Canaan Valley area reaches 100"
January 12, 2011
Last weekends 23" storm brings Canaan Valley to 100" for the season. Looks like we will get another 12" or so befor the week is over. If you haven't been up to the valley this season for some skiing yet then you're missing out on skiing in real snowcountry in the WV highlands. 2 lift accessed resorts, 1 nordic center, crosscountry anywhere you want and no crowds.
Tucker, are there not technically 4 nordic centers in the valley?
Can't wait to get up there but with my luck it will rain before I make it just like last year.
...what are the other 3 besides the whitegrass?
4 Dedicated XC areas:
White Grass (most experienced at giving directions) with an excellent supply of gear.
Timberline (good experience at giving directions if you stop at ski school first) but very limited supply of gear.
Canaan Valley State Park with great terrain, plenty of older rentals, don't bother asking for directions if you are in for the long haul but actually one of the easiest for first timers.
Blackwater Touring Center - unsure about the amount of gear, but if Sam's there, you'll be in good shape.
My thoughts as well TGV, just wanted to let everyone know there are other places out there. Actually to me, the Valley and the sods are kinda one big nordic center since they all link up in some way.
Two questions:
1. Can you ski and/or use the tow at the Blackwater sledding run?
2. If so, would you want to?
Have not been over there for 20 years and just can't remember the place.
In the summer, it's a sweet line that will take you up to Canaan Loop Road, and then a short ski trip to Alleghany trail and into the state park for lunch!
In the winter, well... I have never tried it.
There is a small fee in Blackwater State park to xc ski, very marginal really. Sam usually takes care of the tow rope and sledding. After this tuesday night, I may just have to give the park a real try... my legs are no longer hurting from the last storm (and don't get me wrong, hurting meant FUN)
There could be 5 inches of snow in the next 72 hours - but as some have mentioned, there could also be 20+ inches. Right now, conditions are SOOOOO still in Canaan Valley; the calm before the storm is a bit scary. I say: "Heck, just let it snow"
20 inches fell on my front porch (but it's down wind - so obviously that doesn't count unless you make all turns behind trees).
I'd estimate that 7 new inches fell - but I'd look for more snow deep into the woods.
The wind is said to calm down a bit - but not until later today.
Friday is suppose to bring sun?!
Either way: conditions are fantastic (this is the east coast) and so skiing it is.
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