With the arrival of winter-correct temperatures, natural snowfall, and the use of snow making equipment, the landscape at Canaan Valley Resort State Park sports white slopes for downhill skiing and a new attraction: Canaan Valley Tube Park.
“It’s time to officially celebrate the opening of the longest snow tubing run in the East,” said Park Superintendent Rob Gilligan. A grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. January 11, 2013, and the event is open to the public. The tube park opens for business January 11 at 9 a.m.
New ski area improvements at Canaan Valley include multiple projects – from improved snow-making capabilities on the existing ski slopes to providing a more efficient and enjoyable experience in the ski resort buildings.
“The ski area improvements and the additional facilities of the tube park and beginners downhill ski area create a broader outdoor recreation experience for state park visitors. It also helps extend tourism interests to Blackwater Falls State Park, Tucker County and surrounding areas,” Gilligan said.
The new Canaan Valley Tube Park has space for up to 16 lanes with a down slope of 1,200 feet, a new ski school and beginners slope, the Critters Crawl, and major building renovations. The tube park features a 1,000 square-foot warming station with restrooms, a fireplace, lounges, viewing area and an outside plaza with a fire ring. Boardwalk conveyors (known as a Magic Carpet), at the tube park and beginners slope make getting back to the top of the hill an easy ride. Additional infrastructure work, snow making equipment and structural work are part of the overall ski area improvement project.
Downhill skiers of all levels will find 42 slopes at the Bear Paw ski lodge – complete with a vertical drop of 850 feet. Snowboarding and airboarding are also part of the downhill fun. Canaan has an ice skating rink that is open Monday-Thursday from noon until 8 p.m. with extended hours on weekends. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing features a 30 km groomed trail and is open from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Equipment rentals for all activities are available.
Horse-drawn sleigh rides are also new to Canaan Valley Resort in 2013. Rides can accommodate 5-8 individuals. The sleigh ride experience is operated by Mountain Trail Rides. The sleigh runs are on natural snow and dependent upon weather. Sleigh rides also begin January 11 with ticket sales also available from the tube park station.
There is ample free parking at both the tube park and the downhill ski area that features Bear Paw Lodge, Quenchers, and the ski shop. A Magic Carpet, a boardwalk-style conveyor is located at both recreational areas.
The Canaan Valley Tube Park and the downhill ski area operating hours are Sunday through Thursday from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. Hours for Presidents Day and Martin Luther King weekend holidays are extended.
For more information about the grand opening of the tube park on January 11, contact Canaan Valley Resort at 304-866-4121, Lisa Ratliff at extension 92680, or email ratliffl@canaanresort.com. To learn more about accommodations, dining, group booking options, lift tickets and facilities hours, and visitor services, visit www.canaanresort.com. Canaan Valley is a four-season destination.
