SNOWSHOE MOUNTAIN UNVEILS UPGRADES AND SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR THE 2015-2016 SEASON
SNOWMAKING IMPROVEMENTS, NEW INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS, AND EXPANDED FREESTYLE TERRAIN HIGHLIGHT THE UPCOMING SEASON
SNOWSHOE, West Virginia – (September 11, 2015) – Snowshoe Mountain (www.snowshoemtn.com), the #1 mountain resort in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions, today announced the installation of innovative, low-energy snowmaking equipment on the legendary Cupp Run, in hopes of opening the slope earlier than ever before. The resort hopes this improvement, paired with expanded freestyle and gladed terrain, new season-long instructional programs, and an action-packed schedule of events, will make Snowshoe the destination of choice for families this winter.
POTENTIAL EARLY OPENING OF THE WESTERN TERRITORY
The new snowmaking equipment will cover the Western Territory’s 1.5 mile-long Cupp Run from top to bottom, and use a fraction of the energy required of traditional snowmaking equipment. Patented by Snow Logic, Inc. the dual-vector snow guns should make an early opening of the Western Territory possible, without taking any resources away from the Basin or Silver Creek areas. The previous snowmaking machinery from Cupp Run will be deployed in various other locations around the mountain, particularly on the double-black diamond Shay’s Revenge which runs parallel to Cupp Run, in hopes of opening it early as well. The new snowmaking equipment is part of the more than $800,000 in on-snow investments Snowshoe has made this offseason, furthering their commitment to enhancing their guest experience.
If typically cool temperatures lend a hand in November and December, the Western Territory will potentially be open earlier than ever before. As always, Snowshoe will extend their Snow Guarantee, promising more skiable terrain open than any other Southeastern ski area from December 18, 2015 through March 13, 2016, or your next day of skiing is free (http://www.snowshoemtn.com/the-mountain/snow-guarantee.aspx).
EXPANDED TERRAIN – EVOLUTION PARK & SUNSET GLADES
The all-new Evolution Park will increase the total freestyle acreage, and will be located on the Basin slope formerly known as Yew Pine, serving as a medium progression park designed to help riders and skiers transition from small-to-medium features to the larger ones found in the Silver Creek area’s Mountaineer Park. Sunset Glades, a 5-acre section of woods between Shay’s Revenge and Cupp Run will be developed for expert-only glade skiing, also known as “tree-skiing”.
SNOW TRACKS SKI AND RIDE CLUB
Snowshoe has also added a season-long program to their ski school offerings, enabling kids ages 4 to 18 to improve their skills from week-to-week in a non-competitive environment. The classes are available for beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiers and riders, and are designed to enrich the kids’ lives on the mountain and grow their confidence. The classes will run every Saturday and Sunday from December 19, 2015 through March 13, 2016, as well as other select dates during peak periods. More information about the program is available at (www.snowshoemtn.com).
GUINESS WORLD RECORD EVENT – WORLD’S LARGEST SKI & SNOWBOARD LESSON
On January 8, 2016, Snowshoe Mountain will participate in a nation-wide attempt to break the world record for largest ski and snowboard lessons (at multiple locations). The event will kick off Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month, and will feature discounted lesson packages for participants. Snowshoe encourages anyone looking to become a skier or snowboarder, or hoping to expand on their skills, to attend and be a part of history.
SMALL CHANGES TO TRAIL SYSTEM IN THE BASIN
Other slope changes include a new cut of trail designed to ease skier traffic in the Whistlepunk area of the Basin, and the return of the Choker slope to black diamond status via the removal of freestyle features.
VALUE AND PRICING
- Snowshoe will continue to offer variable pricing discounts to lift ticket purchases online. The model offers the biggest savings guaranteed on advance purchases with early commitment – savings up to 50%. The Snowshoe lift ticket store is easily accessed from the front page of the website at www.snowshoemtn.com, and includes lift ticket plus rental equipment bundle packages. The online ticket store will open for the season on October 5, 2015.
- Mountain of Youth Pass – for $279 (purchased before November 3rd) those 29 and younger can ski and board unlimited, all-season long.
- Patriot Pass – for $249 (purchased before November 3rd) All active military can ski and board with no restrictions, all-season long.
- Kids (age 6 and under) and Seniors (age 75 and above) ski unrestricted, all-season long for only $30.
WINTER 2015.2016 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Schedule Is Subject To Change
NOVEMBER 25TH | OPENING DAY
Welcome to the 2015.2016 ski season! It is time again for first tracks, rope drop, powder stashes and an entire season of fun. Help us celebrate the return of winter and kick off another great season.
DECEMBER 5TH – 6TH | DEMO DAYS
The biggest names in the business will be at the mountain all weekend long letting you test drive the latest gear. Open to the public.
DECEMBER 12TH | EARLY SEASON RAIL JAM: Presented by Mountaineer Parks
Come check out skiers and riders as they knock the early season rust off in this freestyle competition with cash up for grabs.
DECEMBER 18TH | BEATS ON THE BASIN: Tom Batchelor Band
Our Beats On The Basin series gets kicked off with roots, rock, and reggae from the Tom Batchelor Band.
DECEMBER 19TH | WINTER BREWFEST
Sample over 50 beers ranging from local favorites to nationally recognized award winners. Live music from Fletchers Grove. Must be 21 or older to participate.
DECEMBER 21ST – JANUARY 3RD | HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS
The mountain is a holiday wonderland. Join us for holiday crafts and meet Santa & Friends on the slopes!
DECEMBER 31ST | NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION
There is a party for every age and style. Bring in the New Year the way you want, whether it’s with a romantic dinner, fun for the whole family, or dancing the night away.
JANUARY 1ST | BEATS ON THE BASIN: Pimps of Joytime
The Beats On The Basin Series continues with funky, soulful jams from Pimps of Joytime, guaranteed to have your feet tapping and your head bobbing.
JANUARY 7TH – 10TH | CLUB WEEKEND
Calling all ski clubs! Take a break and enjoy a vacation & special deals for our first annual Club Weekend.
JANUARY 8TH | THE WORLD’S LARGEST SKI & SNOWBOARD LESSON
Be a part of the world’s largest ski & snowboard lesson. Have fun and be a Guinness World Record Setter!
JANUARY 8TH | BEATS ON THE BASIN
Season-long concert series at the Connection Nightclub. Most Friday nights, join us for great live music high atop Snowshoe Mountain.
JANUARY 8TH – 10TH | BURTON WOMEN’S CAMP
A snowboard camp designed by women, for women. Reconnect with old friends and create new ones during a weekend full of fun. Work on your skills and relax with wine tastings, chair massages and more.
JANUARY 8TH – 10TH | COLLEGE DAZE WINTER BREAK
Take a break between semesters and enjoy a vacation. Great student deals, vibrant nightlife and unbeatable conditions await.
JANUARY 9TH | PROGRESSION SESSION JAM #1: Presented by Mountaineer Parks
The first of two jams this season brought to you by Mountaineer Parks and the coaches at our Ski & Snowboard School. The jam style session incorporates coaches with riders to build your skills and take your riding to the next level. All experience levels welcome. Laid back fun for all ages.
JANUARY 15TH | BEATS ON THE BASIN: Shawn Owen Band
A local favorite, this professional snowboarder turned songwriter will kidnap you and transport you to a beach where reggae and punk blend together in harmony.
JANUARY 15TH – 17TH | MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. WEEKEND
What’s better than a weekend at Snowshoe? How about a 3-day weekend at Snowshoe…
JANUARY 22ND | BEATS ON THE BASIN: Judah And The Lion
Southern grit, Midwestern openness, and the exuberant freedom of the West all come together for a truly joyful noise.
JANUARY 22ND – 24TH | HEAD WOMEN’S SKI CAMP
Join us for a ski camp designed for women. This weekend will be full of fun with coaches helping you take your skiing to the next level. After a long day on the hill, relax with friends new and old.
JANUARY 29TH | BEATS ON THE BASIN: Hells Bells
Hard hitting AC/DC tribute band. If you didn’t know any better, you’d think these guys were the real thing.
JANUARY 30TH – 31ST | SOUTHERN ALPINE RACING ASSOCIATION: Under 16 – Under 21 Race
Private race taking place on Widowmaker. The SARA races create opportunities for alpine ski competition within the region of Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina for a variety of ages and athletic abilities.
FEBRUARY 1ST | CUPP RUN CHALLENGE
One of Snowshoe’s oldest traditions, conquer the steeps of the legendary Western Territory in this giant slalom race. Multiple classes for ski and snowboard.
FEBRUARY 5TH | BEATS ON THE BASIN:
Season-long concert series at the Connection Nightclub. Most Friday nights, join us for great live music high atop Snowshoe Mountain.
FEBRUARY 6TH – 7TH | BURTON KIDS’ CAMP
A camp dedicated to the little shredders! The groms work with our expert coaches as they make new friends and spend the day expanding their skills. Non-competitive prizes for all participants.
FEBRUARY 6TH | PROGRESSION SESSION JAM #2: Presented by Mountaineer Parks
The second of two jams this season brought to you by Mountaineer Parks and the coaches at our Ski & Snowboard School. The jam style session incorporates coaches with riders to build your skills and take your riding to the next level. All levels welcome. Laid back fun for all ages.
FEBRUARY 12TH | BEATS ON THE BASIN: The Wailers
Reggae music has never stopped evolving, but for millions of people from around the world it’s still defined by the songs of Bob Marley and the Wailers. It’s been their heartbeat rhythms that have inspired so much of what’s followed since.
FEBRUARY 13TH – 15TH | PRESIDENTS’ DAY WEEKEND
George Washington never got to ski the Western Territory, but you can! Take advantage of the long weekend with peak conditions.
FEBRUARY 19TH | BEATS ON THE BASIN: Nappy Roots
This Southern Rap quartet has been a staple in the world of hip-hop for over a decade. Classics like “Aw Naw”, “Po Folks” and “Good Day” have been nominated for VMA’s, AMA’s and even Grammy’s.
FEBRUARY 20TH | WV OPEN: Presented by Mountaineer Parks
The annual slopestyle competition is back! Join us on the premier terrain park, Mountaineer. The region’s best talent will compete for cash prizes, gear and more!
FEBRUARY 26TH | BEATS ON THE BASIN
Season-long concert series at the Connection Nightclub. Most Friday nights, join us for great live music high atop Snowshoe Mountain.
FEBRUARY 29TH – MARCH 1ST | SOUTHEAST WINTER REPS ASSOCIATION
Private event. Retailers check out next year’s gear to get the region’s stores stocked for next season.
MARCH 4TH – 5TH | HOMEGROWN MUSIC FESTIVAL
A celebration of the region’s best musicians. Live music, including Larry Keel, The Jawga Boys, and more, across the mountain all weekend long.
MARCH 5TH | CRESCENT SKI COUNCIL RACE
Private event. Crescent Ski Council represents 21 ski clubs throughout the East Coast.
MARCH 11TH – 12TH | BALLHOOTER SPRING BREAK
An unforgettable spring break, you’ll likely not remember. Free Village concerts, competitions, games & more.
MARCH 26TH & 27TH | WEST VIRGINIA SKI FREE DAYS
We’re giving out free lift tickets to all residents of West Virginia! Yep, you heard us right. Just bring your proof of residency and get a ticket to ski and ride all weekend long.
MARCH 26TH | LAST HURRAH
Another season has come and gone. Come get your last turns of the season in and say a proper goodbye to winter. Pond skim, games and a very fun time all around.
MARCH 27TH | EASTER CELEBRATION
Find the Easter Bunny shredding it up out on the slopes and get a picture with him, then participate in our Easter Egg Hunt.
MARCH 27H | CLOSING DAY FOR THE 2015.2016 SEASON
We know, it’s a sad day, but come on out and mourn with us the best way we know how – smiling, laughing, and spraying snow.
For more information or to make a Snowshoe lodging reservation, please call 877-441-4386 or visit online at www.snowshoemtn.com.
ABOUT SNOWSHOE MOUNTAIN RESORT
Snowshoe Mountain is the perfect year round destination for adventure filled vacations in West Virginia. Snowshoe covers a total area of 11,000 acres in the Appalachian Mountain Range, and includes the second highest point in the state at 4,848’ elevation. Snowshoe was named #1 Overall Ski Resort and #1 for Nightlife in the Southeast by OnTheSnow.com in 2012. In addition to terrific outdoor winter recreation, Snowshoe offers extensive lodging options, fully developed mountain biking trails, a popular golf course designed by Gary Player, wedding and convention areas, and a wide variety of summer outdoor activities. Snowshoe Mountain Resort is part of the family of Intrawest Resorts.