Snow Hits Mountain Resorts

Starting Thursday and continuing into Friday, many higher-elevation resorts throughout the mid-Atlantic region received their first significant snowstorm of the season. Several inches of snow fell in some parts, covering slopes and providing a strong hint that the ski season is just around the corner.

“It has been snowing most of the day in Tucker County,” said Joe Stevens on Thursday evening, November 15. Stevens is the Director of Communications for the West Virginia Ski Areas Association.

By Friday morning, West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort had received 4 inches of natural snow, and continued to make snow on many slopes in preparation for a November 21 opening date. For opening day, Snowshoe expects to have five runs open, including Heisler Way, Whistepunk, Gandy Dancer, Crosscut, and Spruce Glades. Lower temperatures in the past week have allowed Snowshoe to run the guns for over 150 hours, and Snowshoe’s Laura Parquette indicates that favorable snowmaking conditions should continue through the weekend.

Other resorts in West Virginia have also announced projected opening dates. Timberline plans to open on December 6, with Winterplace following on December 7. Canaan Valley is targeting December 22 for opening. The White Grass Touring Center will open its cross country trails as soon as there is enough natural snow on the ground.

The natural snow wasn’t limited to West Virginia. It also fell across western Maryland and western Pennsylvania, hitting resorts such as Wisp, Seven Springs, and Hidden Valley.

Snowshoe’s Cupp Run shows off a new winter coat. Snowshoe plans to open for the season on Wednesday, November 21, 2007. Photo provided by Snowshoe Mountain Resort.

Snow began falling at West Virginia’s Winterplace Resort on Thursday. Photo provided by the West Virginia Ski Areas Association.

A web cam at Pennsylvania’s Hidden Valley Resort shows several inches of snow on Friday morning. Photo provided by Hidden Valley Resort.

A web cam at Seven Springs Resort shows a snowy base area. Photo provided by Seven Springs Resort.

Wisp received some natural snow Thursday and Friday, and began making snow on Friday morning. Wisp hopes to have some terrain open for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Photo provided by Wisp Resort.