Ski Beech Restores Oz Run & Debuts Second Terrain Park

October 31, 2009
Press Release by Craig Distl
Photo by Debbie Canady

The popular Oz run returns, while a second terrain park debuts this winter at Ski Beech at Beech Mountain Resort.

The Oz slope, named for its proximity to the old Land of Oz theme park, was closed last season to upgrade the chairlift. New, padded quad chairs have taken the place of outdated double chairs, while Ski Beech officials also installed airless electrical snowmaking hookups along the run so the slope can be blown in within 24 hours.

"The reopening of the Oz run is great news for skiers," says Ryan Costin, the resort's director of operations. "It has nice intermediate terrain and opens up another side of the mountain. This will help disperse skiers during peak times."

Ski Beech's second terrain park will be unveiled this winter. The opening of the park was delayed a year because of lift problems. However, the lift is now fully functional and provides access to a multi-featured park with rails, boxes and jumps for intermediate to advanced freestyle riders. The park will have full-time staff to maintain the features and ensure safety.

Also new this year is a private locker room for season pass holders to store their skis and equipment, while snowmaking upgrades continued during the offseason.

"In the South, snowmaking is something you have to improve every year," Costin says. "We've upgraded our product and want people to come see the quality of skiing we now offer."

Ski Beech is scheduled to kick off its 2009-2010 season on Saturday, Nov. 21, weather permitting. Season passes are currently available for a discounted price of $350 through Nov. 1. The regular price of $550 goes into effect Nov. 2.

For resort information, call (800) 438-2093 or visit http://www.skibeech.com/.

No Place Like Beech Mountain for Autumn at Oz - This Weekend!!

September 29, 2009
Press Release by Craig Distl

There’s no place like Beech Mountain the first weekend of October as the old Land of Oz theme park comes to life for the Autumn at Oz celebration. This year’s 16th annual celebration takes place Oct. 3-4 and coincides with the 70th anniversary of the Wizard of Oz movie, released in 1939.

Over the years, Autumn at Oz has grown from a small reunion of former employees to a celebration that draws folks from near and far for a nostalgic stroll along the yellow brick road that was the centerpiece of the popular theme park during the 1970s.

“Each year, we probably see a thousand little Dorothys,” says event coordinator Cindy Keller. “They come in every assorted size, shape and color. It’s pretty much guaranteed to put a smile on your face.” However, children aren’t the only ones who flock to Beech Mountain’s 5,506-foot peak for the Oz festivities. “There are so many parents and grandparents who come back. Parents like the morals of the story and the lessons of having a heart, a brain and some courage,” Keller says. “It’s timeless. It is the American fairy tale.”

Autumn at Oz begins with a hayride or shuttle ride from the Town of Beech Mountain up to the enchanted forest. Once there, attendees are treated to live music, a tour of Dorothy’s House, a mini Oz museum, magic shows and face painting. The highlight for many is the panoramic view from the Judy Garland Memorial Overlook Gazebo and a leisurely stroll along the yellow brick road, which consists of 44,000 yellow bricks. A host of characters are on hand, including: Dorothy, Toto, Professor Marvel, Auntie Em, Uncle Henry, Glinda the Good Witch, Munchkins, the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion. The Wicked Witch of the West makes a visit with her Winkie guards and flying monkeys.

Vendors provide plenty of food, treats, souvenirs and Oz memorabilia, while scenic chairlift rides are available, weather permitting. Autumn at Oz hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Tickets are $15 per person and include discount coupons for nearby Grandfather Mountain and lodging specials on the mountain. For information, call (800) 468-5506 or visit http://www.beechmtn.com/.

September 6, 2009
Update on Kite Festival

I had the pleasure of riding the ski lift on the day of the Kite Festival to get a bird's eye view of not only the festival, but the bike and board races held at Ski Beech on Saturday and Sunday. What an absolutely gorgeous day to enjoy the mountains and these two events!

Approximately 1000 people attended the Kite Festival this year. There were several vendors and most have already asked about reserving for next year too.

The colors are always a pleasure to see and there were so many kites that we did not see last year. Can't wait until next year's event!

This little guy was attached to the big colorful dragonfly-looking kite. The big kite is so large that it needs its own stablizer kite attached above it.

As the end of the festival wound down, the kites were brought in but will reappear again in September next year.

August 25, 2009
Press Release by Craig Distl
Photography by Debbie Canady

Mile High Kite Festival – Fun Option for Labor Day Weekend

BEECH MOUNTAIN, N.C. –Looking for something different this Labor Day weekend? Go fly a kite. The seventh annual Mile High Kite Festival is a free event that takes place Sunday, Sept. 6, in the meadows at the top of Beech Mountain next to the Brick Oven Pizzeria. The festival allows children of all ages to fly a kite at an altitude one mile above sea level. It is sponsored by the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the Richmond Air Force kite club from Virginia and the Winds Across Carolina Club and Okra Society from Charlotte. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is no charge for admission and free kites are given to the first 200 children under 12. There will also be a vendor selling a variety of kites, and folks are welcome to bring their own. Contests will be held for biggest, smallest and best-decorated kites. All participants receive an official certificate from Beech Mountain mayor Rick Owen that proclaims: “I flew a kite a mile high at Beech Mountain.” Two members of the Richmond Air Force – Terry Murray and Will Smoot – serve as announcers for the festival, sharing their knowledge of kiting while playing kite-themed music throughout the day. “The neatest thing about the event is when people drive up the mountain and walk into the field,” says Calder Smoot, the event organizer. “There is just this blast of color with all these kites flying everywhere.” The field is divided into two areas: one for exhibitions/demonstrations from the kite clubs and one for the general public. Other activities include: children’s races while pulling bol kites, face painting, and a variety of craft vendors. Festivities for the Mile High Kite Festival weekend actually begin Saturday, Sept. 5, with a special clinic for kite makers from 2-4 p.m. Folks are encouraged to bring their homemade kites, and members of the kite clubs will be on-hand to discuss the intricacies of building kites. There will also be an all-ages street dance from 7-9 p.m. Saturday in front of town hall. For information, call (800) 468-5506 or visit http://www.beechmtn.com/