A reporter for the Richmond paper discusses the awesome conditions at the Shoe. Yes, it takes time to get there. Yes, it is relatively expensive. But the conditions are absolutely awesome.
Skiers Find Peak Winter Conditions at Snowshoe

"Moisture just runs up against these 4,000-foot peaks, and it just pukes snow"

Awesome line. Not so sure about the rest of the article -- it's got a definite newbie viewpoint, and abuse of the word "powder" -- but I imagine the traditional casual skier customers of Snowshoe (and probable readers) will like it. Most people really have no idea of the unique micro-climate up there that is a short drive away from places like Richmond.

Speaking of which, I found it odd that I can drive Williamsburg to Snowshoe in 4.5 hours, yet this guy is about an hour closer and takes the same amount of time. Maybe he took the green route

He said, "ready to go with shoes buckled, goggles down, skis locked in", which was not good. But then he said, "I pointed the skis downhill and gave myself to the mountain", which was very good.

Nothing like being ravaged by a mountain full of snow.

The reporter probably hasn't heard of the term "orographic lift" or perhaps he thinks it's a cuss word... Wonder what he'd think of "adiabatic cooling"...

Or "boots"!
The Colonel