CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The surprise snowstorm which hit the West Virginia coalfields and mountain counties on Monday is a late boost to West Virginia’s ski industry. A week ago with temperatures in the 50’s many of West Virginia’s resorts were considering closing for the season, but Joe Stevens with the West Virginia Ski Areas Association said the Monday morning storm changed things.
“Winterplace was thinking about closing and they’re now extending the season until at least this weekend and maybe several days beyond,” said Stevens. “Timberline will be opening up for the weekend and it now looks like Snowshoe will make it through their original closing date and that’s April 1st.”
The storm dumped several inches of snow in the mountains and resort operators quickly capitalized on the low temperatures to add to the total.
“Timberline, Snowshoe, and Winterplace have all made snow plus the natural snow,” said Stevens. “It’s going to be a pretty good way to end the season for skiers and snowboarders.”
Coming on the 25th anniversary of the Blizzard of 1993 when Snowshoe received 36 inches of snow in a 42 hour period, Stevens noted you can never tell what March will bring in West Virginia.