Canaan Valley Ski Resort
It’s pure luck that the top of Canaan Valley Ski Resort is situated at 4,280 feet and that the area receives an average of 150 inches of snowfall each winter. But it’s the adventure lovers who descend here that make the surrounding 6,015 acres such an incredible ski resort. In operation since 1971, Canaan Valley Ski Resort delivers some of the best skiing and snowboarding anywhere in the southeastern United States but with the intimacy and preservation efforts that come with its designation as a state park.
Lifts and Terrain
Here you’ll have access to 47 trails, a terrain park, and a beginner’s slope replete with a magic carpet ski lift. We recommend you take at least one trip down Timber Trail. This 1.25-mile long slope offers idyllic scenes of snow-topped red spruce and a view of Bald Knob. The mountain offers a wide array of trails from beginner to expert, but a surprising 44% of the trails are designated advanced or expert.
One quad and two triple ski lifts keep the fun times going all day. For those who prefer milder wintertime activities, there’s a tubing park and covered ice rink.
History
As the story goes, the swath of pristine land presently known as Canaan Valley Ski Resort was discovered by helicopter when members of a ski club in Washington D.C. were touring the area. The enthusiastic adventurers went home and quickly began plans to establish a ski resort among the mountainous farmland of Tucker County, West Virginia. Plenty of people dispute the accuracy of that story, but it is true that the Ski Club of Washington D.C. operated the destination as Weiss Knob Ski Area from the mid-50s through the 60s.
In 1971, the ski area was acquired by Canaan Valley State Park. At the time of acquisition, surrounding acreage was annexed by eminent domain. Not all residents were happy to relinquish their land which resulted in a few storied skirmishes between locals and law enforcement. An old moonshiner named Ab Crossland known for keeping a tribe of skunks as pets won a case against the state with the help of a pro bono attorney and was allowed to live out his life in his cabin on park property. He died at the age off 88 in 1973. He is buried next to his mother in a small fenced gravesite on a secluded corner of the park.
Amenities
It takes more than snow and elevation to enjoy an epic day on the slopes. The folks at Canaan Valley Ski Resort know that and have outfitted the mountain with all the services to keep you saying “Let’s do one more run.”
Rentals and Lessons
Accessible from the lower level of Bear Paw, the resort’s rental shop and ski school will have you hitting the trails in no time. Ski, snowboard and helmets are available for rent for half-days, full days, or longer. Lessons are available for learners of all ages and abilities—including adaptive, telemark, and cross-country lessons.
Food and Beverage
There’s no need to leave slopes to refuel! The Bear Paw Food Court, a cafeteria-style food court serves grab-and-go items like sandwiches, pizza and snacks. But, there’s no need to hurry; you can warm up with a bowl of soup, too. For another sort of warm-up, there’s the slope-side Quencher’s Pub. Featuring a full-service bar, Quencher’s Pub is the perfect spot to take a break for wings or a burger with a local beer. You don’t even have take off your boots…or your helmet if you really don’t want to.
