Snowshoe Mountain

Snowshoe Mountain Resort

Snowshoe Mountain Resort is a popular ski resort located in Snowshoe West, Virginia. The resort is situated on Cheat Mountain in Pocahontas County. The resort is a part of the Appalachian Mountain Range and covers over 11,000 acres in the Allegheny Mountains. Snowshoe Mountain West Virginia is home to the second highest point in the state, which is 4,848 feet (1,478 m) above sea level. The resort is best known for skiing and other winter activities, but they offer a variety of activities throughout the year. The resort also offers many other recreational opportunities, including mountain biking, golfing, horseback riding, and fishing. Snowshoe also hosts weddings and conventions, as well as the Grand National Cross-Country race each year.

The location of the resort and surrounding areas were used primarily for logging before the resort was built. Snowshoe Mountain opened for business on December 13, 1974, with skiing as the only recreational activity. Mountain bike and horseback riding trails were added years later. The man who built the resort, Dr. Thomas Brigham, also developed the Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain ski areas. Dr. Brigham named the ski trails and lifts for the area’s logging history. Grab Hammer, Ball Hooter, Shay’s Revenge, and Heisler Way, just to name a few.

The resort had a shaky start but eventually gained popularity and became well known. The resort was sold to a Japanese developer in 1990 and changed ownership again in 1995 when it was acquired by Intrawest, a Canadian ski-resort operator. This company expanded the resort area by developing commercial and condominium real estate. The resort is now owned by the Alterra Mountain Company, which acquired Intrawest in 2017.

Snowshoe Mountain Resort offers a wide range of activities and options for lodging, dining, and shopping. The village is located at the top of the mountain instead of the bottom. The resort offers all the conveniences of home and then some. A grocery store, post office, worship center, and medical facilities are available for use. There’s a world-class spa that offers a variety of treatments and a full-service salon. There is a ski and snowboard school that offers private and group lessons. The village streets are lined with restaurants and shops. Handmade items crafted by West Virginians are available for purchase at a local market.

Snowshoe Mountain – Year Round Beauty!

Snowshoe Mountain is ideal for visitors year-round because of the mild temperatures and array of available activities for every season. It’s a nature lover’s paradise that allows visitors to appreciate the beauty of nature throughout the year. The resort is also a wedding destination and location of great events like a wine and jazz festival. A very interesting attraction about 30 minutes away from Snowshoe WV is the Green Bank Observatory. This observatory houses the largest steerable telescope in the world. Guided tours provide an up-close look at telescopes and a science center. Another nearby attraction is the Cass Scenic Railroad Park. A visit to this park will take you back in time to a heritage railroad and company town. A steam-driven locomotive runs through the park on a path that spans about 11 miles. Shuttle buses are available for transport from Snowshoe WV to these and other attractions.

Snowshoe VillageTons of Snow in West Virginia!

Snowshoe Mountain started as a ski resort and skiing is still the main activity enjoyed by most visitors. The mountain gets about 180 inches of fluffy snowfall in the winter. There are a total of 60 slopes and trails to choose from. One of their trails has the highest vertical drop in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. This trail’s design was partially created by Jean-Claude Killy, the triple gold medalist at the 1968 Winter Olympics. Other activities at the resort during the winter months include snowboarding, snow-shoeing, snow-tubing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Venturing out from the resort into the backcountry is always an adventure. Snowmobile tours will take you through the backcountry and acres of untouched snow-filled forests. The tour lasts about an hour and can be taken at night for an extra thrill.

A Four-Season Resort

The spring, fall, and summer seasons in Snowshoe West Virginia are all filled with many types of outdoor recreation. A popular spot for children and adults is the beautiful Shaver’s Lake. Paddle boats, canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards are available at the lake. Paddleboard clinics and guided hikes are offered for visitors as well. Hiking trails are all around the lake and basin. Off-road adventures are available for those that want to venture out into the woods of the backcountry. This tour will take you through different types of terrain and winding trails. Off-road vehicles will navigate the rougher paths smoothly and allow some great mountain scenery. Large segments of the entire property will be visible from various vantage points. Guided tours usually last about an hour and a half.