CHARLESTON, W.Va. – It’s been a harsh winter for West Virginia but a moneymaker on the slopes. The state’s ski resorts are reporting a banner year.
Joe Stevens, with the West Virginia Ski Areas Association, said the fun isn’t over. Snowshoe resort will remain open through the first weekend in April, Timberline through the last of the month and Canaan Valley and Winterplace through this coming weekend.
Stevens said it’s more than just the amount of snow we’ve seen that’s made the longer season possible.
“We’ve gotten excellent snow-making conditions and we haven’t had the thaws through the year that we’ve been accustomed to in recent years,” explained Stevens. “That’s translated into excellent conditions as we now reach the home stretch of the season.”
In fact, March/April skiing can be some of the best conditions, especially for beginners.
“The snow loosens up and we call it ‘ego snow’ because it will hold a skier or snowboarder a little bit more in track. It’s easier to ski in and easier to learn in,” according to Stevens.
When it comes to the financial side of the season Stevens said the resorts are looking at two things.
“The lodging numbers are up and also the lift ticket numbers are up. It’s been a good year!”
In fact, at times this season there have been so many people hitting the slopes, the state’s resorts didn’t have enough lodging. Convention and Visitors Bureaus reported some skiers were staying at hotels as far as 30 to 40 miles away.