That title might be a bit confusing. Alabama’s largest ski area? Is there even skiing in Alabama? It’s shocking, but the southern state is home to one small ski area, Cloudmont, with a vertical drop of around 150 feet and two runs serviced by rope tows. So while it’s small, it is the largest (and only) ski area in Alabama.
Unfortunately Cloudmont often has a bit of trouble opening up, relying solely on snowmaking to get things spinning. With limited snowmaking windows throughout the winter, the area often goes all winter without opening up. After five winters staying shuttered Cloudmont was able to kick things back on in 2025, and these three friends decided to hop on their bikes and ride from Chattanooga, TN, to Mentone, AL, to see what it was all about.
Cloudmont shared recently that while they have seen some snowmaking windows already in this November, they’ve got some work to do before things can really kick on. New snow guns are being prepped for the season ahead, and new rental equipment is being organized and prepared for the winter. If this winter weather continues, however, Cloudmont could crack open their rope tows in 2026.
