Cascade Mountain History

Our Mountain

Cascade Mountain Resort began in the early 1970’s by Dewey Belton and D.W. Snow, as planners and developers with Scenic Developers, Inc. The foundation of the proposed 1,200-acre resort was built on land acquired from the Ayers and Guynn families. . The community began as a planned year-round resort with an emphasis on skiing to be comprised of vacation homes and permanent homes.

The resort planned to provide swimming, golf, horseback riding, boating, tennis, and an ice-skating facility. Also planned was a 22-acre lake fed by a natural waterfall for boating, fishing, and swimming.

Originally, there were approximately 900 parcels that were designated as available lots; however, some were not suitable for building due to road intersections, rock mass, and elevation drops. Altogether there were around 650 viable building sites when the site plans for development was completed. Lots ranged in price from $4,500 to $10,500. By July of 1973, about 20% of the available lots had been sold.

Infrastructure

Initially, all roads were gravel surface except for a short section of the main road, Cascade Trail.

Live security was provided and a guard house existed near the main entrance. Security was provided 24/7 and at that time included the motel.

As sales occurred and the community began to develop, Cascade Mountain Property Owners’ Association (CMPOA) was formed in May of 1973. CMPOA membership was extended to all lot owners and residents.

In 1974, Belton and the other developers were relieved of all functions pertaining to Cascade Mountain Resort as North Carolina National Bank (NCNB) took the reins to finish the construction and the sales and marketing effort. NCNB completed the ski facility, service buildings, motel, stables, tennis courts, pool house, well pump houses, the base ski lodge, and the Liebenschuss Lodge, predecessor of the current ‘Summit Haus’.

Throughout 1980, NCNB continued a viable sales effort, until most of the lots were sold. During this time, the bank continued building and improving the roads and installing water lines. Water was now available to every lot and fire hydrants were located at strategic locations all over Cascade Mountain.

As the development neared completion, NCNB made preparations to divest itself of the resort and transfer some ownership to the POA. As a result, the POA received title to the tennis courts, roads, water system, pool and pool house, and playground, on December 31st, 1980.

In 1989, the Cascade Mountain Property Owners Association purchased the remaining properties, including the Summit Haus, the ski slope, the SnowShed lodge, the stables, Otter Lake and other green areas.

In 1995 the guard house moved to its present location. This allowed guests access to the motel but not entry to Cascade Mountain Resort. The motel, owned and independently operated, continued in this manner until 2007, at which time it was sold.

The CMPOA today is still healthy and thriving. It continues to protect and insure quality living in a safe and secure environment. The CMPOA serves all property owners and residents.

Liebenschuss Lodge

By 1973, the Liebenschuss Lodge was the first completed building. It was built as an upscale restaurant for the resort and its motel guests and residents. The design of the lodge was reminiscent of an Alpine Chalet. The upper level boasted formal dining and could seat up to 150 guests. It was well appointed with heavy drapes, red carpeting, and tablecloths. Food was served from the lower-level kitchen by utilizing the large circular staircase connecting the lower and upper levels of the lodge. The lodge served 3 meals a day. On Saturday nights, it promoted dinner dances with live music. The lodge offered catering service for all sized groups and parties including children’s groups. The House Special was a meat choice served with self-service Salad and Vegetable Bar. Meat choices included crab cakes, chicken, pork chops, turkey, and brisket. Open faced sandwiches were available for skiers. Main entrees included Prime Rib, steaks, and various seafood offerings. There was also a full children’s menu available. The first restaurant manager was Gayle Hendrick Vaughn of Mount Airy. On Monday, April 23, 1984, the 2nd floor of the lodge caught fire. The fire was reported at 9 pm by neighbors and the Cana Volunteer Fire Department responded. Firefighters fought the blaze for about two hours in heavy winds with temperatures in the mid-30s. The 2nd floor was badly damaged, but firefighters were able to save the 1st floor. M.C. Marsh, chief of the Cana Volunteer Fire Department, theorized the fire started by a small electric stove or heater on the second floor. Liebenschuss Lodge was torn down and replaced by the Freeland Summit Haus.

Ski Slope

The ski resort had four runs: a novice or ski school slope named “FlatFoot,” an outside beginner/intermediate run of 3000’ known as “FancyFree,” an inside intermediate 2500’ fun named “Express,” and the advanced 2250’ run called “Zuma.”

At the bottom of the slopes was another lodge known as the “SnowShed.” It housed ticket sales, equipment rentals, the ski school, a snack bar, and the ski patrol office.

Due to lack of natural snow and warmer winter temperatures, the ski operation closed in 1985 and the ski equipment and snow guns were sold to the Hawk’s Nest owners in North Carolina.

Cascade Mountain Inn