Learn How to Ski and Snowboard in West Virginia
This winter is as good a time as any to try your hand at skiing or snowboarding in Almost Heaven. West Virginia is home to several top-class ski resorts that cater to beginners that want to get the hang of these fun winter sports. With a combination of ski school lessons, gentle terrain, a little practice, and a whole lot of fun, you’ll be a gliding down the snow-covered hills in no time.
Canaan Valley Resort State Park
Tucked into the Allegheny Mountains sits the beautiful Canaan Valley Resort State Park(link is external). With 47 trails, there are skiing and snowboarding options for all ages and experience levels. In fact, over 30% of Canaan’s ski terrain is committed to those learning to ski.
Beginner classes run Monday through Friday and include a lift ticket and rental. You can also register for one-on-one and group lessons. The experienced instructors will have you feeling like an expert in no time. This park is a mecca for snowy adventures, so make sure you plan a trip there this winter.
Timberline Mountain
Timberline Mountain is opening for this winter season with two new lifts, a remodeled lodge, two new terrain parks, a new beginner area and increased snowmaking.
Skiing and snowboarding are all about having fun, and the Snow Sports School at Timberline Mountain is equipped to ensure you have fun and improve your skills on the slopes. Their diverse team of trained instructors can help build your confidence, understand the terrain and take your skiing or riding to the next level.
Oglebay Resort
Located in Wheeling, Oglebay Resort(link is external) is a great place to brush up on your skiing and snowboarding skills. The resort offers ski and snowboard lessons for both adults and children during the week. And if you’re not able to get there on a weekday, ski and snowboarding clinics are provided each Saturday. Lessons and clinics both include rental equipment for the day and a discount on lift tickets for those who wish to ski for the day.
Bring the whole family to Oglebay Resort in Almost Heaven and prepare yourself to make the best winter memories possible.
Winterplace Ski Resort
Voted the #1 place to ski/snowboard by Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine, Winterplace Ski Resort(link is external) is arguably the best place to get a taste of winter in the Mountain State. Winterplace Ski and Snowboard School guarantees that you will learn how to ski or snowboard or you can take the class again for free. Group and private lessons for both skiing and snowboarding are offered as well as an adaptive program that is designed for people with disabilities. There are options for anyone and everyone, so why not give it a try?
Beginner runs are marked with green circles, so you’ll know where to stay while learning and building confidence. If you’re feeling really daring by the end of the day, the resort also stays open at night so you can ski under the stars (with well-lit slopes, of course).
Snowshoe Mountain Resort
Make your way to breathtaking Pocahontas County(link is external) to hit the slopes at Snowshoe Mountain Resort(link is external). At 4,848 feet above sea level, Snowshoe averages more than 180 inches of annual snowfall, which makes for a perfect snowy experience.
Snowshoe Mountain Ski and Snowboard School offers private lessons, group lessons and kids lessons for both skiing and snowboarding. Lessons vary in length and are between one-hour and five-hour segments. Navigate little obstacles and gain confidence with terrain-based learning system. Balancing, turning, and stopping will shortly become second nature.
Come make lasting memories in the Mountain State this winter. No matter which resort you visit, a snowy wonderland will be waiting to greet you.
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