Charleston, WV – Another West Virginia ski resort is opening for the 2021/2022 season this week, as Canaan Valley Resort’s Ski Area in Tucker County officially opens for skiing and snowboarding on Friday, December 24. Snowshoe Mountain in Pocahontas County, Timberline Mountain also in Tucker County and Winterplace Ski Resort in Raleigh County opened earlier this season. Oglebay Resort in Ohio County is planning to open as soon as enough snowmaking can cover the slopes.
With the holiday season in full swing at all of the state’s ski industry, the current cold temperatures in the mountains, are allowing resort operators to make tons of snow, thereby covering the most available terrain for the skiers and snowboarders in the southeast. The holiday season contributes up to 35 percent of the various resorts’ yearly revenue. The majority of the holiday visitation comes from southern states like Florida and Georgia and to the east, Virginia and Washington, DC.
The West Virginia Ski Areas Association again this season is offering a program to attract young skiers into the winter sport. The program allows any child in the 4th or 5th grade to ski or snowboard for FREE. All of West Virginia’s ski areas, Canaan Valley, Oglebay, Snowshoe, Timberline and Winterplace are accepting the association’s Ski Free 4th and 5th Grade Passport Program.
The Passport may be used to obtain one three (3) Junior lift tickets at participating resorts during the 2020-2021 season. Benefits determined by each ski resort.
It is recommended for all skiers and snowboarders to check with the resort they plan on visiting, to make sure they are up to date on any COVID-19 safety requirements required of visitors.
The ski and snowboard season traditionally, weather permitting, continues from now through early April. The five-month long ski season in West Virginia has an estimated economic impact of over $250 million and 5,000 jobs at the resorts and other related companies. For more information on skiing and snowboarding in West Virginia go on-line at goskiwv.com or skisoutheast.com.
###