West Virginia Mountains Get Hit With Seasons First Snow Storm

/in /by

Greetings –

Finally, the season’s first true snowstorm occurred in the mountains of West Virginia this week. Snow fell from Tucker County to the north to Raleigh County in the south. The Canaan Valley area received snowfall of over a foot hitting the ground by Wednesday morning. In Pocahontas County reports of another foot were confirmed by skiers and snowboarders enjoying the fresh powder on the slopes at Snowshoe Mountain. In Raleigh County, four to six inches of snow was reported as the storm picked up some punch as the front traveled south. Mother Nature is expected to drop some more of her velvet fluff through Wednesday night, which will only enhance the trails that are currently open at Snowshoe Mountain and the trails that will soon be open at the state’s other winter resorts.

Along with the natural snowfall came much needed subfreezing temperatures as the thermometer dropped into the teens at the higher elevations. Those temperatures were perfect for snowmakers at Timberline Resort in Tucker County and Winterplace in Raleigh County  working hard to cover the slopes as both resorts plan to open on Saturday, December 8. Weather permitting Canaan Valley Resort in Tucker County will open its tubing hill, also on December 8. It is recommended to call ahead to all of the resorts for up to date conditions and opening day news.

The fresh snow from above has also been great news for cross-country skiers and those who enjoy snowshoeing. The powder conditions have allowed the folks at White Grass Touring Center in Tucker County to open their trails again. If you head that way, whatever Laurie is cooking up that day in the Café is well worth trying, believe me. The word from Elk River Touring Center in Pocahontas County is that folks are making tracks on the Scenic Highway and on nearby National Forest Land.

Opening weekend at Timberline will be Military Appreciation Weekend, with discounts available for those who are serving in the armed forces. At Snowshoe Mountain it is Demo Weekend, a time when you can try out the latest skis and snowboards. Just make sure you have a lift ticket and photo id and see one of the manufacturers that will be set up on Skidder Slope Saturday and Sunday.

Here is a reminder about an opportunity in Tucker County this season for skiers and snowboarders. Canaan Valley and Timberline Resorts have joined forces for the 2007-2008 ski season to offer guests the ability to ski both mountains for one price. Guests taking advantage of the Ski The Valley Pass will have 76 trails and four terrain parks, when the resorts are fully open and the option of skiing the two mountains when and how they want.

The Pass will be sold as a two-day lift ticket and can be purchased at the lift ticket windows of both ski areas. The cost for the pass is: $40 for a two-day pass during Value Season (Dec. 14-24; Mar. 17-23); $65 for a two-day pass during weekdays in Prime Season (Jan. 1-Mar. 13); and, $95 for a two-day pass during weekends in Prime Season (Jan. 4-Mar. 16). The ticket will not be available during the Christmas (12/25-12/31), Presidents Day or Martin Luther King Day holidays.

It looks like there is a continued chance of snowmaking conditions and natural snow for most of this week in the higher elevations of West Virginia’s Allegheny Mountains. So get out there and make some early season turns.