The history of West Virginia skiing goes back quite a far way. The Canaan Valley is one of the most beautiful and well-known recreational areas in West Virginia, and also home to two top ski resorts, Timberline Ski Resort and Canaan Valley Ski Resort. Locals and visitors alike have been flocking to these two areas since the early 1950's for more than just skiing. In November, even before winter officially begins, it's a fairly common sight for the valley to be laden in powder, and for the snow to last all the way through April, creating one very long ski season!

In Canaan Valley West Virginia the incredible snow conditions are attributed point-blank to the celebrated patterns in weather which are bestowed on Canaan Valley Resort due to two factors; geographical location and elevation. The summit altitude rises more than 4,200 feet above the valley floor which is measured at more than 3,000 feet itself! Canaan Valley West Virginia is also directly in the way of the "winter Nor'easters," a weather trend that brings in moutains of snow. The average annual snowfall Canaan Valley Ski Resort receives is more than 150 inches which transcribes to more than twelve feet of snow each year!

The ski trails at Canaan Valley Resort are just about equally separated into the three levels of beginner, intermediate and advanced skiers with terrain that provides a challenge for every skill . Similar to Timberline in size, though somewhat smaller, Canaan Valley Resort is an ideal destination for families. There are plenty of ski programs for children like the slope side nursery and various ski lessons for all ages. The resort has 85% snow-making ability, one quad and two triple lifts, a vertical drop of 850 feet and the longest run at 6,000 feet. There are thirty-four ski trails, plenty of gear rentals, a ski school and night skiing during holidays and weekends.

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For those who can't downhill skill and aren't interested in learning, Canaan Valley Ski Resort offers more than thirty miles of picturesque trails that are perfect for snowshoeing or cross country skiing. The feeling of being fully immersed in a natural setting is powerful with more than 6,000 stunning acres surrounding the entire resort. Ice skating and tubing are two more fun things to do the whole family can enjoy during West Virginia vacations. Visitors who are interested in extra skiing opportunities should consider grabbing a two-for-one pass for both Timberline and Canaan Valley Resort. This will add tons of trail selection to your days on the slopes.

Canaan Valley West Virginia has plenty on offer for a vacation full of exciting things to do. Horse drawn sleigh rides, casino nights, cookouts, live entertainment, the Governor's Cup Ski Race and many holiday celebrations are only a few of the events held in Canaan Valley West Virginia. Bars, lounges and restaurants offer nightlife with a more relaxed pace. In the summer months the action doesn't stop.

West Virginia campgrounds in the area get very busy and full of outdoor enthusiasts outside of winter. In this area of West Virginia cabins are scattered throughout the valley in every size, shape and price range. With Blackwater Falls State Park only a short drive away, even more fun awaits, both in winter and the warmer months. How many activities you participate in is entirely up to you but there is absolutely no shortage of entertainment in the valley.