Ski Resorts for Non-Skiers

Don’t relish the thought of hurling yourself downhill on skis? Not carried away with the idea of sitting by a fire alone in a lodge while your family or friends hit the slopes? Tired of being the designated babysitter while everyone else plays in the snow? Don’t be left out in the cold this season. Enjoy a memorable winter getaway. West Virginia’s ski resorts have evolved into destinations that cater to everyone by offering an abundance of off-slope activities. And the best part is that they are just a snowball’s throw away.

Written by Nikki Bowman

Snowshoe

Since Intrawest purchased Snowshoe in 1995, it has become the Southeast’s premier winter destination—a wintertime Disneyland. At the top of the mountain, the Village looks as if it belongs in the Swiss Alps, and on clear, crisp days the views are breathtaking. Upscale lodges, restaurants, and shops line the wide cobblestone and bricked walkways that make up the Village, giving it a quaint and pedestrian-friendly atmosphere. Although ski aficionados flock here in the winter for its powder, non-skiers are equally attracted to the resort and here are a few reasons why.

Going mobile

Nature lovers prize West Virginia’s huge tracts of undeveloped land, scenic rivers, frozen lakes, and seemingly endless woods. Add reliable deep snow, miles of groomed trails with easy access, and you’ve got the perfect snowmobiling destination. Snowmobiling is one of Snowshoe’s most popular attractions. “People love snowmobiling because it’s not something they can typically do in their own backyard,” says Laura Parquette, director of public relations at Snowshoe Mountain. “Conservative riders can cruise along while thrill seekers can really let loose on the open trail”.

Guided snowmobile tours loop and wind through spectacular scenery. Try one of the nighttime group tours for a unique perspective of the mountains or one of the two-hour extended backcountry tours that take you off the beaten path. Monday-Wednesday: $49 per driver and $29 per passenger; Thursday-Sunday: $65 per driver and $39 per passenger; President’s Day Holiday (Fri- Mon): $99 per person and $45 per passenger; Passengers (6-15 years of age and at least 46” tall); Tours offered daily at 4:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

SnowCattin'

For a behind-the-scenes look at ski resorts after dark, take a picturesque snowcat tour. A snowcat is a large tracked vehicle, with an enclosed heated cab, that grooms the snow. You sit high up, protected from bone-chilling winds, as your tour takes you down the slopes to Shaver’s Lake with a brief stop at the Compressor House, where a veteran snowmaker will share with you the magic of snowmaking. “We started the snowcat tours because the mystery of snowmaking for the average person is so fascinating—and anyone can do it.” says Parquette. “It also gives folks a chance to learn about the history of the mountain and the meanings of the trail names.”

Tours meet at the Outdoor Adventure Village Outpost next to the Shavers Center. Call 304.572.5982 to make your reservation. 1-hour Snowcat Tours, seven days a week beginning at 5:15 p.m. daily; $39 per passenger, $18 for lap kids (4 years and younger,) and $55 for shotgun seat.

If the shoe fits

Enjoy the wild and wonderful winter landscape without the fear of breaking bones. Simply strap on a pair of snowshoes and enjoy an afternoon excursion through rugged backcountry on 43 kilometers of marked trails. Follow the trail that leads you to Shavers Lake or the Sunrise Backcountry Hut where you can reward yourself with a cup of hot chocolate. Snowshoeing is offered Friday-Sunday beginning December 19, depending upon natural snowfall. Check in at the Outdoor Adventure Village Outpost located near the Shaver Center prior to heading out to the trails. Day Trail Pass - $19; Rentals with Trail Pass-$29

Swimming in the snow

With indoor and outdoor swimming areas, Split Rock Pools is a wonderful place to unwind. You can swim outside as the snow falls and steam swirls around you. Children love the geyser and water-filled whiskey barrel and slides, and adults enjoy the large hot tubs and sauna.

Split Rock Pools is open daily, beginning November 27. It is open from 3 p.m.-9 p.m. on Sunday- Thursday and 1 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Split Rock Pools is free of charge for guests lodging through Snowshoe Mountain Central Reservations. A $6 fee is required for other guests, and kids ages 3 and under are free.

Spa

While the rest of your family is hitting the slopes, visit The Tuscan Spa, located at Whistlepunk, for a massage, facial, body treatments, manicure or pedicure. In the Village, the Tuscan Boutique’s hair salon provides color, cuts, and up-do services, as well as manicures and pedicures.

Snowshoe Mountain Resort, 10 Snowshoe Drive, Snowshoe, WV 26209; 877.441.4386; www.snowshoemtn.com.

The Resort at Glade Springs and Winterplace

Located outside of Beckley, The Resort at Glade Springs, with its sister property Winterplace only a snowball’s throw away, is the perfect winter getaway. Although Glade’s 4,100 scenic wooded acres makes it a premier four-season destination, it becomes a magical playground during the winter with an abundance of outdoor and indoor activities for the entire family. The resort offers some of the best package deals in the state. This winter, guests at Glade Springs receive two free lift tickets to Winterplace for each night they stay at the resort. From hotel rooms and suites to private villas, guests can choose from a wide selection of affordable accommodations and an incredible array of top-of-theline amenities. A free shuttle service takes guests to and from Glade Springs and Winterplace, so you can effortlessly spend the day slopeside or enjoying a ski-less activity.

You Tube

Even the most avid skiers enjoy dialing down the adrenaline rush for some good, old-fashioned fun. A ride downhill in a giant rubber inner tube will have you laughing and screaming as your tube spins down the slopes. This nostalgic throwback to childhood sledding is an easy, familyfriendly alternative to skiing that can be done by most anyone without taking a single lesson.

All West Virginia ski resorts offer this popular activity, but Winterplace has the largest snowtubing park in the state, and with two carpet lifts that easily take you back to the top, you can experience the thrill over and over again. The tube tracks are totally unique with the addition of curves and walls, know as whoopdedoos, adding thrill to the ride. “The best part is watching moms, dads, and grandparents with grandkids have a great time.” says President Terry Klein.

Winterplace Ski Resort, 100 Old Flat Top Mountain Road, Ghent, WV 25843; 800.607.7669; 304.787.3221

Sleighbells Ring

If you think winter isn’t a good time for horseback riding in West Virginia, think again. Those inviting holiday commercials with riders cavorting through the snow on horseback aren’t just television hype. There’s nothing like a trail-ride in crisp weather. Just ask the folks at The Equestrian Center at Glade Springs, which offers a variety of horseback rides for people of all ages and experience. Enjoy an hour-long ride along miles of wooded trails, with views of farms, fields, and old homesteads. When you return a bonfire and mugs of hot cider will warm your extremities.

If you aren’t saddling up to the idea of wintertime jaunt through the woods on horseback, then consider taking a horsedrawn sleigh. Though they were once a common means of transport in the West Virginia woods, today they are a romantic way to celebrate the winter season. Open to the air and winter scenery, a horsedrawn sleigh ride makes a person wonder momentarily why cars were ever invented. Trail rides, 30-minute lessons, hand led horse rides, and carriage rides range from $20-$160.

Spa-licious

Snow isn’t the only thing that needs groomed in the winter. Treat yourself to some tranquility with a massage, body polish, or mud wrap. Spa Orange at The Resort at Glade Springs offers an extensive menu of treatments and services that will renew your body and spirit.

Leisure Center

The Resort at Glade Springs offers many ways to spend time as a family without donning skis. The Leisure Center is a multiplex that contains a 10-lane bowling center, an arcade, an indoor pool, fitness center, tennis and basketball courts—all under one roof. If you don’t join your family on the slopes, join them here for a fun-filled evening. “Our leisure center is a tremendous hit among of our guests, especially families,” says Mary Jo Klein, spokesperson for the resort. “With so many amenities and activities, the leisure center provides the ideal environment for fun, relaxation, and the creation of new memories.”

The Resort at Glade Springs, 255 Resort Drive, Daniels, WV 25832; 866.562.8054; www.gladesprings.com.

Canaan Valley

Canaan Valley is the highest mountain valley east of the Rocky Mountains. At an elevation of 3,100 feet, Canaan Valley Resort & Conference Center and Timberline Four Seasons Resort, are great destinations to enjoy winter recreation and tranquility. Recently named one of “America’s Best Parks” by Arthur Frommer’s magazine, and among the “50 Great Places to Stay” in Washingtonian Magazine, Canaan Valley ski resort offers a 250-room lodge, 23 cabins, and 34 campsites. From ice skates to snowshoes to tubing to airboarding, there are plenty of adventures awaiting non skiers.

Nothing but air

Airboarding is a high-tech twist on traditional winter sledding—and it is all the rage! Riding an airboard is like riding a surfboard in the ocean. It is inflatable, weighs only about six pounds, and has grooves on the underside that allow riders to make sharp turns and stop quickly in the snow and can reach speeds in excess of 60 miles per hour. Canaan Valley Resort is the only winter sports facility that offers airboarding in the Mid-Atlantic region of North America. At Canaan airboarders are separated from skiers and snowboarders with elaborate snow fencing, providing many acres of suitable airboarding terrain. The terrain park has low-to-the-ground features such as jumps, twists and turns. Kids and adults can become proficient in airboarding after an hour of instruction. “Everyone should try airboarding because everyone can do it,” says CORE Team FLI athlete Alicia Monahan. “It’s a blast and easy to learn. The boards are totally maneuverable, and the same day you take your lesson, you’ll be flying down the mountain at face level.”

Sessions range from two hours to half days for $35-$60. First time riders are required to take a one-hour learning session before setting off solo on the slopes.

Skating on Ice

Ice skating has been around for 4,000 years and is still a popular wintertime sport. One of the best outdoor ski rinks in the state is located at the Canaan Valley Resort. A covered, outdoor ice skating rink overlooking the valley is a picture perfect place to master toe loops, spins, and figure eights. Afterwards, catch your breath at the outdoor fireplace and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate.

Two hour skate sessions are $5 for adults, $4 for juniors. Rentals are $3 for adults, $2 for juniors.

X-Country

Canaan is a favorite destination for cross country activities like snowshoeing and cross country skiing—experience the winter landscape without the fear of breaking bones. It is considered to be one of the best forms of aerobic exercise and is easy for Nordic novices to learn. In alpine skiing, your heel is attached to the ski, but in cross country skiing, your heel is free, giving your more mobility—and the flat terrain of the trails is less intimidating. Canaan offers 30 kilometers of ungroomed trails through acres of open meadowland. There are no trail fees, but daily equipment rentals range from $18-20.

Side Trips

If your entire family abandons you for the slope, spend the day exploring nearby charming towns of Davis, Thomas, and Parsons. Mountain Made Artisan Gallery in Thomas is a wonderful shopping experience that showcases West Virginia-made products and artisans. Just down the street, The Purple Fiddle Coffeehouse in is a terrific place to enjoy an Appalachian meal, and Mountain State Brewing Company will help you pass the time with handcrafted ales. You’ll also want to check out nearby Blackwater Falls State Park—the waterfall plummets over 60 feet, and in the winter, the landscape becomes an exquisite ice sculpture.

Canaan Valley Resort, HC 70, Box 330, Davis, WV 26260; 800.622.4121; 304.866.4121; www.canaanresort.com.

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