Timberline Mountain

Timberline Mountain sits high above West Virginia’s Canaan Valley, with a 1,000-foot vertical drop and a summit elevation of 4,268 feet. Its long runs, substantial natural snowfall, and mix of groomed slopes, steeps, and gladed terrain have made it a favorite of Mid-Atlantic skiers willing to travel into the Allegheny Mountains.

Timberline’s recent history includes a remarkable comeback. After years of financial and operational difficulties, the former resort entered bankruptcy and was sold in 2019 to the owners of Indiana’s Perfect North Slopes. The new owners rebuilt the snowmaking system, renovated facilities, and installed a high-speed six-passenger chairlift and a fixed-grip quad for the 2020-2021 season. DCSki chronicled the transformation in The Renaissance of Timberline.

The high-speed six-pack makes repeated laps on Timberline’s upper-mountain terrain especially appealing. Advanced skiers can explore steep runs such as White Lightning and Off the Wall, while the two-mile Salamander trail provides a gentler route down the mountain. Beginners have a separate learning area with conveyor lifts, and freestyle skiers and snowboarders can choose between the introductory Snow Squall park and the more advanced Thunder Snow park.

Timberline remains focused on skiing and snowboarding, without a snow tubing park. Its base facilities include a lodge and a small slopeside hotel, while additional lodging and dining are available throughout Canaan Valley and nearby Davis and Thomas.

Photo by John Sherwood.