Fun Times at Cloudmont

By David Cummings

After a January snow, everyone in Mentone wondered when Cloudmont Ski Resort would open. Since the 70s, Cloudmont has been an occasional winter tradition that delights locals and visitors from other states who enjoy Alabama’s only ski resort.

First-timers are encouraged to take a lesson in basics and safety matters.

Facebook had rumors of a Friday opening. Then a Saturday 1 p.m. opening. At noon on Saturday, scores of folks started trickling in, dressed in all sorts of ski gear. There were new outfits, old ski clothes, blue jeans, and sweaters. Some folks brought their own ski gear, while others planned to rent the odd-lot assortment of skis and boots that this tiny operation had accumulated over the years.

Cindy Jones, the resort’s owner, had been making snow since Thursday night. It was a good base, but Friday’s snow made a difference. Evan Thibaud led a group of volunteers who had come to pitch in and run the day with no expectation of pay, just for the love of helping friends ski. The atmosphere was great.

(L to R) Haley, Hemree, Reece, and Andrew Graham of Chattanooga. Andrew and Haley are lifelong skiers.

The first skiers up the rope tow dealt with an icy crust over the “made” and “natural” snow. It was called “an icy mess” by experienced skiers, and “how stinking cool” by excited first timers. First-time skiers were expected to take a short lesson to the side of the main hill, with explanations of the “pizza and french fry” angles of skis used by beginners. On the main hill, seasoned skiers were schusshing down with parallel skis and relaxed form.

After an hour, the surface got better as the skiers crushed up the icy crust and mixed it up some. Parents of young children showed an almost religious zeal as they helped them learn.

At 4 p.m., the hill closed for two hours. The 6 p.m. night session would be a different mood under the lights of a cold winter night.

Interested observers noted a unique spirit of sharing and mutual enjoyment, and Mentone skiers rejoiced over this delightful local treasure.

Erin Irvin of Chattanooga helped daughter Veda on her first day on the mountain.

The rental shop was warm and busy. A varied selection of vintage equipment was available for rent.