Here’s Why West Virginia is the Best Place to Learn to Ski

If you love the snow and are always down for a thrill, you’ll love skiing in West Virginia. Almost Heaven is ideally suited for beginner skiing, so why not bundle up and try your hand (or foot) at conquering the slopes?

After your first try on the slopes, you’ll discover why West Virginia is the best place to learn how to ski.

Skiing in West Virginia Won’t Break the Bank

One of the best parts about visiting West Virginia is its affordability, so taking the whole family along is easy on your checkbook. A beginner-level group lesson is only $35 per person at Winterplace Ski Resort, which has one of the best skiing programs in West Virginia. After you gain some confidence, you can opt for a day-lift pass – priced as low as $60 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Day lift passes at Snowshoe Mountain Resort in Pocahontas County start as low as $85, and the deals get even sweeter if you opt for a multiple-day skiing adventure.

Resorts are Crowd-Free

Crowd-free is a way of life in Almost Heaven, making West Virginia a great place to learn a new sport. You can experience an excellent skiing adventure without constantly standing shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow skiers. Whether starting at Winterplace Ski Resort or breaking a sweat with some cross-country skiing at White Grass Ski Touring Center, the vast open space is yours.

West Virginia Gets Plenty of Snow

Remember those snowy winters you experienced when you were a kid? The inner kid in you will be ecstatic when you head for the hills – where the state-of-the-art snow machines and natural snow work together.

Snowshoe Mountain sits 4,848 feet above sea level and averages more than 150 inches of snowfall annually, setting the scene for an electrifying slope run. Canaan Valley Resort in Tucker County averages an annual snowfall of 78 inches per year at over 4,200 feet in elevation. Wintertplace Ski Resort can even see up to 100 inches of snow. Before heading out, check each resort’s online snow report to see the snow status. No matter where in the state you choose to hit the slopes, you’ll be happy to hit the powdery snow.

The Hills are Just Right

West Virginia is nicknamed “The Mountain State,” which means there are plenty of hills varying in size for you to learn your craft. Across more than 30 miles of trails, White Grass Ski Touring Center boasts over 1,200 feet of vertical drop and plenty of space to practice. Across two terrain parks, Timberline Mountain has more than 1,000 feet of vertical drop and is ideal for learning to control your speed.

Ski, winter, woman and child
Ski, winter

Choose Your Ski Destination

West Virginia’s diverse landscape and elevation changes make the Mountain State a perfect skiing season destination, so you’ll have an easy time choosing one or more of these ski resorts:

Canaan, Skier

Canaan Valley Resort State Park

Davis, West Virginia

Located in Davis, Canaan Valley Resort State Park is on a high plateau in the Allegheny Mountains. This resort is home to 47 trails for downhill skiers and snowboarders, as well as trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Skiing lessons for all experience levels are available.

Canaan Valley also has a snow tubing park and covered ice rink so that you can break up your skiing with more amazing, snowy activities. Add more skiing time to your adventure by booking a stay in one of the lodge’s 160 cozy rooms.

    Oglebay Resort

    Wheeling, West Virginia

    Oglebay Resort transforms into a winter wonderland under a blanket of snow. Enjoy West Virginia’s northernmost slopes – just over an hour’s drive southwest of Pittsburgh. Skiing and snowboarding lessons are available. Warm up at the lodge with a hot chocolate after hitting the slopes.
      Skier, Snowshoe

      Snowshoe Mountain Resort

      Snowshoe, West Virginia

      For a true resort getaway, visit Snowshoe Mountain Resort. With three distinct areas to ski or snowboard and 60 trails, Snowshoe makes it easy to find a slope perfect for your experience level. Group and private lesson options are available for all ages.
        Timberline Mountain, Ski slope

        Timberline Mountain Resort

        Davis, West Virginia

        Timberline Mountain is a snow-filled paradise near Canaan Valley Resort State Park. Lessons for all age groups are available. The resort also features a high-speed chair lift so that guests can spend as little time on the lifts as possible and as much time enjoying the slopes.
          Winterplace

          Winterplace Ski Resort

          Ghent, West Virginia

          Winterplace is the perfect place to learn how to ski. Lessons are available here, and recruit 15 or more of your friends and family for a discounted ski trip. The resort also allows night skiing on 26 different slopes, so the fun can extend after the sun sets on the beautiful mountains of Almost Heaven.
            White Grass Ski Touring Center, couple

            White Grass Ski Touring Center

            Davis, West Virginia

            Explore 30 miles of maintained trails at White Grass Ski Touring Center. With no reservations required, White Grass is perfect if you like to keep your adventures spontaneous. Blaze over the rolling hills with over 1,200 vertical feet available.

              Your skiing adventures are just beginning. Find even more winter sports and other thrilling adventures in our free West Virginia Vacation Guide.

              Did you know that you can now shop for official Almost Heaven and West Virginia State Parks gear ONLINE? Treat your loved ones or yourself to exclusive West Virginia merchandise this season!

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              Your Slopes and Dreams Begin in #AlmostHeaven

              This post was last updated on December 17, 2024