NC Governor visits Appalachian Ski Mtn.

- North Carolina's six ski resorts generate a total annual economic impact of over $244 million and support nearly 2,000 full-time and seasonal jobs. The industry attracts more than 780,000 visitors each year. - During his visit on February 13, 2026, which also included stops at Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain resorts, Governor Stein emphasized that "Western North Carolina is open for business," highlighting the industry's role in the region's recovery from the 2024 Hurricane Helene. - The governor's tour coincided with the Winter Olympics in Italy, a strategic time to spotlight the state's own winter sports offerings and celebrate two Olympians and one Paralympian with North Carolina connections. - Visitor spending in Watauga County, home to Appalachian Ski Mtn., reached $517.51 million in 2023, a 3.2% increase from 2022 and ranking it 15th out of 100 counties in the state for tourism spending. - A 2022-23 study revealed that for every $100 a skier spends, an additional $65 is generated in the local economy through indirect effects. The average visitor stays for three nights and spends about $356 per trip. - The state's ski industry has seen significant growth, with total direct spending at ski areas reaching $148 million in the 2022-23 season. This represents a 47.8% increase in total economic value compared to the 2019-20 season. - To combat unpredictable winter weather and warming trends, North Carolina resorts have invested heavily in snowmaking technology, with some overhauling their entire systems to ensure reliable conditions. - Appalachian Ski Mtn.'s French-Swiss Ski College, which Governor Stein visited, has taught over one million people to ski since it was founded in 1962, underscoring the resort's long-standing role in developing new winter sports enthusiasts.