Earliest Ski The Valley Ever

November came in warm and comfortable as the last of falls foliage fell to the ground.  This is not the type of weather pattern a ski and snowboard destinations need for a successful beginning of the season. By the second week of November things were looking bleak for skiing in the valley with highs hovering around 60 degrees.

After a summer of maintenance and upgrades to snowmaking systems, the ski areas along with Blackwater Falls State Park’s Sled Run anticipate the arrival of cold weather.  Not to mention the tens of thousands of onlookers scoping over resort web cameras daily for some glimpse of snow life.

Cold weather would begin ushering into the interior United States around November 15^th and did not stop until temperatures plummeted to the low teens.  As many Ski The Valley lovers know, temps this low inevitably turns on the lake flake.  This is snow being produced by the Great Lakes while waters are still warm and not iced over.

White Grass Cross Country Ski Area was also prepared to capture the moment.  No pun intended, as White Grass literally captures snow with miles of strategically placed fence.  As long as there is a drift, you will be skiing, according to Chip Chase, owner of WG.

A perfect weather pattern arrived in the nick of time to allow for a record early opening on November 23rd at Timberline Mountain with around 65% of their terrain open.  Four runs were open from the top, Amazing!   White Grass opened on the 19^th and 20^th with groomed skiing.  A group even skied up the 1,200 feet to Bald Knob.

This weekend marks the official opening for Ski The Valley season in Canaan Valley as Timberline Mountain opens their doors seven days a week on December 2^nd.  Canaan Resort has set opening day for December 17^th and we are still waiting on a date for the sled run at Blackwater Falls State Park.

We look forward to seeing everyone this winter on the snow or in the streets of West Virginia’s coolest mountain destination.

Cheers, Brian