DAVIS, W.Va. — The slopes have closed at Canaan Valley Resort but what a season it was.
General manager David Herscher said a December slowed by unseasonably warm temperatures turned busy once January ushered in one of the most snowy winters in memory. From skiing to snowboarding, cross country to tubing, Herscher said about 40,000 visitors enjoyed the abundant snow.
“You’d have to go back to 2006 before you get even close to the amount of visitors that we had this year,” he said.
Though snow was the main attraction, a new $24-million lodge helped accommodate the throngs, which made for a spike in seasonal revenue.
“In the last 20 years, this has been one of the top two or three years in terms of visits,” said Herscher. “Some folks have been coming here for many, many years and we also had some new guests arrive as well. We’ve just gotten rave reviews about the lodge.”
The new lodge opened last fall, added alongside a new snow-making system, snow-tubing park and beginners ski slope.
Now resort officials are awaiting the change of seasons for spring and summer tourists.
“We’re looking forward to the warm up and we’re targeting the April 5-6 weekend to open our golf. We’re excited to see the snow melt and get some green grass out.”