They don’t call it the Mountain State for nothing. Wild
and wonderful, West Virginia is the only state that lies
entirely within the Appalachian Mountain region. And that
means heaven for downhill thrill seekers.
Three ski resorts cascade along the central mountains
near historic Clarksburg in north-central West Virginia and
the state capital of Charleston in the southeast. Weather-
permitting, they open from Thanksgiving to mid-December
into mid to late March. Expect to pay less for lift tickets on
weekdays and early or late in the season.
BY JAYNE CLARK
CANAAN VALLEY RESORT STATE PARK
Where: Davis, WV (179 miles from Washington)
The lowdown: This state-owned resort occupies the highest valley —
4,280 feet — east of the Rockies. The ski area has 47 slopes and trails,
and three lifts, plus a magic carpet conveyor in a dedicated beginners
area. Cross-country skiers and snowshoers have more than 18 miles of
trails to explore. And for boarders, there’s a terrain park featuring a
12-foot wall. Adult lift tickets: $39 – $78.
The latest: Canaan’s adaptive ski program offers customized
instruction for skiers with special needs.
FLYWASHINGTON.COM 50 WINTER 2018/19
Lodging: The main lodge has 160 rooms and suites. Two- to four-
bedroom cabins and four-bedroom cottages, a half mile from the main
lodge, come with equipped kitchens and wood-burning fireplaces.
Don’t miss: The Tube Park. With multiple lanes running 1,200 feet, it’s
the Mid-Atlantic’s longest. For skaters, the covered ice rink enables
fabulous views of the mountains and valley.
Information: Canaanresort.com; 800-622-4121
If you’d rather fly than drive, United Airlines offers nonstop flights
from Dulles International Airport (IAD) to North Central West Virginia
Airport (CKB). Canaan Valley Resort is 62 miles from the airport.