SNOWSHOE, W.Va. – Happy Birthday Snowshoe! The ski resort celebrated 40-years in business Thursday. It’s just the start of a weekend filled with activities to mark the occasion.
It was on December 19, 1973 that Snowshoe officially opened for the first day of business. Dave Dekema, the Director of Sales and Marketing at the resort, said things were a lot different back then.
“Looking at the “then and now” kind of pictures we’ve pulled together for this, it was a very rustic, cabin feel,” he explained.
Today, the resort has 60 trails, 14 lifts and 3 ski areas over 11,000 acres.
“Probably the most notable change has just been the evolution of our mountaintop village,” said Dekema. “It’s unique in itself in the fact it’s at the top of the mountain but also that its a very large and all-inclusive kind of resort feel.”
In just the past few years, there have been major upgrades including a spa, teen center and more fine dining.
Thousands will be on hand for this weekend’s birthday celebration. It kicked off Thursday morning with lift tickets going for $14. That’s the same price they were in 1973.
Saturday is the big event. A concert by the 70’s group the Commodores.
“It’s going to be a big party, a big cake, a big celebration. We’ve got the disco dance floor and a lot of retro themed, vintage clothing going on,” said Dekema.
The director of sales said they couldn’t have picked a better weekend. Seventeen inches of snow has fallen in just the past week and the slopes are primed.
“We’re opening our western territory this weekend which is early. Last two years those runs didn’t open until January. They are very popular and we’re very happy to open them for our birthday weekend,” explained Dekema.
To find out more about the events taking place for Snowshoe’s birthday, log on to www.snowshoemtn.com.