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DCSki Q & A

DCSki offers a wealth of resources for Mid-Atlantic skiers and boarders, and an on-line community of experts eager to answer your questions. Some questions are so common that we have gathered them in one place, with "official" answers from DCSki staff and the opportunity for readers to add their own comments.

If you have just moved to the Mid-Atlantic region, welcome! You've discovered a great resource for learning about the winter recreation opportunities available nearby. We have a special Q&A section especially for new residents.

Scroll below to view DCSki's Questions and Answers. Do you have a question that's not listed on the page? Let DCSki's Editor know!

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With your Advantage Card, you'll enjoy 40% savings off lift tickets everytime you ski or snowboard at Whitetail Mountain Resort, Liberty Mountain Resort, and Ski Roundtop.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most popular ski destination outside the Mid-Atlantic for D.C. area residents?

October 31, 2004: Many local skiers try to make at least one trip outside of the Mid-Atlantic region per season. We explore some of the popular picks. (7 reader comments)

When can Mid-Atlantic resorts make snow?

September 26, 2004: Mid-Atlantic resorts rely almost exclusively on snowmaking to cover their slopes, but conditions have to be just right to make snow. (1 reader comment)

What’s the cheapest way to get a lift ticket?

September 26, 2004: Skiing isn’t a cheap sport, but it’s also not the most expensive, and you can occasionally find a good deal on lift tickets. (12 reader comments)

What resorts have the most challenging terrain?

September 26, 2004: Looking for the steepest and toughest slopes in the Mid-Atlantic? We have a few suggestions. (1 reader comment)

What resorts are best for groups that include some non-skiers?

September 26, 2004: Some members of a family or group might not be too keen to ski or snowboard. Thankfully, there are several Mid-Atlantic resorts that provide off-slope activities to keep everyone happy.

What’s the quickest way to Snowshoe?

September 26, 2004: Ah, always the topic of much debate. (1 reader comment)

Where can I find a good bootfitter in this region?

September 25, 2004: Looking to buy or fit a pair of ski boots? A nationally-renowned bootfitter works at Washington, D.C.’s Ski Center. (1 reader comment)

Who has the best early-season conditions?

September 25, 2004: Itching to head to the slopes? If it’s July, you’re out of luck. But around Thanksgiving, there’s a good chance you can find some snow.

Answers for New Residents

What’s your best secret about skiing or boarding in the Mid-Atlantic?

September 26, 2004: Sometimes, when you go is far more important than where you go. (1 reader comment)

How long is the ski season in the Mid-Atlantic?

September 25, 2004: If you’ve arrived from Florida, you’ll be delighted by the length of the ski season here. If you’ve arrived from Colorado or New England, you’ll find a slightly abbreviated season. (5 reader comments)

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Canaan Realty: IMAGINE A PLACE THAT'S YOURS ALONE... Because adventures come in all shapes and sizes, so do our vacation rentals. Whether you are looking for adventure, recreation, or simply relaxation, we have four breathtaking seasons for you to enjoy. Slopeside, lakefront or secluded, Canaan Realty proudly offers a choice selection of vacation homes and condominiums. Call upon our friendly staff to help you plan the perfect ski vacation, weekend getaway or reunion with family and friends. Once you've stayed with Canaan Realty, you'll see why we're the first choice for lodging in Canaan Valley. Virtual tours, pricing, availability and online reservations available at www.canaanrealty.com.

Canaan Valley Resort: Canaan Valley Resort, located outside Davis, West Virginia features 39 slopes for beginning, 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 for an exhilarating skiing experience. Canaan Valley Resort and Timberline Four Seasons Resort have joined forces for the 2007-2008 ski season to offer guests the ability to ski both mountains at their leisure for one price. The new two-day pass allows skiers to enjoy over 75 slopes and trails, making a truly memorable trip to the mountains. In addition to fun on the slopes, Canaan Valley Resort offers a plethora of outdoor activities to whet an appetite for adventure. Cross-country terrain abounds in the valley, and guests without skis can choose to slide down the tube park, try their hands at airboarding or lace up their skates on the covered ice rink.

Hidden Valley Resort: Hidden Valley Four Seasons Resort is the perfect place for a family getaway. With 28 slopes for skiing and snowboarding, terrain parks, a half pipe and snow tubing, there's something for everyone at this popular Mid-Atlantic family resort. New automated snowmaking ensures plenty of powder for winter sports and recreation! Off the slopes, visit the new ski and board shop, new eateries, and sports club. With a topnotch ski school and programs for beginners and children, Hidden Valley offers an ideal setting for all ages. Located in Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands, Hidden Valley is within easy driving distance (200 miles) of Baltimore and Washington D.C. For lodging information or reservations, please call 814-443-8000 ext. 259.

Liberty Mountain Resort: Your favorite ski area, Liberty Mountain Resort, has the perfect accommodations for your year-round needs. Plan a conference, reunion, or every bride's dream wedding! We feature in-house catering and multiple banquet rooms to host any event from the smallest of gatherings to the largest of celebrations. Our New Challenge Course at Boulder Ridge is the perfect way to spend a few unique hours with your group! Our custom-designed courses meet any group's needs, from high to low impact, emphasizing problem solving or high adrenaline adventure! Meal and lodging options complete the experience. The mountainside Liberty Hotel is perfect for extended stays. Other amenities include our outdoor swimming pool, hiking, and adjacent golf and billiards facilities. Area attractions & shopping are less than 10 miles away in historic Gettysburg, and outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking the Appalachian Trail or Catoctin Mountain State Park.

Pro-Fit Ski & Skate: Located in historic Leesburg, Virginia, Pro-Fit Ski & Skate offers expert custom boot fitting services, full ski/snowboard service and repair, and an excellent selection of skis, bindings, snowboards, clothing and accessories, and more. We have been certified "America's Best" by the MasterFit University Bootfitter Training Centers. Join us August 21 through September 2 for our Storewide Anniversary Sale! 15% - 75% OFF everything in the store.

Sawmill: Own the slopes. Sawmill is the first and only true ski-in/ski-out, gated community offering in Snowshoe, West Virginia, where a miracle microclimate produces snow that rivals Colorado's champagne powder. As unique as the four-season location is Sawmill's elegant vacation homes, customizable to your exact desires. This is an extremely rare opportunity to select from among a handful of sites and homes, starting at $750,000 in a community that can never again be duplicated. So call now at 877.372.9645 or visit us at Sawmillwv.com and make your reservation to own the slopes.

Snowshoe Mountain Resort: We've added 3 new trails plus we've got the best offer of the year! Get 2 nights lodging and 2 days skiing for just $105 per person. Available midweek, non-holiday. Call 1-877-441-4FUN to make your reservations.

Timberline Resort Realty: TIMBERLINE RESORT REALTY offers rustic to luxury vacation rentals and beautiful properties for sale throughout Canaan Valley, Tucker County and surrounding areas. Just visiting for a few days? Choose beautiful LODGING ACCOMMODATIONS from our website. Or, prefer to own a MOUNTAIN GETAWAY? Explore the endless possibilities.

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: STAY 2 NIGHTS AND SKI FREE! Located 2 1/2 hours from the Beltway, Wintergreen Resort boasts the most thrilling winter playground in the Mid-Atlantic. Nestled atop the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains, Wintergreen Resort offers the most extensive beginner-to-expert terrain for skier and snowboarders alike and Virginia's largest tubing park. Call 1-800-266-2444 to learn how you can Stay 2 Nights and Ski FREE!

Wisp Resort: Wisp offers thirty-two slopes on 132 acres of skiable terrain that includes a new Super Pipe, two Rail Parks, Terrain Trails and Gardens and a new ski carpet at Bear Claw Snow Tubing Park. Maryland's only four-season resort also features new Burton Learn-to-Ride Programs for adults & kids, an upgraded ski & snowboard rental fleet from Rossignol, Elan and Burton, a Nordic Center featuring cross country skiing and snowshoeing and Sewickley Spa. Plus, Wisp has events all season long including the Freestyle Festival & Beachin' Weekend. Ski Free Packages and slopeside lodging are available at the remodeled Wisp Resort Hotel.

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