Middle aged former ski racer here, living in the skier's hi11 that is NC. For ski conditions, Sugar is the best in NC and one of the best in the SE. The main beginner run is segregated from the rest of the hill, so doesn't have reckless people using it as a highway to the lift. If the air is cold enough, they are making snow on the hill, which means the conditions are always the best in the area (but lots of blowing snow), and there's no skiing outside the area. There's usually no snow except right on the hill. However, and it's a big however, the customer service is the worst I've ever seen. It is cable tv and cell phone levels of bad. Lift tickets cannot be purchased except in person on site nor until the day, unless you come between 8 and 9pm. At 9:00:05, window is closed, even if there's 200 people in line. Kids lessons cannot be purchased except in person on site, from closing time until they sell out or until 6pm. Group tickets, just bizarre. They're a good deal but the headaches are painful. If you can afford the time, drive to Snowshoe or fly out west. If you can't, Sugar is your best NC choice but it's like they don't want customers.