The wrong kind of storm is coming.
There are thunderstorms forecasted throughout the southeast today, and several ski areas will suspend operations in an attempt to preserve the snow and extend the season.
Timberline, Canaan Valley Resort, and Winterplace have all suspended operations today due to the heavy rain. All three ski areas will resume normal operations tomorrow, February 29.
“This is to preserve our base to enable us to extend our season,” the snow report at Canaan Valley Resort said.
Indy 2024-2025
If you’re an Indy Pass holder, and you’re on the fence about reupping for the 2024-2025 season, maybe this news can get you to pull the trigger: prices will not increase for next season’s pass.
That’s right folks. In an era in which the costs of groceries and paper towels seem to be climbing higher than a chairlift headed toward the summit at Beech Mountain, the price of the best bargain in skiing will remain the same.
The adult base pass will cost just $279. An Indy+ Pass will cost $379. Here’s a chart breaking down the pricing.
“The Indy Pass team has worked hard to create sustainable pricing while the cost of skiing and riding continues to increase at astronomical rates,” said Indy Pass Director Erik Mogensen. “This pricing plan demonstrates our commitment to our passholders and partner resorts that the Indy Pass will continue to lead the industry in affordable, independent skiing.”
If you’re wondering what that means for skiers and snowboarders in the southeast, it means that you’ll have access to seven ski areas in the southeast, so long as each one of them decide to renew their contract with Indy. CEO Doug Fish said in a press release that no resort has reached out about terminating its partnership with the pass. That could change, but as of now, there are 185 partner ski areas, and the company is guaranteeing the total number to surpass 200 by the start of next season.
Those resorts in the southeast are:
- Ober Mountain
- Massanutten Resort
- Winterplace Ski Resort
- Cataloochee Ski Area
- Canaan Valley
- White Grass Touring Center
- Bryce Resort
Some of the resorts in other areas of the country are:
- Eaglecrest in Juneau, Alaska
- Mission Ridge in Washington
- Mt. Hood Meadows in Hood, Oregon
- Jay Peak in Vermont
- Cannon Mountain in New Hampshire
- Sunrise Park in Arizona
- Snow King Mountain Resort in Jackson, Wyoming
- Waterville Valley in New Hampshire
- Beaver Mountain in Utah
- Powder Mountain in Utah
- Montage Mountain in Pennsylvania
This year was my second-straight year with the Indy, and I’ll be utilizing it again this weekend. I once worked with someone who had 50-plus ski days in the season, and the only pass he paid for was the Indy. If you love being a regular at a particular ski area (I’m looking at you Beech Bums), this isn’t the pass for you, as the pass only includes two days per ski area, with an option for a discounted third day. But if you’re willing to travel throughout the southeast, and plan a trip to either the northeast or the west, it’s simply one of the best options around.
Returning passholders will be able to purchase the pass for the lowest price on March 1. The pass will go on sale to the public on March 8 at noon until the capacity has been reached.
“To stay true to the less-crowded nature of Indy resorts, the number of passes for sale will again be limited. It is strongly recommended to secure a pass as early as possible,” the press release says.
“Unlike the corporate passes, we have to re-contract every year with over 180 independent partner resorts,” said Indy Pass founder Doug Fish. “This process takes time, but we are confident our total roster will increase significantly by next season.”
I have used my Indy Pass just three times this season: one day at McIntyre, a tiny little family mountain in Manchester, New Hampshire, and two days at Powder Mountain. Each day at Powder Mountain would have cost me between $145 and $240, had I not had the pass. I paid a little over $300 for the entire pass. I broke even in one two-day stretch.
Here’s what else you need to know about skiing and riding in the southeast today:
Ober Mountain
Ober is open today with 6 trails and three lifts spinning.
Castle Run, Ober Chute, Upper & Lower Bear Run, Cub Way, and the Ski School Slope are all open, with the terrain park set up on Lower Castle Run.
Winterplace
From the snow report:
Saturday is our Cardboard Sled Race!!! Make a creative sled out of cardboard, no metal or plastic can be used to enhance your sled. However, we do encourage you to decorate it! You may compete as a single racer or team up as a duo. Huge thank you to Elevation and Line Skis for sponsoring the 2024 Winterplace Pond Skim! Whichever contestant can make it the length of the pond from the lowest point on the mountain will win a pair of Line Blade skis. Contest takes place March 3.”
Appalachian Ski Mountain
App Ski will honor military veterans on March 1 and 2 with the eighth annual Heroes on the Mountain event. 80 VA Disabled U.S. Military combat veterans will be trated to a day of skiing and snowboarding for free., and there will be a military style disable combat veterans welcome and dedication ceremony with a military flyover and flag raising ceremony.
And the final First Sunday half-night special will go down on March 3. Ski or ride for just $12.
Snowshoe
From the snow report:
We’re in for a wet, wild, and wonderful Wednesday. As we’ve said time and time again, we never let a little rain dampen our shine. Who doesn’t like a good slip-n-slide?! Well, we’ve got 59 of the best, primed to slide, and we’re ready to ride! Forgot to pack the rain gear? We’ve got you covered at Pocahontas Supply in the village. Swing by, and we’ll have you riding dry and looking fly!”
Kudos
Recess Ride Shop has a new team member. Jacob Davis: welcome.
And Edge of the World Snowboard Shop rider Lily Woodlief left Beech Mountain with two boardercross first-place finishes.
Video Of The Day
The recap from the Natural Selection Tour Duels are live on Red Bull TV. Drop over there and watch.
The Rest
Thanks to everyone that has already joined us on Discord.
Think snow!
Think cold!
Click here to join us on our new SkiSoutheast Discord channel. It is a great way to meet new snow loving friends and shares experiences, ask questions, and more!
And as always, email me at [email protected] with your thoughts and photos.