New owners of popular North Carolina mountains ski resort reveal their grand plans

The new owners of Wolf Ridge Resort announced grand new plans this month for the popular North Carolina mountains ski destination, including mountain biking, zip lines and other year-round adventures.

“We have something very special here, and want to enhance its beauty, functionality and comfort to see many more successful seasons on the mountain,” new owners Deborah and David Hatley said in Facebook post.

The family resort near Asheville is known as “the most challenging terrain in the Southeast for skiers and boarders,” according to the resort’s Facebook page.

Wolf Ridge Resort is located in the Madison County town of Mars Hill, about 160 miles from Charlotte.

Features include beginner and expert slopes and a top-rated snow sports school offering lessons for all skill levels, The Charlotte Observer previously reported.

Its Lodge Pizzeria offers seven types of freshly made specialty pies.

Originally from Johnson City, Tennessee, the Hatleys laid out their plans on Facebook.

Improvements this year will include an updated lodge, re-branding, restaurant, locker rooms, retail offerings, operating systems, VIP lounge and new “top-of-the-line” rental equipment, the couple said.

Also this year, expect enhanced snow-making capabilities.

“Team members will also continue to focus on elevating service levels to match the elevated product and expectations of future and return guests,” the couple said.

Over the next five years, the Hatleys envision year-round operations.

They plan to add a swimming club, tennis courts, “leaf peeping” lift rides, an adventure course/zip line, mountain biking and more lodge accommodations.

The site will be dedicated “as a competitive boutique ski resort and adventure destination,” according to the Facebook post.

The Hatleys said they want to “celebrate and honor the legacy” and pride that the English family — the previous owners — had in creating the lodge over the years.