I Tried Snowboarding for the First Time in Maggie Valley… and Left With a Broken Bone.
Growing up in the South, snow was a rare treat—something we saw in pictures more than in real life. So when I finally planned a winter trip to Maggie Valley, North Carolina, I was excited to try snowboarding for the very first time. The picturesque slopes of Cataloochee Ski Area looked welcoming enough. What could possibly go wrong?
Everything started out fine. I rented the gear, signed the waiver (which in hindsight should have been a warning), and hopped onto the beginner slope. Watching little kids zoom past me with ease gave me false confidence. I strapped in, took a deep breath, and pushed off.
Within seconds, I was on the ground.
Snowboarding, I quickly learned, is not just surfing on snow. It’s balance, speed control, and knowing how to fall—all of which I lacked. On my third run, I caught an edge, spun awkwardly, and came down hard. The pain in my wrist told me immediately: this wasn’t a minor spill. A trip to urgent care confirmed it—a fracture.
Despite the injury, I don’t regret trying. The views were stunning, the people were friendly, and the adrenaline was real. Maggie Valley was a beautiful place to fall—literally.
Would I try snowboarding again? Maybe… after some lessons, lots of padding, and a reminder that humility is key on the mountain.
Until then, I’ll admire the snow from the safety of a lodge window—with hot cocoa in hand and both feet on the ground.
