It’s Friday.
And while some of the region is going to be soggy later today, there are some pockets of snow coming tonight that will be sure to make up for the rain.
We’ve got fresh snow this morning at Canaan Valley Resort, and a pretty significant expansion of terrain in Maryland at Wisp Resort.
The storm headed our way looks to be causing havoc all across the country. Even Powder Mountain out in Utah has closed for the day due to winds that will reach as high as 30-40 miles per hour.
I stopped by Alpine Ski Center in Raleigh near Umstead State Park yesterday to do some window shopping. The place was jamming, ahead of the long weekend. It took me back to my days as a shop tech, not too long ago.
Which reminds me: If you need your gear tuned up, repaired, or waxed, give yourself some lead time. Showing up on a Thursday before you head out for the long weekend is the best way to ensure that your gear is not fixed in time for your trip. So as crazy as it is to say, If you’re headed on a trip around President’s Day weekend, now is the time to bring your stuff in to be worked on.
Shops closer to the mountain will likely have a shorter wait period, but be prepared to leave your skis or board with them for a week or so.
With that, let’s get into what we need to know in the southeast today.
Snowshoe
There’s a high wind warning issued today from the National Weather Service, so while 12 of 12 lifts are spinning at the ‘Shoe this morning, that could change throughout the day.
There are now 40 trails open, and J Hook is scheduled to drop its rope later today, pending ski patrol approval.
Timberline
No fresh stuff this morning, but that is set to return on Saturday, and it could keep up through the long weekend. The temperatures will hit the mid-30s today, so that soft machine groomed surface should remain that way for the majority of the day. The Drop remains the only trail that is closed, and won’t open until Timberline’s next round of snowmaking.
If you’re in the market for a new board, remember that Never Summer will be at Timberline Sunday offering demos. The Proto Synthesis is one of the most beloved boards in the world, so give that a twirl if you’re in the neighborhood.
Wisp
The conditions at Wisp are looking ideal for some long weekend turns. There are nine lifts spinning and 21 trails open in time for MLK Weekend. The resort’s snowmaking team worked hard to boost its base up to 16 inches deep.
Like much of the region, there is a 98% chance of rain after 4 p.m. today, and that is likely to continue into early tomorrow morning. But around 4 a.m., that rain is expected to turn into snow showers, and last throughout the day on Saturday. Not a bad way to kick off the long weekend.
Massanutten
If you’re headed to the ‘Nutt, please purchase those tickets in advance!
Once online capacitites are met, slope-use tickets and equipment rentals might not be available at the ticket window on the day of, with the exception of military tickets and under-6 slope use tickets.
It’s set to rain at Massanutten around 4 p.m. today, but luckily, that is set to subside around midnight. Saturday and Sunday both look like it will be sunshine and bluebird conditions.
Never Summer will be at the ‘Nutt today and tomorrow, offering demos.
And Massanutten’s Light Up The Park experience will shut down after Sunday, so head over there if you want to see it before it’s gone.
Sugar
Glen Harlow and North Folk will play tomorrow from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Omni Homestead
Omni Homestead has a base of 12 inches on 4 trails, and its open to the top for skiing and snowboarding.
There will be some Friday night lights happening, as the lifts will spin until 8 p.m.
The Rest
Don’t forget: Clear your calendar from February 9-11. That’s when Massanutten and SkiSoutheast will host team up to host our summit. It’s a great way to meet like-minded, snow-loving people, and possibly make some lifelong friends in the process.
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.