Go away, rain

Although it wasn’t originally in the forecast, temperatures have warmed and brought some drizzle to the area, limiting snowmaking operations at area resorts until later this week when the mercury should dip. Originally, resorts such as Whitetail, Ski Liberty, and Ski Roundtop had hoped to open by midweek, but opening day will be delayed by several days until snowmaking can continue.

Despite the warmer temperatures, many area resorts remain open for business and are gradually expanding trailcount. West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort had to silence the snowguns on Sunday, but plans to fire them up again within the next day or two in an effort to open 1,500-foot vertical Cupp Run on Wednesday. Snowshoe’s Joe Stevens reports that snowmaking efforts will then be concentrated on the Mountaineer Terrain Park at Silver Creek and trails near Top of the World at the Snowshoe area. Snowshoe has some great lodging deals on tap through December 28, with rooms as low as $89 per night.

Canaan Valley Resort fills holiday week with activities

West Virginia’s Canaan Valley Resort has packed a wealth of activities in the next two weeks to celebrate the holidays and new Millennium.

Readings of the “Night Before Christmas” and “The Christmas Story” will kick off events on Christmas eve, followed by caroling. A buffet will be offered Christmas day from 12 noon to 8 p.m. with veal roast, roasted salom, Rock Cornish game hen, prime rib, and turkey.

Between Christmas and New Year’s, activities and games are planned each day, including snowshoeing tours, scavenger hunts, bingo, and instructor-led craft projects.

A buffet dinner will be offered on New Year’s Eve beginning at 8:30 p.m., including prime rib and garlic studded leg of lamb. Cost is $100 per couple including dinner, a bottle of champagne, party favors, and a commemorative glass. For those age 18 and under, a free New Year’s Eve party will begin at 9:00 p.m. with music and dancing.

For more information, contact the resort at (800) 622-4121.