DCSki Annual Guide to Winter Season Improvements

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Mid-Atlantic ski resorts are in a constant battle to make each season better than the last by adding new lifts, new lodges, and the ever popular increase in snowmaking capacity.

The familiar pattern continues for the 2009-2010 winter season, with local resorts continuing to invest in capital improvements to keep their customers happy and to be competitive with other resorts in the region.

To find out what's new at your favorite resorts, scroll below. Or, to view improvements from prior seasons, click on a year.

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What's New for 2009/2010:

What’s New for 2009: Wintergreen Resort

November 15, 2009: Virginia’s Wintergreen Resort is introducing a flex ticketing plan for the 2009-2010 winter season, and will also be offering several Women’s Ski Clinics. Wintergreen will also open a Zip Line.

What’s New for 2009: Hidden Valley Resort

November 14, 2009: Hidden Valley Resort is putting the finishing touches on several enhancements for the 2009-2010 winter season. The Pennsylvania ski area will offer improved snowmaking and expanded instruction offerings, and has also taken over management of food and lodging reservations.

What’s New for 2009: Blue Mountain

November 11, 2009: Visitors to Pennsylvania’s Blue Mountain Ski Area this winter will be greeted by a new double-black diamond slope and new “streets” terrain park. Two new outdoor dining areas will be available, and Blue Mountain will become one of the few U.S. resorts to have a “BigAirBag,” a fall cushion placed behind ski jumps.

What’s New for 2009: Snowshoe Mountain Resort

November 8, 2009: Snowshoe Mountain Resort puts the focus on safety this winter by including helmets with all youth rentals. A new restaurant will open, and Snowshoe is also providing guests with an opportunity to save a few bucks. (1 reader comment)

What’s New for 2009: Timberline Resort

November 8, 2009: Timberline has gained permanent access to a water source for snowmaking, and will soon celebrate the grand opening of a new hotel. (7 reader comments)

What’s New for 2009: Winterplace

November 8, 2009: Winterplace has installed 34 new automated snow guns, and widened one of its expert slopes.

What’s New for 2009: Shawnee Mountain

November 8, 2009: Shawnee Mountain has added a new Tubing Carpet lift, a new Snow Cat, and expanded its Rental Shop, fortifying its standing as one of the largest ski and snowboard rental facilities in the U.S.

What’s New for 2009: Liberty Mountain Resort

November 8, 2009: It’s been a busy summer at Liberty Mountain Resort. The Pennsylvania ski area has upgraded the Eastwind Quad Chairlift, increased the amount of automated snowmaking, and made a number of improvements both on and off mountain.

What’s New for 2009: Elk Mountain

November 8, 2009: Pennsylvania’s Elk Mountain Ski Resort has continued a long-standing tradition by planting nearly 1,300 new spruce trees on the mountain. The ski area has also made snowmaking improvements and widened the Susquehanna trail.

What’s New for 2009: Sugar Mountain Resort

November 7, 2009: North Carolina’s Sugar Mountain Resort made improvements to snowmaking over the summer, replacing and upgrading 2,500 feet of snowmaking pipes along the Big Birch slope and purchasing an additional energy-efficient snowmaking machine.

What’s New for 2009: Beech Mountain

November 7, 2009: Beech Mountain has converted a double chairlift into a quad chairlift.

What’s New for 2009: Whitetail Resort

July 3, 2009: Last summer may have been a busy one for Whitetail, but Whitetail isn’t resting, investing another $1.7 million in capital improvements. Highlights include the cutting of a new halfpipe, the addition of a new beginner terrain park, and the installation of an adult beginner carpet lift. Whitetail also recently awarded scholarships to eleven outstanding resort employees.

What’s New for 2009: Massanutten Resort

May 17, 2009: Massanutten Resort will unveil a new fixed quad chairlift this winter, replacing a double that was originally installed in 1972. (2 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 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 250 room lodge and 23 cabins/cottages for your convenience. Additional winter sports include XC skiing, 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!

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Timberline Four Seasons Realty: Timberline Four Seasons Realty is nestled at the foothill of Timberline Ski Resort in Canaan Valley, WV. They offer you a variety of unique on-mountain lodging properties for every budget and group size. Search their site for a range of options. Book online, or contact their Reservations Staff 7 days a week toll-free, at (866) 438-7259. They'll assist you in selecting lodging accommodations tailored to your needs. Timberline Four Seasons Realty's complete collection of ski vacation rentals is at your fingertips. Give them a call, and be sure to check out properties' Virtual Tours!

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 300 tastefully furnished studios, mountain villas and condominiums, 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 is perfect for small children who want to play in the snow; 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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