Snowshoe: The Ski Mecca of the South

Snowshoe with an elevation of 4849 feet is a mere 14 feet shorter than West Virginia's highest mountain Spruce Knob. Snowshoe also offers a 1501 foot vertical drop, the largest in the east south of New York. Snowshoe is one of the largest ski areas south of New England, with over 57 trails and over 240 acres to ski on. Snowshoe expanded over the summer adding two more trails and a glade (tree) skiing area. The resort has a second mountain called Silver Creek which is open for night skiing.

Snowshoe is in a remote area of West Virginia. Close to National Forest and park lands. The area offers wonderful wilderness views year round. Wildlife is plentiful in the region. Snowshoe is owned by Intrawest, a world class ski resort company. Intrawest owns Mammoth Mountain and the Village at Squaw Valley in California, Tremblant, Blue Mountain, Whistler Blackcomb, and Panorama Mountain in Canada. They also own Stratton in Vermont, Copper, Steamboat and Winter Park in Colorado among others. This is good and bad. The good news is the company has been able to invest in Snowshoe. Intrawest's investments have created more expansion, better lifts, better snowmaking, better shops, better restaurants, better après ski bars, and better lodging. The bad is you do pay a premium price for your lift ticket. Snowshoe has become a four season resort offering hiking and golf when the slopes are not open. The resort also has several festivals throughout the year and spa treatments. Snowshoe offers one of the longest ski seasons in the region. Generally they are on e of the first to open usually around Thanksgiving. They are also one of the latest ski resorts to close for the season generally closing in April.

Snowshoe is fairly unique being an upside down resort. Meaning the lodge, shops and everything is at the top of the mountain and skiers ski down to the lifts. Snowshoe has skiing for everyone. Beginners I would recommend they check out Silver Creek. On the main mountain I would suggest Northern Tracts. However, Silver Creek is usually not as crowded especially on weekends and holidays. Silver Creek is also good for intermediates who want to get more runs in their day. For advanced skiers I would recommend the Western Territory featuring Shay's Revenge (which usually has moguls) and Cupp Run which was designed by an Olympic Skier.

Besides skiing and snowboarding, Snowshoe Mountain offers more winter activities. They include cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, snow tubing and snowcat tours. Snowshoe has the winter weather due to the mountains location and elevation. Snowshoe also has the winter activities for you to enjoy. All that is missing is you.