Right on queue, March brought warmer temperatures to the region and the arrival of spring skiing.

Despite temperatures that rose into the 60’s this past weekend, local resorts still have plenty of snow, and that snow is expected to stick around well into March. Meteorological history buffs will also recall that plenty of last-season snowstorms have hit the region in past years.

West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort confirmed on Monday that it plans to remain open until April 11. Snowshoe has received 146 inches of natural snow this season, and currently has a base depth ranging from 4-6 feet on all trails. In an average March, Snowshoe receives 20 inches of natural snow.

The warm temperatures may tempt some to hang up their skis and snowboards, but resist the urge: local resorts have strong bases and spring skiing is a blast. Mid-Atlantic resorts typically close each spring not due to lack of snow, but due to lack of visitors.

The following two photos were taken by M. Scott Smith on a visit to Whitetail Resort on Thursday, January 26, 2004. Whitetail currently has a base depth of 34-44 inches; all trails are open with good coverage.

Local resorts plan spring festivals

The Pond Jump is an ever-popular event at West Virginia’s Canaan Valley Resort. Photo provided by Canaan Valley Resort.

The arrival of March means longer days, warmer temperatures, and celebratory festivals throughout resorts in the mid-Atlantic region. Read on to hear about some of the events on tap for the upcoming weekend. Additional spring-themed festivals will be held later in March at other resorts; visit the DCSki Event Schedule for more details.

West Virginia’s Canaan Valley Resort will host its 7th Annual Wild Thing Weekend March 6-7, 2004, a family-oriented “Mardi Gras on snow” with games, music, cookouts, and more. Events will include a Cardboard and Duct Tape Race, a Lollipop Race, a Children’s Balloon Race, a Limbo Contest, and the ever-popular Pond Jump. The Governor’s Cup Ski Race, the oldest ski race in the South, will also be held March 6 at Canaan Valley Resort. For more information on the Wild Thing Weekend, contact Canaan Valley Resort at 800-622-4121 or visit canaanresort.com.

Pennsylvania’s Whitetail Resort will be holding its Annual Springfest/Caribbean Weekend March 6-7, where visitors are invited to bring their best beach attire - just make sure it’s tasteful. Caribbean-style food and drink will be on tap all weekend, with live music and events such as a snow mountain bike race, mogul competition, cardboard derby and pond skimming event. For a complete event schedule, visit this link.

Sister resorts Ski Roundtop and Liberty Mountain Resort also have spring festivals on tap for March 6-7. Liberty will have a Safari-themed festival, with employees competing in a survivor contest. Numerous races will be held at Roundtop. A pond skimming contest will be a highlight of both Roundtop and Liberty’s festivals. More information is available at skiroundtop.com and skiliberty.com.

Pennsylvania’s Camelback Resort will celebrate March 6-7 with a Mardi Gras Weekend. Visit skicamelback.com for more information.

On March 6, Virginia’s Homestead Resort will have an on-slope beach party, with a shag contest, sand castle contest, slalom race, cookout, and more. Visit thehomestead.com for more information.

Maryland’s Wisp Resort will be hosting spring-themed events this weekend as well. A Pee Wee Race will be held on Sunday, March 7, followed by the Wisp Pond Cross. Visit skiwisp.com for more information.