Shit man, do you know what part of the US you're going to? I'm from SC so I hit up App and the surrounding mountains a few times a year. If you're skiing the French Alps at home, don't even bother to try and find BC or diamonds in NC...If you really wanna try some of the worst skiing in the states, go for it, but don't be pissed or snobby about it when you get there. The park at APP is really fun, and definitely the best in the state, with 3 areas (beginner, med, hardest shit) with (the last time I was there) some kickers, tabletop, flat boxes, some flat and down flat and (i think) a down flat down....various other shit. Their "black diamonds" , however, are basically straight line groomers with about a ~20s run time...Haven't been to Beech or Sugar this year, but from what I hear the park is weak. The runs are a few minutes long, generally. I love to go skiin in NC, and its definitely a fun time, but don't expect a life changing ski experience...not that you were. Hope that helps at all, sorry if I came across as a dick.
Oh yeah, to all the Boone area locals, what happened to Hawk's Nest? I know its gone, but what did they do with it/ whats the story? Just weren't makin ends meet?