Another beautiful morning here in Boone, North Carolina, and there's no doubt it's still winter. For those who are bummed about the summit, don't let it get you down. I am too… it was going to be my husband's first time on the slopes, but I understand the reasoning and of course had a little more control over it than you all so I can't complain. It is what it is. We'll just be overdue come next season and will use that to make next year's event even better.
At any rate, you still have plenty of time to get out and enjoy this season. No one's stopping you from planning your own little retreat. Hop on the message board and make it happen. Conditions are all-around awesome right now so there isn't even a need to drive the furthest distance; you should have no problem hitting up the closest resort.
Even without the SkiSoutheast discount, you can still find ways to save. Many resorts offer specials here and there, some even weekly.
Cataloochee "gives back to those who have given so much for [them]." This week's appreciation days are in honor of our fire and rescue personnel and their families across the South. Thursday, February 21 and Friday, February 22, Cat is supporting these heroes by offering a special reduced rate. "This special package is only $27 per person and includes a 1 1/2 hour lesson, lift ticket for either day, twilight or night skiing and rental equipment! The combined savings is $56 per person over Cataloochee's regular rates!
This package price is good for day skiing from 9am until 4:30pm, twilight skiing from 1pm until 10pm, or night skiing from 6pm until 10pm. And if rental and lessons are not required, the lift ticket price will be $17 per person. This offer is valid for fire and rescue personnel with valid i.d. and their families only. All family members must be present at time of purchase."
A LOT is happening at Massanutten this week! When I say A LOT, I mean, I may need to post two articles. To kick off the full line-up, on Friday and Saturday, there will be a Lodge Party with The Monster Band and ski and snowboard giveaways. "The weekly live music continues this weekend with a full bar menu, DJ, and the ever-popular party band, The Monster Band! The party starts around 8pm both Friday and Saturday nights. And to add a little extra flair, Virginia Nightlife will be in the house both nights giving away new skis and snowboards! This is a 21 and over only party."
They're hosting on Saturday their first night time terrain park competition, Red Bull Rivals, pits UVA, JMU and VT college clubs against each other. A live DJ will be on the slopes and at the after party in the lodge. If you're not there in person, be sure to check out the live stream on the webcams — they're locking them on the terrain park for this event. "Come out and watch the riders rip apart the terrain park to prove that their team is the best while enjoying the music of a live DJ! Which Virginia university will take home the trophy, and maybe more importantly, the bragging rights?" They're also hosting the SARA U16-21 Championships on Saturday and Sunday (23rd & 24th) from 7:30am to 1:30pm on the Diamond Jim trail.
<< Mass this morning on the cam (and another look above)
Last but not least, on Sunday, they expect as many as 20 adaptive racers (youth, teen, adult and seniors) from across Virginia & Maryland to test their skills in a Slalom ski race for the Independence Cup – Adaptive Snow Sports Race & Celebration of Independence Awards Ceremony. "You will see some extraordinary accomplishments and great fun as 2, 3, & 4 Track skiers, Blind skiers with guides, Mono-skiers and Bi-skiers (special sit skis for persons who primarily use a wheelchair for mobility) compete in the Independence Cup! This event is proudly organized by Massanutten Adaptive Snow Sports and the Blue Ridge/Shenandoah Paralympic Sport Club."
Did you get all that? You might just want to print out this article if you're anywhere near northern Virginia. It's going to be a hopping place!
Speaking of…nothing that relates really other than our VA ski resorts, the Homestead is a place you'll want to pay some attention to if you haven't yet. One thing they have that sets them apart is outdoor swimming… YEAR ROUND! Their family pool and whirlpool are OPEN (and busy)! They are part of their Allegheny Springs Winter Wonderland, which also includes the ice skating rink. You may have already known about this, but it's news to me so I thought I'd share. A warm swimming pool sounds so nice right now. And how cool of a combo would that be – hitting the slopes then taking a dip.
Now onto the snow totals; oh yes, there are numbers to report. The upper east corner of WV saw some more snow last night: Canaan, Snowshoe, and Timberline all got four inches. Wisp, just above the border, got two. Eleven resorts turned on the guns and are looking to take advantage of these cold temps that have been sticking around.
Enjoy your Wednesday and be sure to keep up with us on Twitter – we have some passes that are burning holes in our pockets (or desks)!
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