What, you thought all we did was go rafting?
Nope. We’re pretty avid snow junkies, too. The New River Gorge is kinda-sorta central to the ski scene in West Virginia (or at least it is for us), and it’s a good place to lay your head while planning your next day on the slopes.
Spoiler Alert: This Is Not West Virginia
So, in light of the fact that we’re involved in all things recreation, here’s our quick rundown of the ski resorts here in the mountain state:
WinterPlace Ski Resort: Close to our homes and close to our hearts, WinterPlace Ski Resort is just down the road from the New River Gorge. We affectionately refer to it (with a big grin) as “The Walmart Of Skiing”. That’s because it’s right next to highway access- you can drive right in, get what you need, and drive right back out.
Verdict: The perfect place if you are a never-ever-before first time skier or rider. Or if you’re taking one.
Canaan Valley Resort And Conference Center: It’s up in the valley between Davis and Elkins, which means Canaan Valley Resort is one of the prettiest places in the state. Also, it looks across the valley at Timberline, so there’s a little sibling rivalry thing going on, which is always fun. Canaan is the only place in West Virginia that you can go Air Boarding, which means you should check it out because… hey… Air Boarding!
Verdict: Fun in the snow for not much dough + Air Boards = awesome.
Timberline Four Seasons Resort: Here’s the thing about Timberline Four Seasons: If you didn’t know any better, you’d swear it was a small resort out in California somewhere. T-line’s got that funky, down home vibe (one of the lifts comes from Colorado’s Crested Butte), and the skiing is better than anything in West Virginia has a right to be. Long, single fall line runs, great trees, nice steeps, and a top notch, super friendly ski school make Timberline a favorite.
Verdict: You might see Norman Rockwell ski by. Or Shawn White.
Snowshoe Mountain: Snowshoe Mountain is the closest West Virginia gets to “out west” skiing. Maybe it’s because it was owned by a huge ski resort developer for the last 15 years or so. Or maybe it’s just because it’s great. Snowshoe is the only resort in the state with high speed lifts, and two mile-long Black Diamond trails. Locals secret: When the conditions or crowds get bad on the Snowshoe side of the hill, head to Silver Creek, the resort’s smaller sister hill, on the same ticket.
Verdict: If you want the resort experience, Snowshoe is for you, hands down.
And don’t dare forget about…
White Grass Cross Country Skiing: They call themselves the most exciting cross country skiing in the east, and it’s no lie. For starters, White Grass is a whole mountain that features every single ability level from rank beginner to oh-my-lawd expert. It helps that the folks that run the place have been on the double top secret list of coolest, funnest (?), and all-around-bestest people in West Virginia forever. Lessons are the most fun you’ll have on XC skis, probably, and the restaurant is worth the trip in and of itself.
Verdict: Honest-to-goodness winter fun for all ages. Don’t miss it.
Tags: Songer Whitewater, vacation ideas, West Virginia Vacations, Winter Fun