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MAGGIE MATSKO
Wild and Wonderful
Winter Adventures
Photo by West Virginia Tourism Office.
When the temperature drops and the
snow begins to fall in West Virginia,
not only does the scenery become more
beautiful but the list of available activities
becomes more extensive. Every winter,
the Mountain State plays host to a variety
of unique winter sports for anyone up for
an outdoor adventure. Grab your coat and
gloves and get ready to explore all the
winter wonders West Virginia has to offer.
Cross-Country Skiing at
Elk River Touring Center
For those who are looking for the
adrenaline and adventure of cross-country
skiing, Elk River Touring Center is your
destination. The center is nestled in the
heart of the Monongahela National Forest,
surrounded by rolling hills and a vast
wilderness. This prime spot creates a
wild wonderland for cross-country skiers.
With an annual snowfall of 150-200
inches, the Elk River Touring Center offers
some of the best cross-country skiing in
West Virginia. The on-site trails available
to cross-country skiers intersect High-
land Scenic Highway 150, which peaks
at an elevation of around 4,700 meters.
The downhill skiing at nearby Snowshoe
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE
Mountain peaks at 4,848 meters, making
for two of the highest points in the Moun-
tain State. For just $20 a day, guests can
rent skis, boots and poles to create an
unforgettable experience. tary hot chocolate is served to all skaters. The
hours of operation are Monday-Thursday,
3-8 p.m.; Friday, 3-10 p.m.; and Saturday,
Sunday and all winter holiday periods, 10
a.m. to 10 p.m.
Ice Skating at The Greenbrier Night Skiing at
Winterplace Ski Resort
With all of the unique amenities at The
Greenbrier, it should come as no surprise
that America’s Resort also has its own
outdoor ice skating rink. Open November
to March, the 70x140-foot rink is open
daily for overnight guests of all ages to
enjoy and features state-of-the-art ice
making capabilities, lights, music and
a rink-side firepit. With more than 400
pairs of top-quality skates that are sharp-
ened constantly, rentals are available at
an hourly and daily rate for any guests
who want to take a spin on the ice.
“Families in particular love the ice rink
here at The Greenbrier,” says Stephanie
Orton Lynch, vice president of marketing.
“It’s mostly for adults who want to relive
their youthful memories or families who
want to do a last-minute activity together
on departure day.”
There are no reservations required to
skate outdoors, and unlimited complimen-
Located in Ghent, WV, Winterplace Ski
Resort is the perfect destination for those
who enjoy running the slopes under the
stars. With 26 slopes open until 10 p.m.
seven days a week beginning in December,
visitors will never be short on nighttime
skiing excitement.
For the past 32 years, Winterplace has
gained popularity with its night skiing
sessions, particularly with those who
work full time. For this niche market,
the resort’s night-only season passes are
a treasure.
“People love that we offer night skiing,”
says Tom Wagner, executive vice presi-
dent of Winterplace Ski Resort. “Many
of our guest have been taking advantage
of night skiing for years as it fits perfectly
with their busy work schedules.”
The resort’s slopes, which are perfect
for both beginner and advanced skiers,