witcher_k
Had a great time learning how to ski!!! The workers there was very nice and helpful!!!! Can't wait to go back next winter!!!!
JennieK_11
Cloudmont is the only place in Alabama you can ski. While most of the time the snow is manufactured, it does provide a great way to spend a day. Cloudmont is also much less expensive than larger resorts so it is a great place to learn to ski and to try out skiing for the first time without a huge investment.
761KathleenM
What a little gem tucked away on the road just past Desoto State park. No snow on the ground however snow makers stood ready to make snow at any time. Golfers where out and about.
Elttom
I made reservations several months in advance hoping that our kids would be able to ski for the first time. I was told they could not guarantee skiing conditions because some years it is cold enough in December and some years it is not. As it turned out we were not able to ski but really enjoyed our two day stay in the chalet at cloudmont. Janice was so kind to stay late at work and guide us in by phone since it was dark and tricky to find. They chalet was not fancy but clean and comfortable. We booked a horse trail ride there and the kids had a blast. There was plenty of room for the kids to play outside, explore and walk on trails. We look forward to visiting again when the conditions are right to make snow to ski.
missmollymae
Its not Snowshoe but its a good place for beginners to get their feet wet. Its about $50 to ski/board, that fee includes gear, lift pass, and basic instruction. Cloudmont has a lot of beginning skiers/snowboarders so its a welcoming environment and you won't need to feel bad about inexperience (like you might at a bigger resort). The staff for the most part was friendly. The ski instructors were wonderful and knew what they were doing. The ski gear is in decent condition for the most part. I do have a warning about the lift (and it isn't really Cloudmont's fault). It is a pulley system rather than a chair lift or a conveyor belt. Other ski lifts have these (usually to get up the bunny hill) but Cloudmont has them exclusively up their main hills (only one of which was open). I fell more times trying to get the hang of the pulley lift than I did on the snow. Plus the top 1/4 of the hill is rather steep and its tiring to go up multiple times in a row (several people would stop at the top to catch their breath after the ride up). It takes some upper body strength to get up (remember you are holding onto something pulling your entire body weight up a hill). Like I said it isn't Cloudmont's fault, the hill is too little for a chair lift and too steep and long for an conveyor belt. Its not awful once you get the hang of it (and there are some tricks that the ski lift operators can show you if they have the time) but I saw several people become frustrated. Other than that there was about a 10 minute wait for the lift, which did allow for a short rest but could be frustrating if you fell at the bottom of the hill and had to wait in the line again. Its not anything that ruined my day at all but something to be aware of. One complaint is that they adverted that they had 2 hills open (via a link that yo click on their website that is 'updated regularly'), that was not true unless they were counting the 20 feet run of the training area as a 'hill'. There was a lift (not operating) that went up to the top of what appeared to be another run but the top didn't have any snow on it. So that was a bit misleading. There is also no changing area other than the small bathroom. We also stood in the line to get our tickets and gear for over 30 minutes, it was extremely slow. One last thing is that they have limited sizes in very small and very large skis/boots/snowboard gear. So if you have little kids or big feet in your party you'll want to show up right at opening as they can't reserve the gear in advance (more information is on there website under 'ski conditions' instead of the rental info page oddly enough).The best things about the resort is that its close, relatively affordable, and geared to beginners. Most people were not experienced skiers so there is no need to feel bad about going to the ski class or falling on the slope. Plan for at lest 3-4 hours on the ski slopes to really get your feet wet. The one run might eventually get boring to those more experienced but it is decent for a day or a weekend trip.
georgeh531
I can't actually review the skiing conditions because they ran out of rental skis for children. The place opens at 9 am and we arrived at 10 am, after a 2 hour drive. We then waited in line for one hour to buy lift tickets. Once we finally got to the window, they told us they were out of children sizes. We had to leave with our 5 year old crying and asking why we couldn't ski. It wasn't just us, everyone else in line behind us had to leave too. I saw a lot of disappointed child (and some 12 year olds) leaving that place. It was very frustrating, they could have at least come out from and let everyone know that were out of child sizes. That just added insult to injury. Very unprofessional!!
HGPilot
I've been skiing all over the USA, and this place is certainly no substitute for 99.9% of those places. However, my wife, 8 year old son, and I went here this afternoon and had an absolute BLAST! We loved it - not because the skiing was world class, but because it was 45 minutes from our home, a beautiful day, very small crowds (sorry, Mr. Cloudmont owner - I know you probably like to see a packed house), friendly staff, and great conditions. I figured we'd stay for an hour or so - but we skied every single minute from 1 to 4 (the length of the session we purchased) and had an absolute blast. If you are within an hour-and-a-half of this place, YOU MUST COME! It's great.
Momand7
We just returned from a great weekend getaway to Cloudmont! The staff and facility are a great jewel hidden in North Alabama, and if you live in Alabama or the surrounding area, and would like a place to take your family for a first ski adventure, our family HIGHLY recommends Cloudmont! Our ski instructor was Paul, and he was truly gifted at both skiing and teaching. We stayed in the Chalet on-site, and while it is older and small, it was emacculate and an excellent value. This is an affordable weekend getaway, and our kids had a ball! If you're thinking about visiting, don't miss this place!
JayneJ797
My family visited Cloudmont while on a quick "try something you haven't experienced" break before Christmas. My three adult daughters and I took an hour long beginner ski lesson, included with our rental and lift fee, and then skied for another two hours during a Thursday night session. The conditions were perfect for us. No lift line (just a pull to the top), no crowd, not too cold, and a small enough hill that we never got in over our heads. The instructor, Joe, was easy to understand and corrected our mistakes individually. By the end of the night, we were feeling pretty confident. Some advanced skiers and snowboarders showed up and were fun to watch, but I would say that for the most part, this is a place that locals and southerners like us would use but is too small and weather dependent for serious skiers from outside the area. The staff was friendly and the night was inexpensive compared to other venues we could have chosen. All in all, a great time.
Dixielba
We have visited Cloudmont numerous times as a family. We take our kids and their friends at least once every year. It is affordable, the kids and adults love it, and it's great for some good laughs! Bring a lawn chair and a cooler with food and drinks!
sonnyvick
This place is about 45-50 minutes from my house in Flintstone, GA. (cloudmont would be about an hour from Chattanooga). In the winter when its cold enough You can find me here every Friday night. I love this place. If you have all your equipment a quick $20 bill gets you a 6-10 night session with about 10-15 people total on the slopes. What more could you want? I absolutely love cloudmont and the staff.
Kristiskloset
My son wanted to go skiing and for a family of five, that was quite a feat. So we bagan researching resorts closest to our home state of Louisiana. This one popped up and I thought I had read the search wrong! After reviewing the website, I couldn't believe everything the resort had to offer! I decided to call and recieved the warmest welcome. Upon arriving, our chalet was just darling and the area is just gorgeous. We went on horseback rides, visited Desoto Falls, toured Cathedral Caverns, and finally on our last day; we were granted the white slopes by the snow gods! When we left, we felt like family. Best bang for the buck. Can't wait to go back!
misscandy
My husband & I went to the ski resort to just watch the skiers.. The man made snow was being made and blown all over.. I fould it to be just beautiful and so romantic to stand under the little snow flakes that were falling.. also we went into the ski rental shop and there was a huge fire pit!! that was just so sweet for my husband and I to set around and just get warm.. I had an amazing time, even though I didnt ski.. sometimes it is the little things that count!!
JeanH425
Cloudmont Ski Resort is located in Mentone, Alabama. It has artifical snow most of the time. Many people go there to ski - it is so much closer than Gatlinburg.
BettyB237
It has been several years since I have been there,so I can't speak for now.But when I went it was awesome to see slopes that were man made!