Wild & Wonderful West Virginia
Nestled in Pocahontas County, West Virginia is a hidden treasure. Snowshoe Mountain is home to a fabulous world-class ski resort. The mountain is a year-round destination. Bike parks, great trails and beauty surround visitors. Outdoor weddings are extremely popular in this wildly scenic area. However, the real attraction for this region is the downhill skiing and snowboarding.
1500 vertical feet and 60 trails spread across 262 acres make for some of the best skiing in the Mid-Atlantic. Average snowfall is 180″. Combine that with snow-making machines for amazing powder opportunities. There are three different areas to ski at Snowshoe Mountain. Snowshoe Basin, Silver Creek, and Western Territory. These distinct areas offer skiers of any ability the chance to have a day (or night) of fun. Black diamond trails, easy and moderate trails and even freestyle areas will delight skiers and boarders. There is also a tube park for those who want to slip and slide down the chutes on fat tubes. Everyone in the family can enjoy this winter paradise.
Snowshoe Basin has seven lifts, including two high speed quads, to get you quickly up the mountain and onto the trails. Beginning skiers can enjoy runs like the Log Slide and Whiffletree. These easy trails will help beginners learn the basics of skiing. Practice skills and gain confidence before you move up to the moderate trails like Gandy Dancer, Stemwinder and Moonshine.
Expert skiers and boarders will thrill to the 800ft vertical drop on black diamond runs like Knot Bumper Glades and Grabhammer. Lower Shay’s Revenge is a double black diamond run for experts only. Snowshoe Basin is not the only place to have fun, though.
The Silver Creek area has beginner runs like the Cubb Run and the Knifeblade. For those with a little experience under their belt there are trails like the Slaymaker and the Buck Saw. Expert skiers and boarders will enjoy Flying Eagle Glades, Bear Claw and Flying Eagles. Twelve trails are open at night. Enjoy skiing in the falling snow while the stars twinkle overhead. Magical!
Young and old alike will enjoy the rush of flying down one of five lanes at The Coca-Cola Tube Park. There is also Kid’s World and a snowboard school located in Silver Creek Trails.
In the Western Territory visitors will experience a 1,500 ft vertical drop. Catch the Western Express high-speed lift to get back to the top for another thrilling downhill run. 1.5 miles of downhill skiing will satisfy your need for speed. Shay’s Revenge will provide 52 percent steeps for adrenaline junkies to enjoy.
Snowshoe Mountain Rentals provides information on renting bikes and gear for all of the great activities located in Snowshoe WV. You can rent a snowmobile and head out to explore the backcountry. If you prefer to walk, grab some snow shoes and begin your trek. There are plenty of places to see and things to do in and around the mountain.
The village of Snowshoe Mountain Resort has a luxury spa which is perfect for glamming up before dinner. Rejuvenating facials, detoxifying back facials, and salon services are just some of the ways to relax at The Spa at Snowshoe. Have a mani-pedi or get waxed to look perfect in that new dress. Relax with a hot-stone or Swedish massage. After a day of skiing, your skin may be dry and flaky. A hydrating body wrap will restore moisture to your skin. Hair color, deep scalp conditioning and even bridal up-do’s will complete your new look.
When you look and feel fabulous you can head out to some fantastic dining options. Steaks, spicy hot barbecue and artisan sandwiches are just some of the food options available. If you want and your friends want a truly unique dining option, the Sunrise Backcountry Hut is the place to go. Located in a Spruce forest two miles out in the backcountry, this ‘hut’ is actually a fabulous restaurant and place to spend the night. The hut master will prepare a 4-course meal for you and up to twenty people. Dishes like Artichoke Parmesan Dip with crackers, Chicken Cordon Bleu with redskin mashed potatoes and sumptuous homemade desserts will have you rubbing your belly in satisfaction. Beer, wine and sodas are included in the meal price.
There is so much to do here in this mountain village. Shopping, splashing in the pools, participating in Zumba and yoga classes – the list is endless. It’s time to plan your next ski vacation in Snowshoe WV.