Skiing out West (Virginia)
Times are tough all over; you might be considering a "local" ski vacation. You can't do better than Snowshoe, WV. It is an Intrawest resort and gives you the feeling of a big western resort. There is a great variety of lodging and nightlife options. We have taken long weekends several times with the whole family (members from 25 to 80 years old) and there is something for everyone. There are a number of bars, the swimming/soaking area at Split Rock and loads of shopping. If you go down the mountain (most lodging is on top) you can catch local bluegrass bands, go cross-country skiing, etc. \n\nThere is a variety of terrain; again, something for everyone. For the most part it is steep-and-groomed with a couple of bump runs. Cupp Run was famously designed by Jean-Claude Killy and offers a microcosm of the whole resort. With 1500 feet of vertical, it towers over anything else in the mid-Atlantic. Die-hards can go night-skiing at Silvercreek with your Snowshoe lift ticket.\n\nAlthough they do a commendable job of clearing the access road, the drive to Snowshoe can be challenging if the weather is appropriate for skiing. Don't look at a map and say "Oh, it's probably only 3 hours from DC." Once you get off the interstate you are only halfway there. Four-wheel-drive helps, but you can still only go as fast as the guy in front of you on the one-lane roads. (Remember that 4WD doesn't help you stop!) \n\nLodging is ranked from Bronze to Platinum. We have mostly stayed in Bronze and Silver units and they have been quite nice. The Top of the World building is extremely convenient because there is a lift just out the back door; however, the units are older and a little rundown. We really loved the Shamrock complex and recommend it for large groups. It is an easy hike in ski boots to a trail. \n\nSo, whether you carve a turn in West Virginia or Colorado, just keep on skiing!