Ski resorts in West Virginia
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, Winterplace Resort and Oglebay 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 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 offer its visitors an array of winter options.
The state's five major resorts include:
Snowshoe Mountain - snowshoemtn.com
The resort has opened two new slopes and 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. This season newcomers to skiing can receive a free beginner group lesson per day throughout their stay if they purchase a group adult lesson at full price. This year kids 12 and under ski/ride for free when a 4+ night stay is booked. New features have been added to the five terrain parks at the resort. The new Soaring Eagle Lodge features 140 spacious homes along with shops, lounge and two restaurant facilities.
Timberline Resort - timberlineresort.com
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 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.
Winterplace Resort – winterplace.com
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 demonstration centre where skiers can try the latest high performance equipment. Two carpet lifts have been added to the snow tubing park, which at 16 lanes is the largest in the state.
Canaan Valley Resort - canaanresort.com
Celebrating 60 years of skiing in Tucker County, West Virginia, 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 20,000-square fee of conference space with 10 meeting rooms, 39 ski slopes, snow tubing park, ice skating, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Night skiing is offered on Friday and Saturday evenings until 8 p.m.
For the fifth season, the resort will offer Airboarding, also known as snow body boarding, on the mountain. The resort's 3rd annual Airboard Race will be held February 5, 2011. (In conjunction with The NSAA & SSAA Learn to Ski or Board Month, Canaan Valley Resort will provide complimentary beginner lesson with purchase of the Canaan ski and stay package.)
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.
Oglebay Resort - ski.oglebay-resort.com
Oglebay Resort has state of the art snowmaking facilities along with triple chair lift, accessing a 815ft slope with a 168ft vertical drop. A terrain park features a variety of rails in different sizes plus exhilarating snow made jumps. New skis, snowboards, and boots are available to rent. Special overnight packages are offered for the Wilson Lodge which has just been renovated adding 59 premium rooms and a new spa.
