Snowshoe Mountain Resort is located in the Monongahela National Forest, near the historic logging camp of Old Spruce and Cass. It can be found at one of West Virginia's highest elevations, 2,000 feet above sea level in the Snowshoe Mountains. Here, just a stone's throw from the Virginia border, visitors can enjoy the beautiful nature and try out various sports all year round.
Still, Snowshoe is most famous among ski lovers and winter sports enthusiasts. On this hill, snow begins to fall in October and continues into May, making it ideal for skiers.
However, only some people know the fascinating history of this ski resort. Read this blog post, and you will understand why Snowshoe attracts so many tourists yearly!
Snowshoe Mountain Has a Rich History That Spans Back Over 50 Years
When Dr. Tom Brigham first laid eyes on the summit of Snowshoe Mountain in 1972, he knew he had found something special. The area was largely undeveloped and untouched, and he saw the potential for a world-class ski resort.
With that vision, he set out to make his dream a reality. In 1974, Snowshoe Mountain Ski Resort opened its doors to the public. It was a humble operation at first, with just a few lifts and trails. But it quickly became clear that this was a place people wanted to be.
Dr. George Brigham, a pioneer of southern skiing, had previously created Beech and Sugar Mountain Resorts in North Carolina in the early 1960s. Snowshoe was to be the region's premiere addition.
The opening of this place attracted more than 26,000 skiers. Cupp Run Slope gave Snowshoe a vertical drop of over 1500 feet, making it one of the most popular ski destinations in the country. This place had previously been home to loggers and railroaders.
When Snowshoe Mountain resort first opened in 1974, it was a very different place than it is today. The only buildings on site were the Shaver's Center, the old pump house, a water treatment plant, and dorms for employees. There were not even any accommodations available where guests could stay. The closest lodgings were over 40 minutes away in Marlinton!
In those early days, the resort was only open for skiing and snowboarding. There were no other winter activities available. Over the years, Snowshoe has grown and changed a lot. Today, it is a year-round destination with something for everyone. Thanks to its rich history and natural beauty, Snowshoe is truly a one-of-a-kind destination.
The Early Years of Snowshoe Mountain Resort
In 1974, Skidder, Ballhooter, and Cupp Run lifts were completed. The Cupp Run Slope, which was cut on the mountain's western slope to provide Snowshoe with the south's greatest vertical drop of over 1500 feet.
From 1977 until 1999, additional pathways and lifts were built, with the majority of lodges and condominiums being built in 1982. Snowshoe had 57 trails and 14 modern lifts, including three high-speed quad detachable quads, as a result of the acquisition of the Silver Creek Resort in 1992. Over time, food and drink services, businesses, spas, pools, and family-friendly activities have all been added.
Snowshoe had changed into a four-season resort with an acclaimed outdoor adventure program. It offered its visitors different summer and fall events that feature the activities on the mountain from May to October. Such events include Freedom Fest, the Fire on Mountain Chili Cook-off, the Wine and Jazz Festival, and others.
Since Brigham had high hopes for Snowshoe, the mountain's first decade was difficult because of financial problems. However, the resort's popularity and reputation would grow over the next several years. In fact, in 1992, it purchased Silver Creek ski area, which is only a half mile away.
Still, Tokyo Tower Development Company (TDC) Limited, a Japanese developer of leisure and recreational facilities, bought this place in 1990. After five years of ownership by TDC, it was sold in 1995 to Intrawest Corporation, a Canadian firm. With headquarters in Vancouver, British Columbia, Intrawest is North America's largest resort developer.
Intrawest Resort Villages are a staple of the company so they opened the Village at Snowshoe in 1998. The village included Rimfire Lodge and nine retail operations when it initially opened but has since grown to Highland House and Allegheny Springs.
Expansion in the Early 2000s
With new owners and the opening of resort villages, Snowshoe has become a great destination for tourists from all over the world all year round. The small hamlet has expanded with the construction of Highlands House and Allegheny Springs, both of which are modern lodges. In addition, split Rock Pools opened in the village in 2001, allowing for water fun for the whole family. Besides, Village Bistro Restaurant, The Fox Fire Grill, and world-famous Starbucks Coffee have all opened in recent years.
A new 100-unit slopeside lodging complex, Expedition Station, opened in winter 2005 and included a state-of-the-art 11,000-square-foot rental shop. The Village's newest high-end lodging facility, the Seneca, also recently opened to guests. It boasts private terraces and a stunning view of the western horizon.
The village grew swiftly during the 1990s and early 2000s, with multiple condominium-hotel projects being built in the ensuing years, including Highland House, two phases of Allegheny Springs, The Seneca, and Expedition Station. In 2007, the Eight Rivers development was set to begin construction but was subsequently delayed. Now, this site is partially utilized by the resort's ski school.
In 2007, Snowshoe's Mountainside opened a new high-speed detachable quad lift that services the Widowmaker slope system and adjoining trails. The project, constructed by Doppelmayr CTEC, reduced the lift ride from 8-10 minutes to less than three minutes. If earlier an uphill capacity was over 1,500 skiers per hour, the new lift increased it to 2,400.
Why Snowshoe Is Such A Popular Resort Today?
Snowshoe Mountain Resort is home to some of the best slopes in West Virginia. The resort's 1,500 acres of skiable terrain offer something for everyone, from beginners to experts. And with an average annual snowfall of 180 inches, you will surely find plenty of powder days here. The lift capacity is 23,400 skiers per hour
The Resort offers a route map with 257 acres of skiable surface, 60 trails, and 14 lifts. Besides, Snowshoe has three high-speed quads, named Soaring Eagle, Ballhooter, and Western Express. One of the most popular trails at Snowshoe is the Cupp Run, a 3,500-foot-long beginner's slope that offers stunning views of the valley below. For those looking for a challenge, head to The Knot, a black diamond trail that drops 1,500 feet over its two-mile length.
But there is more to Snowshoe than just great slopes. The resort is also renowned for its stunning scenery, friendly and welcoming atmosphere, and wide range of activities and amenities. In short, Snowshoe is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy a truly unforgettable winter vacation.
This resort offers year-round fun with regularly groomed trails and consistent snowmaking. In addition, the average temperature at this resort is lower than others, so the snow can last a long time.
Whatever your skill level, you are sure to find the perfect slope at Snowshoe Mountain Resort. So come on up and enjoy some of the best skiing in West
