Winter 2021 is Firing On All Cylinders

Winter has been rocking in Canaan Valley and the Allegheny Mountains since early December, 2020 with plenty of snow and cold. All three of our ski resorts have been operating at full capacity; even White Grass Cross Country Ski Center who depends completely on natural snowfall. For those with man-made snowmaking, conditions are as good as they have been in several years.

To truly enjoy winter you do not have to be a skier or snowboarder, it’s that simple. Take for example snowshoeing. Of course you don’t own a pair, which is why there are three locations to rent snowshoes from. With trails and scenic overlooks on site, explore the magical spruce forests and thickets of rhododendron on your own terms in our state parks and national forest.

Finding a fun activity for all ages and abilities gets easy when you discover sledding and snow tubing. There is a big difference between the two, which makes for even more adventurous opportunities. Blackwater Falls Sled Run is the longest sled run on the east coast with an automated people mover and snowmaking. The hill is one big lane, therefore you do need to steer the sled by simply leaning to one side or the other. Canaan Valley Resort is home to Tucker County’s only tubing hill with six lanes that do not require any steering, just an ability to have fun.

Canaan Valley is the highest valley east of the Rocky Mountains and home to three ski resorts all within three miles of each other. With White Grass in the middle you can cross country ski between all three resorts making for endless adventure and winter camping opportunity. USA Today has consistently ranked White Grass one of the top ten cross country ski areas in the United States. WG, as the locals call it, is that good!

Our other two ski areas of Canaan Valley Resort and Timberline Mountain, cater to downhill skiers and boarders. Between the resorts, 150 inches of snow falls on average each year. As of January 27^th, sixty-one inches has fallen and the majority of our snow comes February and March. In Late 2019 Timberline was bought out and has since poured over 10 million dollars into the resort. Resulting in a mountain that is now 100% open for the season, a new high speed lift and much more. For those looking to ski and snowboard on a budget, Canaan Resort is affordable, friendly, and delivers every time.

If none of the above interests you, how about art? Thomas, is West Virginia’s artsy small town that delivers big when it comes to contemporary art and the dozen galleries found in Tucker County. Breweries are another staple of mountain life here. Two breweries known for their award winning beverages are open and serving indoors. There is no lack of restaurant’s to choose from in both Davis and Thomas, a diverse choice of eateries have come around recently satisfying worldly pallets.

In order to enjoy the mountain life that winter brings, spend the night at one of Tucker County’s lodging establishments. Go big with slope side housing or keep it basic at one of our hip motels or bed and breakfasts. Many folks even come just for a stay in a cozy cabin in the woods, wrapped up in a blanket reading their book. Sometimes it’s that simple.

My final words are this. Mother Nature this winter is treating us very, very well and you never know what the future will bring. Follow us on social media for up to date weather and ski resort conditions on the top of West Virginia’s, Canaan Valley. SkiTheValley and TuckerCounty_WV are our social media brands. The time to visit, escape reality, and have some fun in the snow is now. Not to mention there are only six weeks left in ski season!

Cheers!

Brian