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Springtime Snapshots: The Canaan Valley Region

DCSki Columnist John Sherwood recently snuck away to West Virginia, where he visited Dolly Sods, the South Prong Trail, and the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge. “The Rhododendrons were in full glory and the birds were also great,” writes John. Photo by John Sherwood.


Recent Site Updates
June 29: The Big Pocono Ski Area lost area updated
  • June 29: Ski Hill within Lackawanna State Park lost area updated
  • June 29: Indiana University of Pennsylvania Ski Lodge lost area updated

  • Crossing the Hudson on Horseback

    June 29: While attending her son’s wedding, DCSki Columnist Connie Lawn visited the 1000 Acres Ranch Resort in New York. There was no skiing (not at this time of year, anyway), but she did try out activities such as horseback riding, and filed this Firsthand Report.

    Choosing the Right Skis and Boots, and Summer Skiing in Switzerland

    June 27: Guest contributor Iwan Fuchs, Snowsports School Director for Seven Springs Resort, checks in with some of his thoughts on choosing the right skis and boots. Iwan also provides some notes about skiing in his native Switzerland during the summer. He will be skiing and working at the Ski Academy Switzerland in August.

    Springtime Snapshots: The Canaan Valley Region in Late Spring

    June 25: DCSki Columnist John Sherwood recently made a trip to the Canaan Valley region of West Virginia, where he visited Dolly Sods, Roaring Plains (South Prong Trail), and the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge. He provides some photos from his visit. (2 reader comments)

    Breaking News: Whitetail Adds New Trail, Lift

    May 5: Whitetail Resort is currently embarking on a “summer of upgrades,” cutting a new trail and installing a new double lift to service the terrain park. (15 reader comments)

    Firsthand Report: Beaver Creek

    April 20: Robbie Allen believes he has found heaven on earth, during a late-season trip to Colorado’s Beaver Creek Resort. He provides this Firsthand Report from a recent trip. (1 reader comment)

    Firsthand Report: Belleayre Mountain, April 10, 2008

    April 20: Brenton Archut closed out his season by heading north to New York’s Belleayre Mountain for some late-season snowboarding. He provides this Firsthand Report. (1 reader comment)

    Firsthand Report: Vail - The Killington of the West

    April 20: He may normally spend his time skiing at out-of-the-way and lesser known ski areas, but for Spring Break, Robbie Allen took his family to one of the most popular ski resorts in the world: Vail. He provides this Firsthand Report.

    Guess What? It’s Not Too Late to Ski

    April 3: The vast majority of Mid-Atlantic resorts have ended their ski and snowboarding season. However, if you’re itching to get in a few last turns, it’s not too late. Several resorts plan to offer skiing and boarding for one last weekend, on April 5 and 6. (3 reader comments)

    Breaking News: Mid-Atlantic Resorts to Transition to Vertical Hopscotching

    April 1: Due to an unseasonably warm string of winters, many Mid-Atlantic ski resorts will be using this summer to shift their focus from skiing and snowboarding to vertical hopscotching, a new sport that has seen rising popularity. (11 reader comments)

    Going Further Afield: Chestnut Mountain Resort - Towboats, Trains, and Tough Terrain!

    March 30: Tucked away in the Northwest corner of Illinois on a high rocky bluff overlooking the Mississippi River is a ski area that offers a surprisingly steep vertical. Robbie Allen describes a late-season visit to Chestnut Mountain Resort in this Firsthand Report. (1 reader comment)

    Going Further Afield: Mountain High - A True SoCal Experience

    March 19: Robbie Allen’s travels took him all the way to the West Coast, where he grudgingly left a sun-kissed beach to head into the mountains, discovering a ski area where the boarders outnumber the skiers. He provides this Firsthand Report from California’s Mountain High Resort. (2 reader comments)

    Who’s Open? A Detailed Look at Mid-Atlantic Ski Areas

    March 17: Spring is a mixed blessing: Mid-Atlantic resorts begin to close one by one, but the weather is nice and the rates can’t be beat. DCSki provides a detailed look at the current operating status of Mid-Atlantic ski areas.

    Firsthand Report: Elk Mountain

    March 15: He may have a season pass at Blue Mountain, but Brenton Archut finds himself visiting Pennsylvania’s Elk Mountain at least once a season, and always yearns to return. In this Firsthand Report, Brenton describes a memorable trip he made to Elk on March 11, 2008. (3 reader comments)

    Firsthand Report: Ski Utah Ability Awareness Trip

    March 15: Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman recently returned from a magical week in Utah, where they visited several ski areas to learn about adaptive programs, including Park City, Snowbasin, Snowbird, and Sundance. Learn more about their trip in this Firsthand Report. (2 reader comments)

    Western Wanderings: Alpine Meadows and Diamond Peak

    March 9: Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman check in with a firsthand report from California’s Alpine Meadows and Nevada’s Diamond Peak - two ski areas located near Lake Tahoe. (2 reader comments)

    Firsthand Report: Bryce Resort

    March 5: DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney led a youth group of about 20 skiers and snowboarders to Virginia’s Bryce Resort on March 1, 2008. He provides this Firsthand Report.

    Firsthand Report: Wounded Warrior Weekend at Snowshoe Mountain Resort

    March 5: Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman visited West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort February 23-24, 2008, where they observed Snowshoe’s first Wounded Warrior Weekend. The event brought wounded service members to the slopes of Snowshoe to learn how to ski and snowboard. Connie filed this Firsthand Report, describing both the event and the overall skiing experience at Snowshoe. (1 reader comment)

    March Signals Arrival of Mid-Atlantic Resort Festivals

    March 5: It’s March, and that means it’s time for spring festivals at Mid-Atlantic resorts. A number of resorts will hold carnivals and festivals in the coming weeks, bringing fun activities to the slopes such as pond-skimming contests, games, live music, and prizes.

    DCSki Gathering at Blue Knob: A Pictorial

    February 25: A group of eleven DCSki readers converged on Pennsylvania’s Blue Knob Resort on Sunday, February 24, 2008 for a day of sunny skiing. Jim Kenney provides this pictorial and report. (2 reader comments)

    Going Further Afield: Detroit Rock City - Mt. Holly

    February 25: As DCSki’s roving columnist, Robbie Allen has made a habit of visiting small ski areas across the country. His latest visit was to Mt. Holly, an area that rises above Michigan thanks to an unusual land swap with a mining company. (1 reader comment)

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    Near Mercersburg, PA:
    (As of 6:53 pm)

    Heavy Rain Fog/Mist | 73 F

    Winds NE 6 MPH

    Humidity 87%

    Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. East wind between 3 and 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Low 63

    Sunrise: 5:49 am
    Sunset: 8:41 pm

    Detailed Skier's Forecast

    Browse through 28 condos or vacation homes available for rent at local ski areas in the DCSki Lodging Finder.

    Remember: Events can change at the last moment. Contact event holder to verify details before planning a trip.

    Bluegrass Festival with Del McCoury
    July 3-6, 2008
    Snowshoe Mountain Resort, West Virginia
    Windfest
    July 5, 2008
    Canaan Valley Resort, West Virginia
    Kite flying and stunt kite demos.
    BryceFest 2008
    July 5, 2008
    Bryce Resort, Virginia
    Poconos Kidz Fest
    July 5-6, 2008
    Shawnee Mountain, Pennsylvania
    Fire on the Mountain Chili Cook Off
    July 11-13, 2008
    Snowshoe Mountain Resort, West Virginia
    Wisp Women’s Downhill Mountain Bike Clinic
    July 12, 2008
    Wisp Resort, Maryland
    Find more events in the DCSki Event Schedule.

    Some of these bargains may have limitations. Check with the company offering the bargain to verify all details.

    During the month of July, 2008, Pennsylvania’s Blue Knob Resort will offer a 50% discount on lodging and golf for all Active Military, Reserve, National Guard, Retired Military Personnel, and Dependents with proper ID.
    (Added June 1, 2008)
    Find more bargains in the DCSki Bargain Tracker.

    Today
    10:01 am
    Re: Laurel Mountain Breaking News - Laurel Hill Crazie
    Jul 4
    7:29 pm
    Re: Hidden Valley - A new beginning! - jeffo4
    Jul 4
    3:44 pm
    Re: Happy Fourth Of July Independence Day Celebration - GRK
    Jul 4
    12:10 pm
    Happy Fourth Of July Independence Day Celebration - The Colonel
    Jul 3
    9:37 pm
    Re: Catch of the Day - ski homes for $150k - Roger Z
    Jul 3
    2:18 pm
    Re: Hidden Valley - A new beginning! - Leo
    Jul 3
    1:35 pm
    Re: Hidden Valley - A new beginning! - snowsmith
    Jul 3
    6:47 am
    Re: Laurel Mountain Breaking News - Heather
    Jul 3
    12:33 am
    Re: Catch of the Day - ski homes for $150k - Snowshoeskier
    Jul 2
    11:19 pm
    Re: Laurel Mountain Breaking News - snosnugums
    Jul 2
    11:12 pm
    Re: Hidden Valley - A new beginning! - snosnugums
    Jul 2
    11:06 pm
    Re: Catch of the Day - ski homes for $150k - Roger Z
    Jul 2
    10:09 pm
    Re: Can you feel it?CLOUD SKIING - SCWVA
    Jul 2
    9:44 pm
    Re: Catch of the Day - ski homes for $150k - skiTLINE
    Jul 2
    9:44 pm
    Re: Laurel Mountain Breaking News - hockeydave
    Jul 2
    8:57 pm
    Re: Hidden Valley - A new beginning! - WPABoarder
    Jul 2
    8:17 pm
    Re: Non-Resident WV Home Sales Tax - rmcva
    Jul 2
    7:37 pm
    Re: ski employee shortages to come - oldensign


    >> Visit the Message Forums, or view active topics from past seven days.

    Jul 4
    9:08 pm
    Comments on Plateau De Mount - RG
       lost ski area:
    Plateau De Mount
    Jul 3
    9:57 pm
    Comments on Bear Creek - Kevin M
       resort:
    Bear Creek Mountain Resort
    Jul 3
    9:47 pm
    Comments on Chadds Peak - Kevin McGuinness
       lost ski area:
    Chadds Peak
    Jul 3
    9:46 pm
    Comments on Ski Hill within Lackawanna State Park - kevin
       lost ski area:
    Ski Hill within Lackawanna State Park
    Jul 3
    9:21 pm
    Comments on Split Rock Lodge - Mike Woodruff
       lost ski area:
    Split Rock Lodge
    Jul 2
    10:35 pm
    Comments on Mount Airy Lodge - patrick elias
       lost ski area:
    Mount Airy Lodge
    Jul 1
    10:18 pm
    Comments on Ski Hill within Lackawanna State Park - Bill O
       lost ski area:
    Ski Hill within Lackawanna State Park
    Jun 29
    1:41 am
    Comments on Bear Rocks - Barry Westervelt
       lost ski area:
    Bear Rocks
    Jun 27
    8:33 pm
    Great!! - Connie Lawn
       article:
    Springtime Snapshots: The Canaan Valley Region in Late Spring
    Jun 26
    7:39 pm
    snurfing memories - Bunny Vollmer
       article:
    Going Further Afield: Pando Park - the Snurfer Capitol of the World
    Jun 26
    2:09 pm
    Comments on Penn Hills Resort - kevin
       lost ski area:
    Penn Hills Resort
    Jun 26
    12:39 pm
    (No subject) - JimK
       article:
    Springtime Snapshots: The Canaan Valley Region in Late Spring
    Jun 26
    11:01 am
    Comments on Penn Hills Resort - Cindy
       lost ski area:
    Penn Hills Resort
    Jun 25
    5:48 pm
    Comments on Plateau De Mount - gordon
       lost ski area:
    Plateau De Mount


    >> Visit the Recent Comments page for more options.


    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. Wall to Wall Clearance Sale - May 16-26! Hockey - Ski - Snowboard. Up to 70% OFF on all remaining ski & snowboard equipment and clothing! Visit our website for more information.


    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.
    Timberline Resort Realty
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