REGARDLESS OF WHETHER YOU'RE A SKI BUM, WEST VIRGINIA OFFERS FANTASTIC LODGING AND FINE DINING TO COMPLIMENT YOUR STAY

 

GREAT STAYS OFF THE SLOPES

Thanks to the many dining and lodging establishments found on or near West Virginia’s ski properties, tourists enjoy a complete winter experience with other great West Virginia amenities like top-notch hospitality, great food and unique surroundings. Here’s a preview of some of those options.

 

LODGING
Nothing completes a full day at the ski slopes better than returning to a cozy room. As you venture around the state, keep an eye – and a weary body – open for these places.

At Winterplace, the state’s most southern resort, one can choose from handy and cozy slopeside condos or drive approximately 10 minutes to its sister resort that presents some of the finest lodging options in the state. Glade Springs Resort offers first-class accommodations with its Manor House, Presidential Suites, Chestnut Hill Lodge and Oak Lane Villa properties. Many other fine amenities abound on resort grounds all year. For those opting for more modest means, Winterplace offers ski-lodging packages with Hampton Inn and Howard Johnson’s in Beckley and Days Inn, Ramada Limited and Super 8 in Princeton.

When Snowshoe Mountain personnel say everything is at the top of the mountain, they mean everything, including lodging. Approximately 1,800 rooms await those who travel to the mountaintop resort and every one is worth the stay. Allegheny Springs is latest addition to the Village at Snowshoe with 146 rooms, restaurant, retail outlet, day spa and private courtyard with a swimming pool. The upscale lodging facility compliments two others built in recent years, Rimfire Lodge and Highland House, and gives the state’s largest ski property a true resort look. Those who enjoy the trails and tubing park can stay at Silver Creek halfway up the mountain or there’s the Inn at Snowshoe at the bottom of the mountain. With many homes and condos also available, there’s always room to stay and play at Snowshoe Mountain.

With good timing, one can ski through the end of Timberline’s slopes and right through the front door of a slopeside condominium. Okay, maybe that’s a bit of a stretch, but with 300-plus, fully furnished vacation homes and condos to choose from, many within a snowball’s throw of the slopes, convenience is as abundant as the snow. On state Route 32 in Tucker County is Canaan Valley Resort State Park and Blackwater Falls State Park. Canaan Valley Resort offers 250 guest rooms in its lodge, complete with satellite TV, in-room movies, in-room phones, individual heat and air conditioning, and complimentary coffee. If back-to-nature is more of one’s preference, Canaan Valley has 23 secluded cabins nestled in peaceful wooded surroundings, complete with fireplaces and full kitchens. As for Blackwater Falls, choose from 26 deluxe cabins or one of 54 rooms that sit on the edge of Blackwater Canyon.

With groomed cross country trails outside its front door, the Elk River Inn has 13 bed-and-breakfast rooms and five log cabins ready to nestle the non-gravity skiers after a day in the Monongahela National Forest. Take comfort in knowing your exhilarating and exhausting trip ends on your doorstep.

 

DINING
Cold weather and skiing mean lots of burned calories. Those who enjoy West Virginia’s ski destinations will take great pleasure in refueling for the next go-‘round on the slopes. Though the many locally owned restaurants and pubs vary in menus, décor and price, there is one constant among them all: quality.

Wade through the Snowshoe Mountain clouds and you’ll find plenty of choices in the Village at Snowshoe nearly 5,000 feet above sea level. Here, skiers find the diversity they want in Cheat Mountain Pizza Company, The Junction and the Foxfire Grille. Farther up the mountain, Good Time Bobby’s and Rosa’s Cantina are serving up their delights while Bear’s Den and Black Run Sugar House are taking care of the appetites at Silver Creek. Nestled in-between is the acclaimed Red Fox Restaurant with its unparalleled gourmet selections. If you don’t get up the mountain, no worries for Brandi’s at the Inn is a family favorite. And if you want something in between runs, Arbuckles Cabin and the Boathouse sit right next to the ski lifts. If you’re staying or visiting the Elk River Inn down the road in Slatyfork, reservations are recommended for the Inn restaurant always draws a crowd.

One road through the heart of Tucker County’s ski country takes skiers by a bevy of choices. Starting at one end of the ski area is the Aspen Room at Canaan Valley Resort State Park where the toughest decision is concluding which is better: the food or the wondrous views outside the huge glass wall. Similar magnificent views of the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area are seen from the upscale Golden Anchor while close by the White Grass Touring Center café is much more humble in appearance but draws some of the longest lines around lines of skiers waiting to feast on fine food. Big John’s Family Fixin’s finds favor with moms and dads with its kids’ entertainment center. Deerfield Restaurant, Mother Tucker’s and Windwood sit between Canaan Valley and Timberline resorts. On the other side of Timberline in Davis is the longtime popular spot Sirianni’s plus Muttley’s Downtown and Bright Morning Inn also draw reviews from the tourist crowd. Before turning into Blackwater Falls State Park, drive the extra mile to Thomas and check out TallyHo and The Purple Fiddle.

Winterplace patrons who choose to eat at nearby Glade Springs Resort usually take their time returning to the slopes. That’s because the dining and cuisine found at the sister resort is second-to-none. Adding the right touch to the dining experience is the panoramic view of the resort from the second floor of the clubhouse. Also on site is The Café, featuring a variety of American fare foods that will satisfy any member of the family.

 

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