With the stroke of a pen and a proclamation from the Governor, the state of West Virginia joined 33 other states that have declared January as Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month. West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin met with officials from the West Virginia Ski Areas Association to make the proclamation on January 18, 2011.

Started by a group of industry officials in 2007, the nationwide Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month encourages children and adults to learn by taking lessons from professional instructors. Over 300 resorts across the United States now participate in the program, with many offering special learning programs and events during the month of January.

Tourism is big business in the state of West Virginia, and during the winter season, West Virginia alpine and nordic areas attract more than 800,000 skier visits. These visits pump over $250 million into the economy and support 5,000 jobs.

A cold winter has resulted in great conditions in West Virginia and other mid-Atlantic ski areas.

“We have received over ten feet of snow since the first of December and that has helped create awesome conditions on the slopes,” said Terry Pfeiffer, President of the West Virginia Ski Areas Association and Winterplace Ski Resort. Pfeiffer joined the Governor and other representatives during the ceremony declaring January as Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month.

West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin declares January Learn a Snow Sport Month. From left to right: WV Tourism Commissioner Better Carver, Sport Mart Owner Buddie Clendenin, Canaan Valley Resort Sales & Marketing Director Lisa Ratliff, Snowshoe Mountain Communications Manager Laura Parquette, WV Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, Timberline Four Season Resort Owner Fred Herz, Winterplace Ski Resort President Terry Pfeiffer, and WV Ski Areas Association Communications Director Joe Stevens.