Renovations, Upgrades and Complimentary Lessons this Winter at BMR

Press Release
by Craig Distl

A summer of improvements has set the stage for a winter of top-notch skiing and snowboarding at Beech Mountain Resort.

 

The resort continued its recent trend with summertime upgrades both on and off the slopes. On the slopes, a half dozen SMI Super PoleCat snow guns have been added, bringing to 46 the resort’s total of these high-tech guns. The PoleCats – along with dozens of smaller guns – provide the resort with the best snowmaking capability in its 47-year history.

 

Also on the slopes, the lighting system for night skiing has been upgraded, while an aging J-bar beginner lift has been replaced by a new Magic Carpet conveyor lift.

 

“The new lift is a big-ticket item for beginners, who will really notice the improvement,” said resort general manager Ryan Costin.

 

Off the slopes, the resort continued to focus on amenities by completely renovating the View Haus cafeteria, adding a Burton Learn-to-Ride Center for snowboarders, partnering with Rossignol on a new fleet of ski rental equipment, and expanding teaching programs across the board for skiing and snowboarding.  

The View Haus, a focal point with its Bavarian turret, received an interior redesign with a mountain lodge decor. The project replaced all carpet, tables, chairs and railings; added state-of-the-art lighting; plus renovated bathrooms with automated fixtures.

 

The Burton Learn-to-Ride Center in the ski village offers expert half-day and full-day snowboard lessons for juniors and adults, a first for the resort. The center also allows boarders to upgrade their rentals to the latest technology available. 

 

For skiers, the Rossignol Experience Center is stocked with a brand new fleet of skis, poles, boots and bindings.

 

“Anytime you have new equipment, it’s not only a good feeling for customers, but also for our staff because they are proud of it,” Costin said. “It’s definitely a huge improvement.”

 

As a bonus this winter, complimentary lessons will be given to everyone age eight and older who rents ski or snowboard equipment Monday through Thursday, excluding holiday periods.

 

“People are seeing that we’re truly invested in making this one of the top ski resorts in the Southeast,” Costin said. “ All these upgrades are steps in that direction.”

 

For more info, visit: www.beechmountainresort.com, or call (800) 438-2093.

Collegiate Mountain Biking Nationals Come to Beech Oct. 24-26

Press Release

by Craig Distl

The nation’s top college mountain bikers will converge on Beech Mountain Oct. 24-26 for USA Cycling’s Collegiate Mountain Bike National Championships.

 

This is the second straight year Beech Mountain has hosted the championships, which feature more than 70 schools and 300 riders battling for national titles in six disciplines.

 

Fort Lewis College of Colorado returns as defending team champion in Division I and Brevard College returns as defending champion in Division II. Local teams expected to contend in Division I are Lees-McRae College and Appalachian State.

 

“It’s a great opportunity for fans who enjoy competition, who enjoy cycling, to watch some of the best riders compete in mountain biking,” said Lees-McRae head coach Tim Hall, whose team finished third a year ago. “It’s not like any other race during the year. You’ve got the best riders and the best teams going for the most coveted prize.”

 

Holding the championships two straight years is quite an honor for Beech Mountain. The town and the ski resort have invested significantly in their mountain biking trail systems in recent years, giving the area two quality mountain bike parks.

 

“It’s our intention to be among the best mountain biking destination on the East Coast, and getting selected to host the collegiate national championships is a good indication of how far we’ve come,” said Talia Freeman, event coordinator for Beech Mountain Resort. “It allows us to showcase the beauty and incredible terrain Beech Mountain has to offer.”

 

Reams will begin arriving in Beech Mountain during the week, with open practices and a riders meeting on Thursday, Oct. 23.

 

The first races will be held between 8:00-11:00 a.m. Friday morning. Saturday’s races take place between 8:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., while Sunday’s races begin at 11:00 a.m. and last until early afternoon. All races are free and open to the public.

 

“This is a very exciting event to watch, and one of the most fun events I’ve ever produced,” Freeman said. “ It is family-friendly and spectator-friendly.”

 

For details and race schedules, visit: www.usacycling.org/2014/collegiate-mtb-nationals.

 

Lodging and other visitor info is available by calling (800) 468-5506.

Beech Mountain's Thirty-Third Annual Crafts on the Green

Reprinted by permission from Fred Pfohl, Fred's General Mercantile

On Saturday, August 2^nd, Beech Mountain will be the site of the 33^rd Annual Crafts on the Green,  a gathering of approximately 70 craftspeople  with a variety of items ranging from fine jewelry, wood turnings, photography, paintings, bird houses, metal works, pottery, clothing and much more -  from country to contemporary.  This show is a highlight of the mountain’s summer events.

The selection of those who show their offerings is varied and a true display of  many talented folks coming together.  In addition to an abundance of crafts and art, there will be storytelling, live music, and good food.

What began thirty three years ago when five Beech Mountain craftsmen gathered on a summer Saturday to display and share their crafts with their neighbors, Crafts on the Green has grown to include many of the area’s finest craftspeople.  As in the beginning, Beech Mountain folks will be joined by others from Watauga and Avery Counties, Banner Elk, Boone, Todd, Newland, Sugar Grove and other surrounding towns.

Some featured artists this year are Shelley and Bud Swann who are celebrating their 25^th show with us with their beautiful metal work; new this year, Mike Luppino with his Intarsia art, a form of wood inlaying; Ann Lynch with her nature inspired stoneware and Debbie Hagstrom with some amazing fused glass. 

Crafts on the Green will take place Saturday, August 2^nd   from 9 am until 4 pm on the top of Beech Mountain, next to Fred’s General Mercantile. We are pleased to announce that returning this year will be Linda Spitzer, a professional storyteller and crowd favorite with a Master’s in storytelling and many years of experience.  Linda will be weaving tales for early arrivals to the show.  Music will be provided by Diana and Sarvis Ridge with a kid’s magic show by Rick Ramseur, so get a scoop of homemade ice cream or kettle corn, a grilled hot dog  and  a glass of freshly squeezed lemonade and enjoy a picturesque setting that makes this show one of the most popular craft events in the High Country.  Admission is free.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience a wonderful day on Beech Mountain where the average summertime high is in the low 70’s.

For additional information please call 828-387-4838. (Ask for Bernie Knepka)

Real Estate At Historically Low Prices - Beech Mountain For Sale

Now is the time to find your special place on Beech Mountain.  Whether it is a home, condo, townhouse, lot or commercial space, there is no other place cooler than Beech Mountain.

With summer temperatures that rarely get to 80*, hiking, biking, disc golf, outdoor concerts, dining on pizza to steak and the opportunity to join a private golf/tennis/fitness/dining club, there is something for everyone on Beech Mountain.

Winter brings a newness to Beech Mountain.  The Beech Mountain Resort offers skiing, snowboarding, ice skating and a resident brewery.  The air gets so clear you can see 3-4 states from many areas on the mountain and fireplaces come to life while those gathered around them watch snowflakes fall.

Many streams, creeks and lakes are scattered across Beech Mountain with hiking trails along the banks and rhododendron blooming in July.  Stocked lakes provide a variety of fish to be caught ... free for those under 16 and a small license fee for others.

For More Information, Please Contact

SUPERLATIVE REALTY SERVICES

(828) 387-3822

402-B Beech Mountain Parkway

Beech Mountain, NC 28604

on the right side of the Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria

ask for Debbie or Andi, Brokers/REALTORs

Another Chance for Yard Sale

YOU'RE   INVITED  TO  MY  ESTATE    SALE

ON  JULY  5th    SATURDAY   FROM   9 TO  NOON 

605  Pine  Ridge   road

Hope to  see  you  there.       50 %  off   discounted prices.

Suzanne Svejcar

In House Moving Sale

605   PINE  RIDGE  ROAD

Beech Mountain

Near second entrance to Beech Mountain Club golf pro shop and dining room.

Friday, June 20 and Saturday, June  21

from  9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Lots  of great  stuff  at  discount  $$

In fact, buy the house while you're there!

For more information on the sale of the house, please contact

Debbie Canady, Broker/Realtor

Superlative Realty Services

(828) 387-6357

Beech Mountain Resort offers new adventures for Summer 2014

Press Release

Beech Mountain Resort

Beech Mountain Resort releases information on Summer 2014; 

Opening Day Friday, June 6th

Beech Mountain Resort will be open every Friday through Sunday this summer and early fall, beginning June 6 and running through Oct. 19.

This year, Beech Mountain Resort is offering several new features unique to the area, including revamped downhill mountain biking trails, a newly renovated brewery, mountain biking lessons, 18 holes of disc golf, and a sky bar, with observation deck, open to the public at the top of the chairlift.

New & Unique Activities

·       Eighteen-hole Disc Golf Course - The region’s first chairlift-accessed disc golf course hosts multiple tee locations accommodating all skill levels. Expect unique tee locations, Innova Dispatcher Pro Targets, and a picture-perfect “Signature” Hole from this professional level course.  Walk the course for free, or use the lift to better access some of the upper holes. Learn more here.

·       Magic Cycles re-opening – Based out of Boone, NC, and in its 21st year of operation, Magic Cycles returns to Beech Mountain Resort this summer, offering biking products, Santa Cruz, Giant Downhill, and Trail Bikes for rent, and service and repair work.

·       Beech Mountain Brewing Co. renovated – The newest craft brewery in Western North Carolina just got better. Enjoy a flight tasting, and several distinct ales brewed onsite in Alpine Village. Find out more here.

·       5,506’ SkyBar – Take a scenic lift ride to the top of the mountain to find 5,506’ – a newly-constructed facility, hosting panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains in a cozy, glass roundhouse. Unwind with food, drinks, snacks and the best view in the high country.  Need to relax just a little bit more? Join us for a yoga class and a beer on the SkyBar Deck – details pending. Find pictures of 5,506’ SkyBar here.

Other Amenities

·       Scenic lift rides – Take in the stunning view of the highest ski area in eastern America with the whole family. Purchase a single lift ride for only $10 or an all day pass for $30.  12 and under tickets are $7 and 4 and under ride FREE with a paid adult.  Find out more here.

·       Mountain biking – Newly updated trails cover a wide range of skill levels, challenging riders from novice to pro. Lessons and guided rides available.  Season passes will be on sale for $200 and can be purchased in Ski Beech Sports during operational hours. All day lift passes are $30.  Review our Scenic Lift Rides. page for chair lift rules and regulations.

If you’re looking for a relaxing time with friends and family over a great meal and a good drink or a challenging ride or game, Beech Mountain Resort has exactly what you’re looking for, all encompassed by the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains.

For more information, please visit www.beechmountainresort.com or call 1 800 438 2093. 

JUNE RACE WEEKEND PROVIDES FIVE RUNS FOR ENTIRE FAMILY

Press Release by Craig Distl

Eastern America’s highest town announces five options for runners during this year’s “A Cool 5” race weekend, June 20-22.

The event has grown from a single race in 2006 into a multi-race format contested over two days. There’s a competition for every fitness level and every member of the family.

The bulk of racing takes place Saturday morning, June 21, with a 5-mile run; 1.5-mile fun run/walk; and a pet-friendly 1.5-mile walk & wag. All three begin at town hall at 8:30 a.m.

“We’re returning to the original course for the challenging 5-mile run, which is known for its views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, ascent to the mountaintop, and fast downhill finish,” said Rory Ellington of the event committee. “The fun run/walk has moderate elevation changes with many locations for spectators to cheer and encourage all racers.”

Meanwhile, the walk & wag features runners of the four-legged variety on a route that circles the town’s Bark Park and includes stations with doggy water and treats.

“On pet-friendly Beech Mountain, we even have a race for ‘man’s best friend,’ ” said town manager Randy Feierabend, “followed by a canine cool down at the Bark Park.”

Kids and other family members are encouraged to participate in two running events Friday afternoon, June 20. The first is the Kids’ Cool Popsicle Relay, which takes place at 4:00 p.m. on the athletic fields at the Buckeye Recreation Center. The free Popsicle relay offers competition in different age groups. Also Friday afternoon is the “Buck-A-Thon” fundraiser in which runners collect dollars for each lap they complete on the Buckeye Rec Center walking track.

Course-side lodging specials are available, along with multiple pre/post-race activities. Other on-mountain activities take place as part of Beech Mountain’s June Family Fun Month.

Adult registration for the 5-mile run is $35 through June 20, and $40 race day. Youth registration (12 and under) is $10 through June 20, and $15 race day. Entry fees for the fun run/walk and the walk & wag have similar pricing and structure.

Complete details and online registration are available at www.acool5race.com. Details are also available by calling (828) 387-3003.

Skiing to Continue Well into March at Beech Mountain Resort

Press Release by Craig Distl

Spring skiing is on tap in the North Carolina mountains as Beech Mountain Resort has announced plans to ski well into the month of March.

Thanks to significant February snows and increased production from its upgraded snow making equipment, the resort enters March with a surplus of powder on the slopes.

"We still have a lot of snow right now. This is probably the most snow we've had at this time of the year in a very long time," said Talia Freeman, the resort's marketing director. "I feel confident in the product that is on the hill and we're going to stay open as long as we can."

For skiers and snowboarders, there are definite advantages to hitting the slopes in March. Those advantages include: moderate temperatures, extended daylight hours, and shorter lift lines.

Additionally, the ski resort has switched to weekday pricing seven days a week, resulting in a savings of 43 percent on weekend lift tickets. Furthermore, midweek stay-and-ski discount packages are now available on weekends.

For info on March on skiing and snowboarding at Beech Mountain Resort, visit:www.beechmountainresort.com or call (800) 438-2093.

NC's Most Famous Groundhog Hails from Beech Mountain

Press Release by Craig Distl


He's the Clark Kent of groundhogs - a mild-mannered mammal who leaves a humble mountain life each February to become a rock star in Raleigh.

In the state capital he transforms into the alter ego of Sir Walter Wally, a royal rodent with a prognostication track record superior to Punxsutawney Phil and one of the "Top 11 Groundhogs to Watch" as deemed by The Weather Channel.

But away from the limelight, this furry forecaster is simply Gunther, an adult groundhog rescued by Genesis Wildlife Sanctuary after an encounter with a vehicle. He spends 364 days a year on Beech Mountain under the careful watch of wildlife specialist Denise Shadduck.

Sir Walter Wally, a/k/a Gunther, with last year's 

master of ceremonies, Mark Johnson

"Yes, we do have a famous resident right here on Beech Mountain," Shadduck says. "He can't be released into the wild because he would not survive, however he does survive very well in captivity. His name is Gunther, but he's better known as Sir Walter Wally on Groundhog Day."

The partnership between Genesis Wildlife and the NC Museum of Natural Sciences began in 1998. Groundhogs were scarce in the flatlands back then and the museum needed a star for its newly-formed Groundhog Day celebration.

The alliance has been a win-win. Genesis Wildlife receives publicity and is able to educate the crowds in Raleigh about the only mammal in North Carolina who truly hibernates (NC bears go to sleep, but do not fully hibernate). Meanwhile, the folks at the science museum have a real live headliner for a popular event that drew more than 8,000 people last year.

"It's a great relationship," says Miranda Wood, the museum's education specialist. "Denise is wonderful, and their groundhogs are always friendly and easy to work with. The public gets really excited to be able to meet Sir Walter Wally and take a picture with him."

Since 1998, according to the museum, Sir Walter Wally has been 50 percent accurate in predicting the weather for the final six weeks of winter. During that same period, the museum says, Pennsylvania's famed Punxsutawney Phil has been right 31 percent of the time.

It's quite heady stuff for a mammal who spends most of the year in anonymity, but this merry meteorologist takes it all in stride.

"He is a little rock star, but he doesn't let pride take over," Shadduck says. "He's a very humble hog."

This year's Groundhog Day celebration takes place Sunday, February 2nd, at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences. Festivities begin at noon and there's no charge for admission.

For information, call (919) 707-9800, or go to: www.NaturalSciences.org. For info about Genesis Wildlife Sanctuary, visit: www.Genesis-Wildlife.org.