A winter storm has dumped over half a foot of snow on high-elevation resorts in West Virginia, western Maryland, and western Pennsylvania, serving as an early-season treat to skiers and snowboarders. The snow began falling early in the week, and picked up steam on Tuesday. Continued flurries are expected throughout the week, along with sub-freezing temperatures, allowing a chorus of snowguns to ring out across Mid-Atlantic ski areas.

Snowmaking is underway at Canaan Valley Resort. Photo provided by Canaan Valley Resort.

“Finally, the season’s first true snowstorm occurred in the mountains of West Virginia this week,” said Joe Stevens, Director of Communications for the West Virginia Ski Areas Association. On Tuesday morning, December 4, 2007, Stevens reported that residents of the Canaan Valley region were digging out of 8 inches of fresh snow. Over half a foot of snow had fallen in the Pocahontas County region of West Virginia, to the delight of guests at Snowshoe Mountain Resort, the only downhill ski area currently open in West Virginia. Snowshoe had seven trails open on Tuesday, with snowguns blasting on nearly 20 slopes. Cross-country skiers are also enjoying the powder at the White Grass Touring Center.

A snowplow clears a road at West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort on Tuesday. Snowshoe received over half a foot of fresh snow. Photo provided by Snowshoe Mountain Resort.

Cross country skiers enjoy the fresh powder at the White Grass Touring Center in West Virginia. Photo provided by the White Grass Touring Center.

Timberline Resort is planning to open on December 6, and Winterplace tentatively plans to open on December 7. High winds have been a challenge for snowmakers at Canaan Valley Resort, but the resort is hoping to open its tubing hill on December 8. Opening dates are subject to change.

The fresh snow was not limited to West Virginia. Maryland’s Wisp Resort received half a foot of fresh snow, and currently has several trails open. More trails should come on-line for this weekend, when Wisp will celebrate its 52nd anniversary with discounted lift tickets. On Sunday, December 9 and Monday, December 10, 2007, Wisp will sell $7 one-day lift tickets or $14 2-day lift tickets, along with half price ski and snowboard rentals and group lessons. A Saturday-Sunday-Monday extended day lift ticket, beginning December 8, will sell for $46 for adults and $39 for juniors. The anniversary celebration will include music and giveaways. For more information on the event or to learn about discounted lodging packages, call Wisp at 301-387-4911.

In Pennsylvania, western ski areas also woke up to natural snow on Tuesday. Seven Springs had received 7 inches of fresh snow by Tuesday evening. The ski area has six trails open with a depth of 8-20 inches, and is making snow throughout the mountain.

Although the natural snow did not extend to resorts in central PA, the arrival of a cold front on Monday has allowed resorts to create their own artificial snowstorm. Expect to see many additional resorts opening beginning on December 8. If current weather patterns hold, DCSki expects the majority of Mid-Atlantic resorts to have launched their 2007-2008 winter season by December 15. Opening dates and operating hours can change at the last moment in the early season, so be sure to contact a resort directly before making a trip.