DAVIS, W.Va. — Lodging occupancy rates were up as the state’s ski industry capitalized on heavy snowfall the past few weeks.
Above-average accumulation and frigid temps made for outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, said Jessica Scowcroft, executive director of the Tucker County Convention and Visitors Bureau
“February has just been amazing with natural snowfall. Here personally, we have already received 120 inches of natural snowfall in Tucker County,” said Scowcroft, “I would be comfortable saying that the state of West Virginia, in the mountain regions, have received between 120-200 inches of natural snowfall.”
Scowcroft said Tucker County averages around 100,000 skier visits a year at the Canaan Valley and Timberline resorts. Increasing traffic peaked with a sellout on President’s Day weekend.
That includes many visitors who don’t necessarily like skiing, but are turning to other recreational activities.
“For people who might not enjoy skiing or the snow, but want to get outside, Canaan has snow tubing and ice skating,” said Scowcroft. “They get some additional visitors for those things in the area.”
Scowcroft said the state highways department has been prepared and successful at getting ahead of the storm. She advised visitors to plan ahead to make for a fun experience on the slopes.
The state’s resorts expect to have a healthy layer of snow on the slopes once March rolls around.