Skiing in Alabama? Cloudmont Ski Resort Offers Unique Adventure

Despite warm weather, the South's only ski resort provides a rare winter experience.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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After a 1,700-mile journey across the South, the author reached Mentone, Alabama, home to Cloudmont Ski and Golf Resort, the only ski resort in the state. Despite warm weather melting most of the snow, the author was able to take a short ski run on the remaining patch of white stuff, thanks to the help of the resort's snowmaker. Cloudmont has operated since 1971, relying on narrow windows of cold weather and a nearby pond for snowmaking to keep the dream of Southern skiing alive.

Why it matters

Cloudmont Ski Resort represents a unique and unlikely winter sports destination, providing a rare opportunity for skiing and snowboarding in the Deep South. The resort's perseverance in the face of challenging weather conditions highlights the passion of its owners and the local community's commitment to maintaining this one-of-a-kind attraction.

The details

The author drove up a winding road to the remote resort, located on Lookout Mountain. After connecting with the resort's snowmaker, Michael Hawkins, the author was able to take a short ski run on the remaining snow patch. Cloudmont has come a long way from its early days of using astro turf, now relying on a dozen fan guns and a nearby pond for snowmaking. The resort also has a teaching program for local kids and a National Ski Patrol chapter.

  • The author visited Cloudmont Ski Resort in February 2026.
  • Cloudmont Ski Resort has been in operation since 1971.

The players

Cloudmont Ski and Golf Resort

The only ski resort in the state of Alabama, located in Mentone.

Gary Jones

The owner of Cloudmont Ski Resort, who has been working since 1971 to keep the dream of a local ski area alive.

Michael Hawkins

The snowmaker at Cloudmont Ski Resort, who helped the author access the remaining snow patch.

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What they’re saying

“Hope springs eternal in the human breast" - Alexander Pope”

— Gary Jones, Owner, Cloudmont Ski Resort (tetongravity.com)

What’s next

The author plans to continue his 'Ski the South' tour, heading next to the Indoor Ski & Snowboard School - Shredder in Fort Worth, Texas.

The takeaway

Cloudmont Ski Resort's perseverance in the face of challenging weather conditions and its commitment to providing a unique winter sports experience in the Deep South is a testament to the passion and dedication of its owners and the local community.