Normally at this time of year, I'm more than ready for spring. I love "playing" in the snow, love the way it looks across the rolling hills and on the branches of the trees, love the holidays that come with winter, love having a fire in the fireplace, …yadda yadda. What I don't love is the long period of freezing cold days, shorter amount of daylight, snow and ice on the roads – this is a big one, I used to have anxiety just thinking about having to drive in winter (and I'm from PA), etc., etc.
Well, this year is probably the first year that I can remember where I'm NOT that anxious for spring. I'll jump for joy when I see the first sign that it's here, but until then, I'm not going to wish away this white and wonderful winter we're in the midst of. Two reasons — I've had a taste of snowboarding and don't want to wait a-whole-nother year before I do it again. I finally get it. POWDER. I finally realize what that's all about. And it's everywhere right now. Conditions are so great and seem to be never-ending.
The second reason is that I'm over my winter roads fear. We traveled to Snowshoe last weekend dontcha' wish you were there, photo courtesy of Snowshoe 2013 >> in what wasn't the best driving weather, on routes we'd never been on before and ones they could easily test drive cars on given the curves and steepness, in the dark (well, at night)… and without any issue! When people share that the roads are fine and not to let a storm keep you from enjoying an awesome day on the slopes, it's probably true (depending on who the people are, I suppose, but most likely, you can believe them).
Let's think about this for a second. These resorts depend on business in the winter. They're not going to let bad roads get in the way. My husband was joking asking how many salt trucks it took to salt the roads — in some parts, there wasn't even a flake in the air or on the ground, but there seemed to be about a four-inch layer of salt on the pavement. They were prepared, and I appreciated it.
Now that I worry about travel no more, I figure why not let winter stick around a little longer. Plus, my next chance to get out might not be until Easter weekend, so I'm hoping one or two of the local resorts have no choice, so to speak, but to stay open until then. It could happen!
Enough about me. Onto announcements:
Cataloochee starts their late season schedule this Monday, March 11. Hours of operation will be day skiing only from 9am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday, and 8:30am to 4:30pm on weekends. They're also extending for the remaining season their Homeschool Tuesdays and Family Days. In case you aren't familiar, their Homeschool Tuesdays offer any student with certification a lift ticket for $19, lift, ski rental and lesson for $29, and lift, snowboard rental, and lesson for $39. Family Day Wednesdays are where a child 17 and under receives a free lift ticket when accompanied by a parent purchasing a full price adult day lift ticket.
This Saturday, March 9, at Wisp is the last Saturday of their First Tacks program. For everyone that is unaware of the first tracks program – Chair 2 or 3 opens at 7:30am on peak season Saturdays and a few select Sundays, and is available for all Season Pass holders and Multi Day ticket holders. They also have the Governor’s Cup Race both Saturday and Sunday.
<< looks GREAT, doesn't it? Photo courtesy of Wisp 2013
Ginormous March Weekend at Wisp Resort – March 15 – 18, 2013
Beachin’. Comedy. Jam. Birthday. And More!
Wisp Resort has combined two of the winter season’s largest events in one huge weekend in March. The 10th annual Beachin’ Weekend and the 57th Belated Birthday Celebration will take place from March 15 – 18, 2013 with tons of events, fun, games, decorations and more! The weekend kicks off on Friday, March 15 with a Beach-themed resort along with Comedy Blast and the final Rail Jam of the season. Comedy Blast in Wispers Bar features two comedians in a 90-minute show. Tickets include hors d' oeuvres are $22 pp with limited quantities available. Purchase in advance online at www.wispresort.com or by phone at 301.387.4000. The final Rail Jam in the Pro Park at the Base of Face starts at 7pm. This open-style rail jam is open to skiers and riders. Best trick takes home the gold or whatever prize comes out of the grab bag. The festivities continue on Saturday, March 16 with more Beach-themed fun. Look for a DJ on the outdoor deck with music, entertainment and great giveaways. Stop by the Tiki Hut on the outdoor deck for a fun fruity frosty beverage. All the usual fun activities will be happening including skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, ice skating, mountain coaster and more! Guests are encouraged to wear their best Beachin’ gear and compete in the Beauty of the Beach costume contest on Saturday. By Sunday, March 17, everyone should have their birthday hats and shamrocks on to celebrate Wisp’s 57th Birthday and St. Patrick’s Day. One-day lift tickets for Sunday & Monday, March 17 – 18 are only $10 pp and rentals and lessons are half price! Visit wispresort.com for more event details.
That's it for now, but stay tuned for more upcoming events throughout the region.
The snow died down overall across the board, but three out of the four WV resorts still saw a little more. Canaan with an inch, Timberline with an inch and a half, and Winterplace with a trace. New snow or not, every place got enough over the past few days to boast powder conditions. Shut down the computer, put away your phone, and get out there! =] Enjoy your weekend!
Email me at [email protected].