Snowshoe Mountain Resort . . .
Off the Beaten Path in 2010
Story by Julie Black with photos by Brandon Watson, and Snowshoe.
Corduroy . . . It's the first time that I've ever heard the term, but it fit. It refers to rail-like horizontal ruts left on the slopes by grooming machines. In flat light you can't see the grooves in the snow.
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Our group began their decent. Cold air filled my lungs, I dug my edges into the mountain's powder-sugary goodness, and my mouth dropped open unintentionally as I took my first turns of the day. The word "epic" is overused these days, but for lack of a better synonym let's just say it was a larger-than-life experience. I knew that it was going to be hard to leave this place come Sunday, but I had no idea how hard until it had arrived.
The resort shows its beauty in every season, but when winter hits the mountain full force it's always the most breathtaking in my opinion. Set in the highest parts of West Virginia, Snowshoe's "Forever Wild" motto suits them well. With the resort's pines covered in pillowed white fluff and the village lights aglow the feeling of winter oasis sets in. There's not another light for miles and miles.
My husband Jason and I have been coming to Snowshoe for many years and we're always amazed at how much it changes from one season to the next. There's literally something new for us to try every time and that's not an exaggeration.
New Head BYS Rental System
I'm the first to admit that our gear is sadly outdated. Comfy and worn as it may be, we opted to leave our trusty long two-planks at home and try Snowshoe's state-of-the-art Head BYS rental system.
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"Head's innovative equipment speeds up the fitting process. A lot of people even ask if they can buy the boots!" mentioned Bill Rock, Snowshoe's President. Laura Parquette, Snowshoe's Communication Manager added, "We've shaved rental times down to an average of 11 minutes." From a hands-on experience I can say that when my husband and I rented our gear on Friday evening, it seemed even quicker than that.
Walking into Expedition Rentals, the music was cranking. I suddenly felt excited and even kind of cool. It was like entering an amusement park ride where they entertain you in line.
Our paperwork was simple, one page. The staff was personable and non-intimidating.
The guy behind the counter encouraged me to come back and trade up for a longer ski if I wanted to, or even get on a board. He gave me an encouraging wink and a hearty smile and sent me on my way.
The flow of the rental place made renting feel fun, not daunting as I've experienced elsewhere in the past. The whole process in a word was . . . painless.
I knew what Bill was talking about after my first run. I fell in love with the boots and skis. By the afternoon we hit the black diamonds of the Western Territory, covering over 1,000 vertical feet in 1 1/4 miles. Lower Shays was open and I mastered it three times.
It was easier for me to turn the rental skis than my old ones, and my legs didn't get as tired as they usually do. We both liked those perks and it proved to us that you don't have to be a beginner to rent. I highly recommend Snowshoe's rentals for riders of all levels.
It's nice to demo the latest gear and hey, it seems to be time for an upgrade for us. Speaking of that, Snowshoe also has High Performance Rental Packages that allow you to test out a variety of skis and boards to see what you like best. Then you can apply your one-day rental price towards the purchase of your skis or board, sweet!
After Hour Adventures
If you're anything like us you usually travel in packs either with friends or family, or even both. Our two friends, Brandon and Dana, from Morganton, North Carolina popped in for a visit unexpectedly and decided to join us for the weekend of snow fun.
With all of the recent snowfall, they had the opportunity to go on a Saturday evening snowmobiling tour. It was an hour or two long and I asked Brandon if he ever got cold. "They put me on a GTX Ski-Doo with hand and foot warmer cups. My hands actually got really hot!" he told me. Brandon also mentioned that their group was smaller than the first one and that he followed the lead-guide. "We went fast. I could let it out pretty good. It was awesome!"
"We went as fast as I wanted to go, which was fast enough for me." Dana added. Then she grinned and motioned, "I was behind Brandon and I kept up." They talked about the tour for the rest of our stay. I'd venture to say it was their favorite part of their trip.
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While Brandon and Dana toured the slopes on the snow machines of fury, Jason and I boarded a 1950's M.A.S.H. style refurbished ambulance, complete with chains on all four tires. The beast was headed to the Sunrise Backcountry Hut.
Located at 4,720 feet atop the Cheat Mountain Ridge, the hut is a 2-mile trek through the woods (yes, I checked the topo map). Giving guests a true taste of the state, the structure overlooks the Greenbrier River Valley and the Monongahela National Forest. Not that we saw any of that in the dark, but the bumpy ride there is half the fun. Many movie quotes and "Git-R-Dun" jokes later, we arrived at the pine laden cabin-hut with sore stomachs from laughing.
Featuring lofts on either side the hut is wood inside and out. Smells of wood burning stove and kitchen cooking welcomed us. Accommodating up to 18 dinner guests, you can also reserve the hut for up to 8 people to spend the night. Our group was there for dinner only, complete with black bear plates and cups to top off the cabin decor.
It truly feels like a home with its casual atmosphere and group of hosts who are there to cook for you and make you feel comfortable. I flipped through the guestbook and read an entry about a family who celebrated a birthday there. What a great idea. Soon enough it was time to eat. The food, accompanied by many beverages, was very tasty and plentiful. Dessert was my favorite, warm fruit cobbler.
If you're looking to get away from the hoop-la of the village for a more down-home dinner experience then the hut is certainly worth your time. It will take up your entire evening however, (Have I mentioned the ride?), so don't be in any hurry.
Cheap Eats
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Also new for this season, all of the Snowshoe-owned restaurants will be offering a $9.99 dining option at every meal. Whether you're grabbing breakfast, lunch, or dinner ... you'll be able to enjoy a complete meal for just $9.99.
My personal favorite dinnertime place on the mountain is Auntie Pasta's located in the lower level of Mountain Lodge. The food, atmosphere, and service are all fantastic, plus afterwards you can head next door to the Comedy Cellar for a show to top off your evening.
Room with a View
Last, but not least, the four of us stayed at Expedition Station in a Junior Studio with sleeper sofa and small kitchenette. It was a bit tight, with a Sweden-esque decor, but we all loved the slope side access and views.
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We even joked about skiing out of our window as we watched the most amazing sunrise turn the hills and snow covered pines pink and purple. They do offer larger rooms, two bedrooms with a den, and even three bedroom condos, but being able to walk out the door and onto the slopes was the best part about staying there.
For the Record
There is certainly something new to experience every time we visit Snowshoe and this was my favorite trip yet. I felt most at home slope side with my cold PBR and hot chili-slaw dog watching the sun out my room window as I reminisced about the laughs we shared with strangers in the back of a pimped-out ambulance.
I know that Snowshoe has everything from luxurious suites, condos, and spas to fine dining and wine tasting, but it's good to know that they haven't forgotten the rest of us "Average Joe's" who really just love to experience the mountain.
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