Skiing in West Virginia: Mountains for Everyone

When it comes to skiing in West Virginia, the state has plenty to offer. The Allegheny Mountains rise majestically on the eastern side, creating havens for skiers. No matter what your skill level, the skiing in West Virginia is going to have something to offer you. The ski resorts are peppered with both double black-diamonds and dedicated learning areas, leading to fun for families and friends alike.

Pushing in at the Alleghenies

West Virginia has four major resorts stretched down the eastern side. Timberline has a 1000 foot vertical with 37 trails cast over 100 acres of skiing. Canaan Valley is located southeast of Timberline. This conference center and resort sits near the Monongahela National Forest. Vistas await skiers who ski over its 78 acres of trails. Further south along the Alleghenies is Snowshoe. This resort is the hot ticket for the surrounding states. With 14 lifts and 60 trails, this 244-acre resort draws crowds. The southernmost resort in West Virginia is Winterplace. With a respectable 603-foot vertical, this resort features 27 trails and ski in/ski out condominiums halfway up the mountain.

Things to Know when Skiing in West Virginia

During the winter months, the driving conditions in the Allegheny Mountains can deteriorate suddenly and without much warning. Make sure that you are aware of the current weather and plan accordingly. On the other hand, the 44 inches of average annual snowfall and competitive snow-making infrastructure make for reliable trail coverage during the winter months.

Even though the Allegheny Mountains are part of the Appalachians doesn’t mean that the mountains are all gentle slopes. The ski resorts in West Virginia have plenty of slopes steep enough to challenge even the most experienced skier. From the Turkey Chute at Winterplace to the Sawmill Glades at Snowshoe, black diamond runs abound.

Tips for Frugal Skiing in West Virginia

West Virginia has some great values when it comes to skiing. Even with the lift prices for most of the resorts being lower than the national median, there are other ways to make your dollar stretch. After all, the more money you can save, the longer you can stretch out your vacation. One basic tip is to plan well in advance. The further ahead you plan, the more money you can generally save, whether it’s on lift tickets, lodging, or equipment rentals. At West Virginia Ski Authority, we can usually get you up to a 20% discount on your gear and accommodations.

If you don’t see your questions answered here on the site, don’t hesitate to write to us. We’ll do what we can to get you the information you need. In any case, your West Virginia ski-cation should be one to remember. With some advance planning and a little help, you can get the most from your time on the slopes.