Blowing Rock in Watauga County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Ski Industry

— Blowing Rock History Walk —

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 24, 2023

1. Ski Industry Marker

Inscription. The winter of 1962 was momentous for our town because we had strange snow. This snow was different from any we had ever seen before. Visionary Bill Thalheimer, the founder of Blowing Rock Ski Lodge (today's Appalachian Ski Mtn.) created machine made snow. With the opening of our first ski area, Blowing Rock was transformed from a popular summer resort into a year-round tourist mecca. Shops, motels, and restaurants, which had previously closed for the winter months, were now presented with a rare commodity – the winter tourist! This new status as a winter sports destination encouraged businesses to operate year-round.

Thalheimer chose Blowing Rock not only for its climate and natural snowfall, but because of its popularity as a summer resort. He knew that the combination of scenic beauty and the allure of a great new sport would draw thousands to Blowing Rock. Thalheimer was involved in every aspect of the project, from designing the slopes to building ski racks, even though he himself had never been on skis!

The two-story Swiss style ski lodge, designed by local builder Lloyd Robbins, could accommodate 500 in the dining room. Thousands learned to ski those first years at the Blowing Rock Ski Lodge.

Caption: Making snow

Erected by Blowing

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

Rock Historical Society • Blowing Rock Village Foundation • Town of Blowing Rock.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1962.

Location. 36° 8.053′ N, 81° 40.863′ W. Marker is in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, in Watauga County. Marker can be reached from Lakeside Drive, 0.1 miles south of Clark Street. Marker is in Broyhill Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 173 Lakeside Dr, Blowing Rock NC 28605, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Medical Care (a few steps from this marker); Philanthropy (a few steps from this marker); Tourism (within shouting distance of this marker); Chetola (within shouting distance of this marker); The Blue Ridge Parkway (within shouting distance of this marker); Religious Heritage (within shouting distance of this marker); Early Education (within shouting distance of this marker); American Legion Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Blowing Rock.

Also see . . . Backstory: Ski Industry (PDF). Bill Thalheimer founded the Blowing Rock Ski Lodge (now known as Appalachian Ski Mountain) in 1962. The ski resort was the very first in the Blowing Rock area and

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 24, 2023

2. Ski Industry Marker

only the second in the whole of North Carolina (Cataloochee Ski Area of Maggie Valley opened just a year prior). (Blowing Rock Historical Society) (Submitted on July 23, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Credits. This page was last revised on July 24, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 22, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 56 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 22, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.