What Is West Virginia’s Largest Ski Resort?

By Alice Nichols

West Virginia is home to numerous ski resorts, but when it comes to size, there is one that stands out from the rest. Snowshoe Mountain Resort is the largest ski resort in West Virginia and one of the largest in the Southeastern United States.

Location and Overview
Located in Pocahontas County, Snowshoe Mountain Resort covers 11,000 acres of mountain terrain and has a summit elevation of 4,848 feet. The resort boasts 60 trails for skiing and snowboarding, ranging from beginner to expert level.

Accommodations
Snowshoe Mountain Resort offers a range of accommodations for its visitors. From cozy cabins to spacious condos, visitors can choose from more than 1,500 lodging options on the property. The resort also has several dining options that cater to different dietary needs.

The Skiing Experience

Snowshoe Mountain Resort’s size allows for an unparalleled skiing experience. With a total skiable area of 251 acres and a vertical drop of 1,500 feet, skiers and snowboarders can enjoy long runs without worrying about crowded slopes.

Trails

The resort’s trails are divided into different categories based on difficulty level. There are 14 beginner trails that cover almost a quarter of the resort’s skiable area.

Intermediate skiers can choose from 22 trails that cover almost half of the skiable area. Expert skiers have access to 24 trails that cover roughly one-third of the resort’s skiable area.

  • The Powder Monkey trail is one of the most popular intermediate-level runs at Snowshoe.
  • The Cupp Run trail is considered one of the most challenging runs in the East Coast.
  • The Shay’s Revenge trail is another expert-level trail known for its steepness and moguls.

Lifts

Snowshoe Mountain Resort has 14 lifts that can transport skiers and snowboarders to different parts of the mountain. These lifts include high-speed detachable quad chairs, fixed-grip quad chairs, triple chairs, double chairs, and surface lifts.

Off-Slope Activities

Apart from skiing and snowboarding, Snowshoe Mountain Resort offers several off-slope activities that visitors can enjoy. These activities include:

  • Snowmobiling
  • Snowshoeing
  • Cross-country skiing
  • Ice skating
  • Tubing
  • Indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs

Conclusion
Snowshoe Mountain Resort is not only West Virginia’s largest ski resort but also one of the most well-rounded ones in the Southeastern United States. With its wide range of trails, accommodations, and off-slope activities, the resort offers a complete winter vacation experience.