Jump To:
Resort Profiles
Maryland
North Carolina
Pennsylvania
Virginia
West Virginia
Firsthand Report: Canaan Valley, Timberline, and Special Love Families
By Connie Lawn, DCSki Columnist
January 27, 2008 — Only the boldest and toughest ventured out on the slopes the weekend of January 18-21, 2008, but we were surrounded by some of the bravest and most determined — families with children battling cancer. Each year, the “Special Love” organization, the NIH Ski Club, and Guest Services, Inc. bring them to Canaan Valley Resort for a wonderful weekend on the snow and in the lodge. Families, friends, and loved ones continue to return annually for this remarkable retreat. Families whose children have lost the battle continue to come to comfort and be comforted and those new to the battle quickly blend in with the group. This year 146 attended from 45 families. 65 are children. Sadly, one beloved child died a few days before the event; another died in the past year.
|
|
Jeremy Webb snowboards at the top of Timberline’s Twister trail. Photo provided by Charles Sneiderman.
|
Some who have survived childhood cancers are now strapping young adults — such as snowboarder and computer expert Jeremy Webb and skier and NIH administrator Larry Chloupek. They return to teach and inspire others. Larry is getting married this summer and brought his fiance. Jeann Newbauer is a lovely and warm asset to him, and to the cause. There are other incredible events this weekend. A short “gotchya day” ceremony was held for one beautiful little girl. I just learned this is the term to celebrate the day a person was adopted. This young lady and her sister were originally adopted from Ukraine, and she then survived a cancerous tumor and a host of other medical problems. She is here to enjoy life and family.
It is always a grand occasion to come to Canaan and — this year — Timberline Resort as well. On bitter cold days, the Canaan Lodge and Conference Center is even more inviting. There is a heated swimming pool, hot tub, weight and game rooms, and an endless supply of excellent local cuisine. The rooms in the lodges are also warm, clean and comfortable with free satellite TV and broadband internet. Thanks to our friend Troy Cardwell, the hard working General Manager, for hosting us.
|
|
A brook alongside the Timber trail at Canaan Valley Resort. Photo provided by Charles Sneiderman.
|
Outside, the beautiful deer flicked their whitetails and waited for their treats (even though we are not supposed to feed them!). And beyond, the snow-covered slopes of Canaan are visible. There are also the fields of the Whitegrass Touring Center, and the slopes of Timberline, about 4 miles away.
While the slopes are well covered with snow — natural and manmade — nature reminded us how tough the climate can sometimes be in West Virginia. On Saturday, the temperature was a balmy 17 degrees above in the morning, the wind was relatively light, and the skies were partly cloudy, so we were able to get most of the children on the mountain and give them ski and snowboard lessons. Some made remarkable progress in just hours, and others sped down the mountains like experts. Most of the children stayed on the Bunny Buster Slopes, but others soon made it to the more difficult side of the mountain and took the sweeping Timber Spur trail around the mountain. They were rewarded by scenery at the top part which is truly “almost heaven.” The fir trees were decorated with thick snow, and the view of the Canaan Valley was dramatic. Canaan is an area well worth visiting, and the rest of this season should be good. It is a far cry from the conditions our group experienced last year, when the weather was warm and rainy, and there were thin patches of snow on the slopes.
|
|
Connie (far left), Randy Schools of NIH R&W, and Dave Smith of Special Love ski on the Salamander trail at Timberline Resort. Photo provided by Charles Sniederman.
|
Sunday was a good day to stay inside, but many of us tried our best to enjoy the snow. The arctic cold which affected much of the East was merciless. The temperature was in the single digits at the base of the mountain, and around minus twenty wind chill at the top. Some of the children actually spent two hours in their lessons, with their dedicated teachers — including Dave Smith, executive director of Special Love and Randy Schools, Director of Recreation and Welfare at NIH. Most of us huddled in front of the large fire places in the warming huts and cafeterias!
After the morning lessons, four of us took the short drive to Timberline, a 21-year old resort a few miles up the valley. The slopes there were well-groomed and the snow base abundant. It would be excellent in better weather. We took the easy Salamander trail, which winds around the mountain for 2 miles, and is the longest in the Mid-Atlantic. The wind was so strong, it nearly blew us backwards. The trail was especially difficult for Dave on his snowboard. None of us had frost bite, but we came close. Dave took two other runs, on Dew Drop and White Lightning, and then the cold drove him inside too.
|
|
The Twister trail at Timberline. Photo provided by Charles Sneiderman.
|
Charles returned on Monday with Jeremy Webb and discovered Twister trail which is only slightly more difficult than Salamander and slightly shorter. It meanders through condos, tunnels under a road, and comes out at the base. They noted that the snowmaking equipment is quite state-of-the art, with completely portable fan guns that have the air compressor on the gun itself, allowing snow to be deposited in very precise locations. It may have been a function of the temperature, but the powder being generated was of Utah quality (the greatest snow on earth!) They also took the Silver Streak chair which had adult-height seats and good padding. The padding came in handy because it was definitely slower than the Thunder Streak chair; the latter had chair heights low enough for children and nice foot rests for snowboards, but it hit Charles in the calf instead of behind the knee. It might be good for sit skis; Timberline does have an adaptive program and military discounts as well.
In the spacious cafeteria, we had a good talk with Fred Herz, the Vice President and one of the three owners of Timberline. He outlined plans for the future, and gave us an excellent update on the resort. He and General Manager Troy Cardwell of Canaan have developed a “Ski the Valley” pass, which is valid at both ski areas. It can be used anytime, except on busy holidays. The pass opens up 76 potential trails between the two areas. It also makes it easier for more people to stay in Canaan and ski both places. There is currently no shuttle service between Canaan and Timberline, but neither area wants to increase traffic congestion, pollution and parking problems. Canaan has a free shuttle with two school buses equipped with ski racks between the Lodge and the slopes. There is discussion of a shuttle services between the two ski areas.
Timberline is working to increase lodging at its resort, and a new 20-room hotel is under construction. It could be ready this spring or summer, and is a slopeside resort. Press and Marketing Manager Jessica Scowcroft says it is possible to rent space in the beautiful homes and condos. Their reality company, Timberline Four Seasons Reality, offers ski and stay packages. For more inexpensive lodging, there are 530 bunk beds available for large groups in bunk houses. They are usually used by scout or Church groups at affordable rates, which also include lift tickets. I have always advocated trying to work out an inclusive package, which includes lodging, lifts, and sometimes even equipment, lessons and meals. Try to work out such packages at both resorts, if you are able.
|
|
The Courtesy Patrol at Canaan Valley Resort. Photo provided by Charles Sneiderman.
|
Some last observations, as I end this article. I decided to go snow tubing my last morning at Canaan, and learned I am now too big for the sport. It is definitely best for the smaller ones! My added size and weight made me go too fast, and I crashed into the well-padded fence (thank God!). I flipped over backwards, hitting my head and shoulder. Fortunately, I was wearing a helmet. Some important points to remember about snowtubing:
After the tubing, I was grateful to be able to walk around in the clean, white snow and beautiful sunshine. It was now a balmy 20 degrees. Eight deer came over to beg for food and to say good bye. Who can resist their beautiful eyes? All in all, it was “almost heaven.”
Thank you Canaan and Timberline for a wonderful weekend. And Canaan, thank you for all you do for the “Special Love” families!
Related Links:
Related DCSki Stories:
Mother Nature Delivers Early Holiday Gift to Mid-Atlantic Skiers: Some of the Best Pre-January Conditions on Record (December 24, 2009)
Mother Nature delivered an early holiday gift to mid-Atlantic ski areas, dumping up to three feet of fresh snow the weekend before Christmas and keeping temperatures low enough to fire snowguns around the clock. As a result, many ski areas should have close to 100% of their terrain open in the coming days.
DCSki Introduces New Features to Track Resort “Tweets” (November 15, 2009)
The Twitter microblogging service allows individuals and companies to create and share short text-based updates called “Tweets.” Over a dozen ski areas in the mid-Atlantic region have created a presence on Twitter, using Twitter to post announcements and information. DCSki now captures these updates and makes them readily available to skiers and boarders, whether or not they have their own Twitter account.
What’s New for 2009: Timberline Resort (November 8, 2009)
Timberline has gained permanent access to a water source for snowmaking, and will soon celebrate the grand opening of a new hotel.
(7 reader comments)
DCSki Columnist Honored with West Virginia Division of Tourism’s “Stars of the Industry Award” (October 15, 2009)
DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney was recently honored with a Stars of the Industry Award, awarded by the West Virginia Division of Tourism for his January, 2009 story on skiing in Canaan Valley and Timberline Resorts, West Virginia.
(8 reader comments)
Firsthand Report: Timberline Offers Up a Great Group Experience (March 20, 2009)
George Lyle recently chaperoned a weekend trip to Timberline Resort, bringing together eight teenage boys from Asia and Africa to the mountains of West Virginia. George provides this Firsthand Report.
Canaan Valley Resort to Offer Free Skiing on Opening Day (December 8, 2008)
West Virginia’s Canaan Valley Resort plans to open for the 2008-2009 winter season on Thursday, December 11, 2008 at 12 noon. To celebrate its opening, free skiing will be provided between noon and 4:30 p.m. The ski area will also offer significantly discounted lodging during opening weekend.
(1 reader comment)
What’s New for 2008: Canaan Valley Resort (November 19, 2008)
West Virginia’s Canaan Valley Resort is expanding its Terrain Park this year, and will continue to partner with nearby Timberline Resort to offer a “Ski the Valley Pass,” a two-day lift ticket valid at both ski areas.
(1 reader comment)
Aggressive Snowmaking Underway, as Resorts Race Towards Opening (Updated) (November 18, 2008)
Have you noticed a chill in the air? Local ski resorts sure have. And many are taking advantage of it to fire up the snowguns. Mother Nature is also lending a hand, dumping nearly two feet of snow over higher-elevation resorts. Late November is being kind to Mid-Atlantic skiers, setting up resorts to offer some of the best early season conditions in recent memory. DCSki provides a complete update. Updated on November 20, 2008.
(5 reader comments)
Springtime Snapshots: The Canaan Valley Region in Late Spring (June 25, 2008)
DCSki Columnist John Sherwood recently made a trip to the Canaan Valley region of West Virginia, where he visited Dolly Sods, Roaring Plains (South Prong Trail), and the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge. He provides some photos from his visit.
(2 reader comments)
Guess What? It’s Not Too Late to Ski (April 3, 2008)
The vast majority of Mid-Atlantic resorts have ended their ski and snowboarding season. However, if you’re itching to get in a few last turns, it’s not too late. Several resorts plan to offer skiing and boarding for one last weekend, on April 5 and 6.
(4 reader comments)
 |
About the Author
-
Connie Lawn is an avid skier. In her spare time, she has covered the White House as a reporter since 1968. To read other articles by Connie, click here.
There are 5 reader comments about this article. To read them, or add your own, scroll below or click here.
|
The views and opinions expressed in DCSki Article Comments are strictly those of the comment authors and have not been reviewed or approved by DCSki. If you believe a comment is inaccurate or inappropriate, please contact DCSki's Editor. Special Love Weekend at Canaan Valley/Timberline - posted by The Colonel
January 28, 2008 at 8:54 pm Thanks, Connie, for a moving and beautiful article. And thanks also to Canaan and Timberline for hosting these wonderful children and their families and care givers.
The Colonel Thank you Colonel - posted by Connie Lawn
January 28, 2008 at 11:46 pm Appreciate your comments! Please tell us more about yourself - you are interesting! Yours, Connie
Thanks! - posted by Jenn Neubauer
January 30, 2008 at 2:22 pm Connie thank you for the eloquent report about our wonderful weekend. I enjoyed the oppurtunity of getting to know you better. Hopefully we will have more snow this season!!!
Jenn :-) Thank you Jenn - posted by Connie Lawn
January 31, 2008 at 8:11 am Best of luck to you and Larry in your upcoming marriage. You two are terrific folks, who do a lot to help humanity. Yours, Connie and Charles
A True Explorer - posted by Canaan Valley Resident
February 26, 2008 at 9:59 am Thank you Connie for the thoughtful article. It was wonderful having you here in the Valley. Your appreciation of the areas wild beauty and vast wilderness echoes that of the many explorers that call it their Home Mountain Please come back and visit often, we welcome your return.
|
