Different parts of the Mid-Atlantic region experienced different types of weather last weekend -; ranging from rain to freezing rain to snow to wind. But a common thread was plummeting temperatures, and consistently cold temperatures have allowed resorts to put many hours of snowmaking under their belt as they prepare for the upcoming holiday week. There might not be snow on the ground outside of your house, but it will be a white Christmas at Mid-Atlantic ski areas.

Resorts in West Virginia dug out of eight inches of fresh snow early this week, and the snowguns have been flying around the clock. Canaan Valley Resort will launch its season on Saturday, December 22. According to Joe Stevens, Director of Communications for the West Virginia Ski Areas Association, five major ski areas in West Virginia have been producing 20,000 tons of artificial snow an hour -; enough to cover 20 football fields with a foot of snow every hour.

Snowboarders pause before their descent this week at West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort. Photo provided by Snowshoe Mountain Resort.

By this weekend, nearly every ski area in the Mid-Atlantic region will be open. DCSki expects many local areas to increase their trail count over the next few days, with many opening over half of their terrain.

Many resorts are planning festivities to celebrate the holiday season. For example, on Saturday, December 22, Pennsylvania’s Whitetail Resort will host its first annual WinterFest, with free hot chocolate, free popcorn, and free glowsticks. Many resorts will also be celebrating the New Year with events planned for December 31.

During the holiday period, be sure to check with resorts to verify operating hours. Many resorts close early on Christmas Eve and have a delayed opening on Christmas day. Prices between Christmas and New Year’s are also typically higher.