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.

Each resort allows snowboarding on all slopes and has designated snowboarding parks that feature a variety of stunt terrain. Today, the slopes at Canaan Valley along with those at Snowshoe Mountain, Timberline Resort, Oglebay and Winterplace Resort get busier every year.

Ski areas and parks throughout the state feature sled and inner tube runs and rope tows for those more inclined to sit down while descending the mountains. West Virginia 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 major resorts include:

Snowshoe Mountain Resort
The Soaring Eagle Express, a detachable quad lift, debuts this season at Snowshoe Mountain. The new Soaring Eagle Express 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. Snowshoe's mountaintop village offers shopping venues, restaurants and nightlife. Accommodations range from economical lodge rooms to the luxury of the Allegheny Springs Lodge.

www.snowshoemtn.com

Timberline Resort
The resort nestles in a picturesque valley high in the Allegheny Mountains, with an elevation of over 4,000 feet, abundant natural snowfall, and an extensive snowmaking system, The Upper White Lightning trail has been widened along most of its length to allow 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.

www.timberlineresort.com

Winterplace Resort
Winterplace is renowned for teaching skiing. If one doesn’t learn to ski, the individual can take the lesson again for free. To back up the sincerity, Winterplace has expanded its teaching area eight-fold and added two new carpet lifts (like moving walkways in airports) 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.

www.winterplace.com

Oglebay Resort
The ski area at Oglebay Resort and Conference Center has been upgraded and now features an 815 ft. slope with a 168 ft. vertical drop, a new triple chair lift and extensive snowmaking equipment. Improvements have also been made to the ski area's building to make the facility ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant.

www.oglebay-resort.com

Canaan Valley Resort
Canaan Valley Resort State Park became the first major commercial downhill ski operation in West Virginia. Canaan Valley Resort celebrates 35 years in 2006-07 as West Virginia's first commercial ski area. It continues to focus on its successful role as a complete winter playland, adding attractions and services to meet the needs of skiers and return visitors of this recreational resort. The resort offers a 250-room lodge and 23 mountain cottages, as well as varied dining options and many special events.

www.canaanresort.com 

15/12/2006