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DCSki Columnists

J.R. Patten

J.R. Patten is an outdoor nut and would probably still live in the middle of the woods if the animals hadn’t kicked him out for being uncivilized. He does anything and everything that gets him outside, and a lot more other stuff than he has time for. Among other seemingly unrelated things, he enjoys playing banjo, running ultramarathons, doing freelance web development, backpacking, camping, kayaking, reading, writing, and spending what little money he has traveling places. He also manages to get to class at Georgia Tech from time to time, where he is majoring in Computer Science.

If he’s not at the computer or in class, you can find him in the mountains of north Georgia, the Smokies, or his new favorite place east of the Mississippi: Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. However, more and more frequently you’ll find him in the mountains west of the Mississippi. If and when he ever gets out of school, he plans on moving out west, starting a company, and doing fun stuff all day long.

J.R. has written 3 stories for DCSki since 2008.

All articles by J.R.:

Vail: Getting There is Half the Fun (or: It’s the Misadventures) (January 6, 2009)
Vail has been the subject of many DCSki Firsthand Reports: The Colorado ski area offers a setting and conditions that are unparalleled. But sometimes, the adventure — or misadventure — starts before you arrive at the slopes. DCSki Columnist J.R. Patten provides an engaging story in this unconventional Firsthand Report.
(7 reader comments)

Firsthand Report: The Canyons (December 26, 2008)
Timing can be everything: A lack of early December snow meant that The Canyons had little of the “Greatest Snow on Earth” to offer DCSki Columnist J.R. Patten on a recent visit. But this didn’t stop J.R. from checking out the Utah resort and filing this Firsthand Report.
(7 reader comments)

Firsthand Report: The Canyons, Utah (August 6, 2008)
DCSki’s newest Columnist, J.R. Patten, just returned from a trip to The Canyons Resort. While most visit the Utah resort in the winter to take advantage of its deep powder and 3,700 acres of skiable terrain, J.R. discovered there’s more than one reason to visit during the “off season.”
(10 reader comments)

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Canaan Valley Resort: Canaan Valley Resort, located outside Davis, West Virginia features 39 slopes for beginner, intermediate, and advanced West Virginia skiing. With a vertical drop of 850 feet and the longest run at 6,000 feet, the experience is as challenging as you want it to be. Night skiing is also offered during holiday and prime ski weekends. The resort features a 150 room lodge and 23 cabins/cottages for your convenience. Additional winter sports include XC skiing, snowshoeing, snow tubing, airboarding and ice skating. An indoor swimming pool, fitness center, whirlpool and saunas are also available after a day on the slopes.

Liberty Mountain Resort: Located about an hour from both the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. areas, Liberty Mountain Resort is the perfect place for a mountain getaway! Whether you are searching for adventure or relaxation, our mountainside amenities are sure to treat you. Our mountain boasts over 100 acres of skiable terrain, including 16 trails, 3 terrain parks, and a large tubing hill. Our Ski and Snowboard Schools offer a wide variety of lessons for both beginners and advanced. Boulder Ridge Snow Tubing features 15 tubing lanes, party rooms, and food and beverage, creating a fun atmosphere for everyone. Take a "snowcation" by lodging in the slopeside Liberty Hotel and dining in one of many eateries, including the popular McKee's Tavern.

Seven Springs Resort: Seven Springs Mountain Resort is the perfect place to escape with your family this winter and reconnect! At Seven Springs, you'll find a mountain of fun - skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, snowmobiling, snowshoe tours, a luxurious spa, sporting clays, delicious dining, nightlife and more. Enjoy a mountain of fun on 285 acres of slopes and trails including beginner trails, black diamond slopes, mogul runs and five terrain parks. Come up to Seven Springs this winter and make a new memory. What are you waiting for? You really should be here!

Whitetail Resort: Head to Whitetail for some of the best skiing and riding in the mid Atlantic Region! Enjoy nearly 1,000 feet of vertical and the Region's only High Speed Quad Chairlift. Spend less time on the road and more time carving down some expert terrain like Bold Decision or intermediate favorites Limelight and Snow Dancer! Don't worry, there is plenty of fun to be had for all ability levels, and for freestylers be sure to check out Jib Junction Terrain Park (not for the faint of heart)! We even have Park Place 101 for the beginner freestyler! Don't forget about Whitetail Adventure Tubing, fun for all ages!

Wintergreen Resort: Wintergreen Resort is an 11,000-acre, four-season resort located in the Blue Ridge Mountains three hours from Washington, D.C. With accommodations ranging in size from studio condominiums to 9-bedroom homes, your winter escape has all the comforts of home. Enjoy skiing and snowboarding on 26 slopes and snowtubing in Virginia's largest park; Ridgely's Fun Park for young children; ice skating, a zipline; indoor tennis; a spa with indoor pool and hot tubs; and a variety of enticing dining options. Overnight packages offer great value and savings, call 800-266-2444 or book online - www.wintergreenresort.com. For more information, call (434) 325-2200.

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