My First-Time Snowboarding Ever Was In Maggie Valley, North Carolina: And I Didn’t Break A Bone
A beginner’s guide to snowboarding in Maggie Valley, North Carolina.
As someone who thought the only slopes I’d ever encounter were geometry in high school, snowboarding for someone who grew up in Florida seemed quite far-fetched.
But when my partner suggested a winter weekend escape to Maggie Valley, North Carolina, for a birthday trip, I decided to take the plunge—or more accurately, the tumble—into the world of snowboarding.
Spoiler alert: I survived, intact and smiling.
There aren’t too many skiing and snowboarding opportunities in the South, so we had to venture a bit north to reach areas where snow could stick around.
Enter Maggie Valley in North Carolina. With charm, incredible views, and even a truly scenic route to the top, this ski slope was everything I could have hoped for for the first time. Our destination was Cataloochee Ski Area, a beloved spot for snow enthusiasts of all levels.
It’s conveniently located and equipped with everything a first-timer could need, including rentals, beginner-friendly slopes, and an abundance of patient instructors.