Skip to main content
Thursday, October 29, 2026Oct 29

This story is free to read.

Mountain hideaway

photo A skier slides to a stop at the edge of a slope at Cloudmont Ski and Golf Resort in Mentone, Ala. (AP Photo/The Huntsville Times, Eric Schultz)

Located on Lookout Mountain just a short drive from both Fort Payne, Ala., and Chattanooga, Mentone is home to at least six summer camps, a golf and ski resort, and several inns.

The population of 370 regularly doubles during the summer, and winter sports lovers make the trek to town for the only skiing in Alabama.

Alabama’s only ski resort, the Cloudmont Ski and Golf Resort, is capable of making its own snow during winter months. In the summer, golfers make their way around the Saddle Rock Golf Course.

Visitors also flock to nearby DeSoto State Park and waterfalls.

– Compiled by staff writer Ansley Haman, ahaman@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6481