The High Country is so named because of the high altitudes of the Blue Ridge Mountains, part of the ancient Appalachian's which is the oldest mountain chain on planet earth. Since the 1960's when ski resorts were first developed here, the winter sports industry has undergone an evolution. From primitive downhill skiing on crunchy snow with rope tows that nearly yanked your arms from your shoulders to neatly groomed runs served by a variety of high tech chair lifts, the over 40-year industry has come a long way. There is cross-country skiing, tubing, downhill skiing and sledding-all located within two to three hours from the major population centers of North and South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee.

The High Country is a year-round destination for all sorts of sports and outdoor lovers. With the Blue Ridge Parkway, the longest and most-used of the nation's National Parks, along with Moses Cone Park, Julian Price Park, Elk Knob Park and North Carolina's newest Park at Grandfather Mountain, there is a wide choice of activities for all ages in all seasons.

Not in a decade have prices for all sorts of properties been more affordable from modest log cabins to elaborate lodges and mountain mansions, from petite condo/suites to elegantly appointed town homes to lots and land tracts with views in superior locations at bargain basement prices. Yes, even the High Country has a number of short-sale opportunities and foreclosures. We feature a list of these on this web site and we have agent experts to help you pursue these bargains.

And, recently, we have seen interest rates offered as low as 3.75% from some lenders. It is economic times such as these that prime properties are acquired and smart investments made.