nasty trick for the East Coast, but what it brought to North Carolina's mountains was a treat for the ski industry. Almost a foot of natural snow and cold temperatures, aided by round-the-clock snowmaking, allowed Sugar Mountain Resort, near Banner Elk, to open on Halloween, the earliest start in its 43-year-history, and Cataloochee Ski Area, in Maggie Valley, to open in October for only the second time in 52 years.

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Sugar Mountain had one of its best opening-day crowds, marketing manager Kim Jochl says. "This could definitely be a record-breaking season if we can stay open." The resort opened Nov. 12 last season but dosed a couple of times that month as mild weather cut the season to 110 days, compared with a more typical 120 to 125. "From a financial standpoint, it was one of the worst seasons ever." With a cooler winter forecasted and a $250,000 investment in eight high-tech snow-making machines, Sugar Mountain is optimistic about this season.

More than 300 people showed up Oct. 31 to ski at Cataloochee, a record-setting opening. It typically opens a few slopes a week or two before Thanksgiving. Last season was its best ever, and the resort has posted attendance increases the past several years. General Manager Chris Bates attributes the trend to the $3 million...

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