Less than 40 minutes from the city of Asheville, tucked high in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a ski area formerly known as Wolf Ridge. This ski area features what many locals consider the best terrain in Western North Carolina. Since at least 2010, this quaint ski area has attempted to change hands multiple times, but this time it’s finally happening. And the new owners are bringing investment capital and an exciting vision for the ski area.
New Owners Bring Excitement
Back in March 2023, Wolf Ridge Ski Area, which had been owned by Orville English since 1992, was transferred to Deborah and David Hatley, owners of a forthcoming luxury wellness resort and spa known as Coffee Ridge. Their plan is to maintain the core of the resort and create a “boutique ski area.” To transition from what people have known as Wolf Ridge to what it’s about to become, they’ve rebranded it as “Hatley Point.”
What is a Boutique Ski Area?
In my mind, when I hear the word “boutique,” I think of boutique hotels, such as our favorite in Bend, Oregon—Campfire. It’s when you take an outdated, drab property and renovate it with new amenities while still embracing the existing architecture and community. Based on what they’ve posted on social media about their initial investments, that’s what it looks like. To make this vision happen, the Hatleys plan to invest well over $10 million in upgrades.
Real Transformation
Many projects talk a big game, but it often takes years to see real transformation. Wolf Ridge has faced two major issues over the years: inadequate snowmaking and poor infrastructure. In North Carolina, you can’t rely on natural snowfall, so maximizing snowmaking days is essential.
In the first phase of their plan, the Hatleys have already tackled both problems. They’ve rebuilt the lodge and introduced amenities like Neapolitan pizza at Peaks & Pies. Additionally, they’ve invested in a fleet of 45 DemacLenko automated snow guns to enhance conditions on the mountain.
Worth The Wait
Anyone that’s done construction knows that delays are common. Once you start gutting an older home, unexpected issues often arise—we experienced this firsthand with our own house. Last year, they aimed to open in mid-February, but problems with the pumphouse, mountain operations, and unseasonably warm weather forced them to cancel the opening for the 2023/24 season.
While it would have been great for them to open last year, it may turn out to be a blessing in disguise. If the goal is to provide the best possible experience, opening too soon could have been disastrous. Given all they have accomplished this summer, the new experience will be well worth the wait.
