Alabama Ski Area Opens for First Time in Five Years

Originally posted on SNOWBOARDER | By Josh Sullivan | Last updated Jan 14, 2025 6:12 AM ET

Alabama’s only ski area has opened for the first time in five years, thanks to a storm that has swept across the southeast.

Snow hit everywhere in the south from Durham, North Carolina to Atlanta, Georgia, and several places in between last weekend. Cloudmont Ski Resort took advantage of that, coupled with the cold temperatures, and opened for the season.

“We are overwhelmed with the support of ski fans and passionate and willing volunteers are working so hard to re-open for this weekend,” Austin Jones told the Chattanoogan. “The amount of people coming together to realize this opening from a grass-roots perspective just proves the strong community element we've always valued. It's what Cloudmont was always about, showing people a good time and bringing folks together.”

Lift tickets and rentals could be purchased with cash, but Venmo is preferred.

Cloudmont is 1,800 feet above sea level, and has a total of 150 feet of vertical drop. Snowmaking machines were up and running as of January 11, 2025.

“Daybreak snow making,” a Facebook post said. “Ski Bama, y’all.”

The ski area is entirely run by volunteers.

“I had a lot more fun than I thought I would,” said Heather Roy, who drove there to take advantage of the nearest skiing. “I really only did it for the plot, but ended up enjoying getting to meet the people and just seeing a totally different side of the ski community. Glad I made the four hour drive.”

Though Cloudmont hasn’t opened in the last few years, it is next to a well-known area for buying ski and snowboard gear.

Unclaimed Baggage, an online shop that sells whatever goods people leave behind on flights, hosts its annual ski sale just down the road every year at its Scottsboro, Alabama store. Each year, it sells gear from Patagonia, Arc’teryx, Moncler, Marmot, and REI at a heavily discounted price.

This article first appeared on SNOWBOARDER and was syndicated with permission.

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