Page 58 - Cityview Jan-Feb 2017

pLaYOUTDOORSBY MAGGIE ETHRIDGE56 JANUARY FEBRUARY 2017First TracksIF YOU WANT TO BE FIRST IN LINE WHEN THE SLOPES OPEN, PICK UP YOUR EQUIPMENT EARLY. Photo by Hobe BrunsonWE ARE FORTUNATE TO HAVEso many alpine skiingopportunities this far south, but let’s face it: not all of us appreciate the occasional long lines at the resort rental counters. Southern skiing is o en better earlier in the day; here are a few tips on beating the crowds.OBER-GATLINBURG“The ski resort is perfect for locals,” says Kate Bardio of Ober GatlinburgSki Resort. “Because we are a one stop shop, you can drop o your gear for servicing, rent or buy all the clothing and equipment you need.”Ober has a full service ski area witha tuning shop, and the resort has recently revamped two major stores: Ski Mountain Sports for hard goods suchas ski poles and bindings, and Flip Side for so apparel. The resort rents and sells high and low-end clothing and equipment at all prices.The resort also hosts the King of the Mountain competition in February,combining technical skiing and creativity to unleash the best skier on the mountain. Composed of two runs, the competition is free—but don’t forget your helmet.ALPINE SKI CENTER (KNOXVILLE)Alpine Ski Centers was voted one of the top 60 snow sports shops in North America by Ski Magazine. Renting is easy, with pick-up times at your convenience, sales and rentals of brand name snowboarding and skiing equipment. Their focus is on tailored customer service, which is why they don’t have internet sales. You are served best in store, where equipment is tailored to your needs, experience and budget.“We have a personal connection with all our customers and our community,” says Matt Davis, Alpine equipment manager for ve years. “We’re locally owned and operated so people can shop nearby. We don’t just sell the equipment, we stay in touch with our customers and personalize their experience, sometimes going with them and ensuring that theirequipment and apparel works for them.”CATALOOCHEE SKI RESORTCataloochee has everything you need in one area, from lessons toli tickets to rentals and equipment and outerwear. Looking to learn? Cataloochee Snowsports School is a member school of the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors, teaching basic mountain moves and advanced, new techniques in skiing and snowboarding. At HEAD Kids Adventure Center, kids ages 4-12 learn the fundamentals of skiing and snowboarding.Cataloochee Ski & Sports is locatedin Maggie Valley at the bottom of the mountain. Li tickets are available, and you can pick up everything you need the night before to be ready to hit the slopes the next day.Maggie Ethridge is a contributing writer to Cityview.