North Carolina Ski Areas Association, Banner Elk, North Carolina – Friday, April 13, 2018 – In the mid-sixties Grady Moretz and a small band of brothers laid the foundation for what we now know as the North Carolina ski industry. With the birth of winter tourism, the sleepy, rural, North Carolina mountains region grew; businesses popped up, winter employment diversified, the standard of living improved, folks discovered the joys of the season, and snowy, cold vacations to the rugged North Carolina mountains sparked in popularity.
Mr. Moretz spent his life learning about, growing and improving the North Carolina ski industry. It all began when the Blowing Rock Ski Mtn. hovered near financial doom. Mr. Moretz and his wife, Reba stepped-in and turned the crumbling neighborhood gem into a sparkling diamond. The adorable couple renamed the resort Appalachian Ski Mtn.
Over the years the cozy, quaint, Bavarian-style ski area introduced hundreds-of-thousands of people to the sport of skiing and snowboarding. Their Southern hospitality and family charm warmed hearts and convinced many to plan a return trip. After all, where else can one still find an authentic home-cooked meal on a cafeteria-line or safely send kids unattended off to ski for the day?
The sociable yet indomitable man and his industry colleagues organized the North Carolina Ski Areas Association. For several years Mr. Moretz chaired the organization and helped create the 1981 North Carolina Skier Safety Act legislation. He presided over the Southeastern Ski Areas Association and represented the southeast region on the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) Board of Directors. In 2005, he received the NSAA Lifetime Achievement Award.
Grady Moretz, a North Carolina ski industry pioneer died on April 8, 2018 at the age of 88. We miss him.
To learn more about the North Carolina Ski Areas Association please browse this website.
Contact: Kimberley Jochl press@goskinc.com