Snowshoe Ski Resort - Silver Creek, West Virginia

Address:Silver Creek, West Virginia
Tel: (304) 572-1000

Ski Magazine has rated Snowshoe and Silver Creek Resort as the #1 Southern Ski Resort, and for good reason. Recently acquired by InterWest, who also owns and operates Whistler Blackcombe and Park City, Utah resorts, Snowshoe has come a long way recently with major improvements being made both on and off the slopes. Fourteen lifts service this gorgeous Allegheny Mountains resort. It has 60 trails open in the daytime, with 14 open for nighttime fun as well. Snowshoe's natural bowls, basins, steeps, and glades make it a haven well deserving of the praise it receives by guests and magazines alike.

The trail names all honor the humble logging history in which Snowshoe has its roots, and the resort pays homage still further by having miles of cross country and backcountry area to explore when riders are ready for a non-downhill challenge.

The downhill trails vary in difficulty to suit every level of skier. There is the "Northern Tract," featuring an 800 foot vertical drop and gentle forgiving terrain where beginners can take their time on the six long, wide trails and reascend on the single chairlift for another run. In contrast, there is the "Silver Creek" zone which offers everything from the tame to the fearless with its seventeen trails (12 of which are open at night), seven chairlifts, kids ski school academy, and the "Mountaineer" terrain park.

"Snowshoe Basin" has trails for all levels, with thirty-five trails, six chairlifts, and an 800 foot vertical drop. The featured tail is the "Widowmaker" advanced trail that will leave your thighs burning and your lungs out of air. Also drop into the "Western Territory" which is designed exclusively for advanced riders and features a 1500 foot drop with steeps such as the "Cupp Run," designed by Olympian Jean Claude Kily. Mogul enthusiasts will have a heyday on "Shay's Revenge" with its 52% degree slope.

For snowboarders, Snowshoe offers three separate snowboarding centric freestyle parks! They also sponsor a women's clinic for those female riders in the pack. The "Spruceglades" intermediate park, features jumps, rails, wall rides, boxes, tabletops, and a quarterpipe, with a sound system playing music to keep the adrenaline going. "Moutaineer" offers mostly gap rails and boxes, and the "Terrain Garden" has a mixture of boxes and tabletops but is mostly rails.

Get the "Freedom Ticket," when you go to the box office, to gain access to all areas for all day and night as well as midweek, weekend, and holiday rates sold daily. Midweek riding will open up more discount options, but children under 5 years old get to ski free anytime as long as they are accompanied by a paying adult.

One of the upgrades made by Interwest Resorts is that Snowshoe is now your one stop vacation spot this winter. Known as an upside down mountain, 99% of the lodging, food, and nightlife are actually located at the top of the mountain. The Big Top offers 15,000 square feet of arcade and fun center activities, including Playstation games, pool tables, a Eurobungy ride, and classic arcade games such as Skeeball. Kids have a special night out on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights from 6 to 9pm where they have movies, karaoke, and contests, all while mingling with kids their own age. This also gives Mom and Dad a welcome break to enjoy the many restaurants and lounges located on site. The Split Rock Pools, for an extra fee, are a treat to any that enjoy a dip in natural hot geysers. Slides, hot tubs, and a sauna are also on hand to complete the experience.

No fewer than fourteen eateries are located in the nearby village, and with a shuttle that will bus you all over from place to place, even at 2am, it's practically like being onsite! From 4 star dining to pizza, pasta, and breakfasts with fresh maple syrup, no one will go hungry. Check out the "Ember" for an exciting mix of hip meets country, where you can order steaks, sushi, and Thai food that you can either have the chefs prepare, or cook yourself over hot Japanese river rocks! Then there's the "Red Rover" with its choice of over 50 wines and gourmet hotdogs with as many classy and crazy toppings! About 10 bars, including a nightclub and comedy club, and 11 shopping centers round out the ultimate après ski experience.

Ski and stay packages are available both on and off site. Alternatively, you can head into Marlington, a short 30 minute drive away, for lower lodging prices, while gaining a wealth in choice of restaurants of all cultures and bars. The variety of lodging types is greater here as well, with options such as cabins, motels and hotels all available.

Whatever your taste, both on and off the slopes, Snowshoe is able to provide for you in ample quantity and quality. Once you get here you just may discover one day isn't enough, and that's ok – Snowshoe is happy to see you return back again and again.

For mid-Atlantic and Southeast skiers, snowboarders and winter enthusiasts, Snowshoe Mountain is the premier destination for you this winter. Located just a short 5 hour drive from major markets like Charlotte, DC, Raleigh, Richmond and Columbus, Snowshoe is ideal for either a long weekend or midweek winter vacation.