West Virginia’s ski slopes

West Virginia’s long ski season, high amount of natural snowfall and central location to major metropolitan areas makes it the most attractive location in the U.S.’ mid-Atlantic and southeast for skiing.

West Virginia’s slopes at Canaan Valley, Snowshoe Mountain, Timberline Resort and Winterplace Resort get busier every year. Each resort allows snowboarding on all slopes and has designated snowboarding parks which feature a variety of stunt terrain. Ski areas and parks throughout the state feature sled and inner tube runs and rope tows for those more inclined to sit while ascending the mountains. The ski resorts also have snowmobiles, snow-groomer tours, and snow body board sleds.

West Virginia’s pristine snow-covered forests and wilderness areas in the Monongahela National Forest and state parks are increasingly popular destinations for snowshoe trekkers. Several resorts and outfitters provide guided tours, equipment rentals and lessons for those who wish to horizontally explore miles of hiking trails blanketed by snow.

From major commercial resorts with upscale lodging, massive ski lifts, nightlife and restaurants to solitary single-track cross-country paths and secluded cabins in the woods, West Virginia offers its visitors an array of winter options.

The state’s four major resorts include:

Snowshoe Mountain
This year, the resort has opened two new slopes and debuts The Soaring Eagle Express, a detachable quad lift which replaces the old Widomaker lift and allows skiers much more time for turns as it reduces the ride time from more than nine minutes to less than three.

The new Soaring Eagle Lodge features 140 spacious homes along with shops, lounge and two restaurant facilities. Snowshoemtn.com

Timberline Resort
The Upper White Lightning trail has been widened along most of its length to be confluent with Silver Streak, allowing greater ability to make turns particularly with today’s specially-shaped skis. This change complements the South’s longest ski trail Salamander Run, and Twister, Timberline’s newest trail. This spectacular mid-mountain village overlooks the highest valley east of the Rockies. Timberlineresort.com

Winterplace Resort
Winterplace is renowned for teaching skiing.and has expanded its teaching area eight-fold and added two new carpet lifts to transport skiers from the bottom of the teaching area back to the top. For those who really know how to ski, Winterplace has a new demonstration centre this season where skiers can try the latest high performance equipment.

Two carpet lifts have also been added to the snow tubing park, which at 16 lanes, is the largest in the state. Winterplace.com

Canaan Valley Resort
Canaan Valley Resort State Park became the first major commercial downhill ski operation in West Virginia. Today, it offers a 250-room lodge and additional 23 cabins and cottages, and 10,000-square fee of conference space with 10 meeting rooms. For the third season, the resort will offer Airboarding, also known as snow body boarding, on the mountain. The Resort will again offer free lodging and skiing for children (ages 12 and under). The resort’s two ski/snowboard terrain parks will be enhanced this year.

Night skiing will be offered on Friday and Saturday evenings until 9 p.m. Canaanresort.com

Canaan Valley Resort and Timberline Resort have partnered to create the Ski The Valley Pass. This two-day lift ticket offers guests the option to ski both mountains when and how they want.