In West Virginia skiing is to winter as rafting
is to spring and summer. West Virginia rafting is the
most exciting and popular sport in the warm West Virginia
months because of sensational conditions and a large number
of accommodating rivers. All along the Gauley, Cheat and
New River running under the New
River Gorge Bridge, rapids froth, tumble and roar
as visitors and locals careen at full speed on turbulent
and exciting rides. As early as mid-November the flakes
start falling from the sky in the Mid-Atlantic. In fact,
the flakes fall so abundantly throughout West Virginia
ski resorts that the area can receive as much as thirteen
or fourteen feet of snow each year! The icing on
the cake is this; the premium snow conditions can last
all the way through April creating one long and wonderful
season for skiing in West Virginia.
To ski in West Virginia you can be a fledgling slope runner to a seasoned pro and you’ll find conditions suitable to your level. Whether you’re planning to hit the bunny slopes or the black-diamond hills there are West Virginia skiing trails right for you. For those who are much more precarious once they strap skis on, each of the West Virginia ski resorts offers trained instructors. Even if you’re a great skier, there is always room for improvement. For those who like to hit the slopes once the sun recedes, night skiing in West Virginia is available at each of the major resorts. If it happens to be a not-so-great year for snow you’d likely notice anyway as each of the West Virginia resorts have prime snow-making facilities that keep slopes topped with powder throughout the season.
The most popular West Virginia ski resorts include Canaan
Valley, Timberline,
Snowshoe and Winterplace.
Cross country skiing is most popular at Alpine Lake and
The Elk River Touring Center which both feature miles
of trail specifically groomed for cross country skiing.
Each of the major downhill resorts also offer a number
of other things to do including
cross country skiing, snowboarding, tubing, sledding,
sleigh rides and more. The main resorts to ski in West
Virginia are also four-season facilities offering myriad
outdoor recreation in spring, summer and fall. Mountain
biking, hiking, camping,
fishing and more are all possibilities for all ages.
Timberline Ski Resort, situated in the pleasant town
of Davis, features thirty-six slopes, almost twenty miles
of cross country trails, slopeside condos and homes, conference
facilities, a club and a nice restaurant. Not far from
Timberline comes Canaan Valley, third in line for number
of slopes with thirty-four currently open to skiers and
snowboarders. Ice skating and tubing park are also available.
There are dining and drinking facilities, miles of cross
country trails, a host of cottages and cabins
and more than 200 guest suites to choose from. In the
surrounding area there are numerous Canaan
Valley hotels to choose form when you’re planning
to ski in West Virginia at Timberline or Canaan
Valley Ski Resort.
Snowshoe Mountain is equipped with almost sixty downhill slopes, restaurants, conference centers and three villages of West Virginia cabins, condos and townhomes. Winterplace Ski Resort is the most family oriented for West Virginia skiing. When skiing in West Virginia at Winterplace, there are twenty-seven slopes to choose from, ten lanes at the tubing park and a snowboarding park for avid riders. The hill also features restaurants, clubs, condos, rental homes and a conference center. No matter which of the West Virginia ski resorts you choose, all make a wonderful base for West Virginia vacations full of heart-pounding skiing, riding and other activities. Make sure to book your accommodation well ahead of time if you’re planning a winter holiday as ski resort areas get very busy. Once you’re there and settled, the entertainment will be never-ending and the choices unparalleled.
