146 inches of snow have fallen at West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort this season. Photo provided by Snowshoe Mountain Resort.

Resorts faced a busy President’s Day weekend, as the 2003-2004 winter season continues to deliver with cold temperatures and excellent snow conditions. With few exceptions, temperatures have remained near or below freezing since early January. AccuWeather forecasts a continuation of cold temperatures for the mid-Atlantic region.

Canaan Valley hosts Mountain Arts and Bluegrass Festival Feb. 21

Appalachian culture will be on display at West Virginia’s Canaan Valley Resort Saturday, February 21, 2004, as the resort hosts the Mountain Arts and Bluegrass Festival.

“From stained glass to wood working and wailing fiddles to upbeat harmonies, this special celebration will combine Appalachian arts and music with some of the best skiing in the region,” said Chuck Trader, Managing Director of Canaan Valley Resort.

Stained glass, paintings, wood carvings, and wax art will be on display at the resort’s lodge, while bluegrass bands perform in the lodge and at the ski area. A snowboard competition is also on tap for Saturday.

“This is the best part of the ski season,” said Trader. “The snow is great, the trails, Tube Park, and Terrain Park are all open.”

For more information on the Festival, contact Canaan Valley Resort at 800-622-4121 or visit www.canaanresort.com.

Wisp to host Annual Mountain Reggae Fest

On Friday, February 20, 2004, Maryland’s Wisp Resort will hold its Annual Tubes of Fire Reggae Fest. Guests are invited to enjoy unlimited tubing at the Bear Claw Snow Tubing Park, a bonfire, and live entertainment from deejay Jonny Rock. The Tubes of Fire will then transport guests to the Lodge at Wisp for live music from the Mama Jama Reggae Band, and a BBQ Dinner with Cash Bar. Tickets cost $25 per person, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Maryland Special Olympics. For more information, contact Wisp Resort at 301-387-4911 or visit www.skiwisp.com.

Separately, Wisp’s popular Winterblast Celebration will be held February 28 through March 7, with a Cardboard Boxcar Derby, Pond Jump, and various races.