Good Morning my fellow, snow-loving friends.
Check the Snow Report for all the deets on trail openings. While I do mention a lot of specifics in this post – you can get a quick snap shot of all conditions there.
I’ll also mention quickly that the weather forecast is trending a bit better with today being the only, really yucky day. If you’re riding today you will want that rain gear. However, Sunday is looking like we should see a bit of snow and then Monday will be sunny and cold!
We also have some natural snow headed our way tonight and Sunday…and then on a couple of other occasions over the next two weeks!
I’m Covering Notables FIRST Today… (I don’t know why…just work with me.)
This is a cool share this morning from Appalachian Ski Mountain:
Bryce Resort posted this announcement about their popular trail, Hangover, getting open.
Omni Homestead posted this sweet shot from early mid-week. They titled it “Walking in a Winter Wonderland”. Indeed!
Snowshoe Mountain JUST LOOKS AWESOME:
TIMBERLINE HOMEOWNER PHOTO:
I know a LOT has been written and posted of their struggles this season, but this photo looks sweet.
Wintergreen Resort posted this awesome video from Friday
Wisp Resort Photo submission.
Saturday’s Stream of Thought…
Boy what a GREAT week it has been at every ski area in the region this past week! Cold air allowed snowmaking and we even got some surprise snow on Thursday. I was able to take in two days on the slopes and SkiSoutheast reporter, David McCue enjoyed a swing out west and then hung out at Wintergreen Resort on Friday. I am certain that David will post up a story with lots of great photos…
For those new to the sport of snow skiing here in the Southeast – THIS weekend is a four day weekend for a lot of people and hence it is traditionally also the second most visited period of each and every ski season. Translation: this is an important skier visit weekend for all of our member resorts.
A lot of the television coverage lately has been devoted to sharing the massive storm system that is pushing east and Northeast bringing a misty rain to the North Carolina and Virginia resorts for today and much of Sunday. Monday looks to be a sunny day with frigid temperatures in the single digits for highs in some areas. We could also see some snow at the tail end of the rain on Sunday as the colder air filters in. Some forecasters are saying that we could see 1-3″ of snow Sunday evening in the Seven Devils, and Beech Mountain areas.
The resorts in West Virginia and Maryland could see a bit more than that with SOME wintry mix today and Sunday before transitioning over to an all-snow event on Sunday.
So while holiday weekend skiers and snowboarders may have to dodge some raindrops today and early Sunday – there DOES appear to be some better things in store for travelers later on Sunday and especially Monday.
COLD, COLD ARCTIC AIR INVADING
We’re seeing forecasts for highs in the single digits for some of the WV resorts on Monday and from 10° to teens everywhere as we get into early next week. I was looking at the forecast for Wisp Resort and the high Monday may be as cold as 5° with an overnight low of -2° on Sunday AND Monday nights.
The greatest news is that we’re looking at a period all the way through Groundhog Day, February 2nd with temps that COULD allow snowmaking around the clock for ski resorts that want or need it.
More Terrain Open for this Weekend and Ahead?!?
Appalachian Ski Mountain is 100% open. I was there on Wednesday and could see that Hard Core and Thin Slice were ready…and they have those open this weekend.
Beech has Upper and Lower Robbins Run open this weekend and now they have 11 of 17 trails open. With this cold period ahead, could we see White Lightning, the Oz Run?
Cataloochee Ski Area added another open trail to get to offer 15 of 19.
Massanutten Resort have gotten to 11 of 14 trails open and they are celebrating according to Adrianne Richardson they are celebrating tonight’s Blood Moon with a signature Blood Moon Mary. Check it out below.
https://www.skisoutheast.com/massanutten-resort-invites-travelers-celebrate-last-total-lunar-eclipse-decade-sunday-jan-20-signature-blood-moon-mary/
Ober Gatlinburg is keeping a positive vibe going with their 5 of 10 trails open.
Snowshoe Mountain is playing on 55 of 60 trails and lots happening around the mountain.
Timberline Resort IS SKIING UPPER DEWDROP FROM THE TOP giving them 7 trails open. Fans and critics won’t be ecstatic over that news.
Winterplace Resort is up to 19 of 27 trails open, tubing and more!
Canaan Valley Resort rocketed their offering up to 31 of 47 trails today. Their report shows 38 open. Dark Side of the Moon is now open! Justin Harris shared:
The mountain is full of life today. We are expecting one of the busiest weekends of the year, with tons of activities. We have 31 out of 47 trails open with soft conditions. The mountain looks fabulous with icy trees, snow encrusted forests, and packed powder. There are many areas in our trees that have become available, as well as secret spots like The Spoon and Bald Knob Trail. Please be sure to check in with ski patrol before embarking on one of these beautiful adventures, and never ski outside of your skill level.
Finally, we will have live music options throughout the day today. Nat Frederick will be playing in Quenchers Pub from 2pm to 6pm to what is sure to be a packed house. Come by between runs, have a beer, and check him out! And tonight Chaga Tea Project will be playing live in The Laurel Lounge in our resort hotel. They will be starting at 9pm. (this is a change from my announcement yesterday. Sorry guys!) Chaga Tea Project is a great local band with a unique sound, so come out and support them with us!
Wintergreen Resort – Open with 21 of 25 trails and love this report:
MLKs Spectacular Saturday
Happy Saturday Skiers, Riders, Tubers and everyone on our mountain today! We are adding 2 more trails to open terrain – Big Acorn and Upper Turkey. That brings total trail count to 21 and they are all freshly groomed for your skiing and riding pleasure. There are 11 lovely lanes shaped at the tubing park to slide on.
Our forecasters show the wintry weather arriving this afternoon and with an average base of 40″, Wintergreen is prepared for whatever comes our way. Our Snowmaking Team worked long and hard to get us where we are and our Groomer Crew will keep us here. If you are traveling to the mountain later today, you can check road conditions here. Safe travels and happy trails!
Loved this Wintergreen photo…and we share it as the Photo of the Day.
Wisp Resort – they are probably more in the bull’s eye of this current storm system as 1-2″ of snow and sleet are in the forecast for today and another 2-3″ of snow tonight. They rocketed up to 27 of 34 trails open. Snow tubing, skating, mountain coastering and more.
Wolf Ridge Resort – they are limited to 4 trails right now. This next, extended cold snap will help them immensely – we would think.
That will do it for today.
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[final-thoughts]