Canaan Valley Resort is planning another big year on the mountain, and investing in upgrades to prepare for opening day on December 14, 2019. Increases to the snowmaking system, additional ticket window, rental equipment and expanded parking lot are all part of the new look being offered by the resort.
The Resort invested in 9 fan guns, 4 tower guns, and 5 moveable guns to increase the ability to make snow faster. Additionally, the resort has upgraded existing water supplies by purchasing more water pumps to supply the mountain with increased H2O. These enhancements will allow the resort staff to make snow faster and for prolonged durations when the weather conditions are cooperative. “All of these upgrades will provide guests with an expanded number of trails to ski and ride much earlier in the season”, said Steve Drumheller, general manager of the resort.
Canaan Valley Resort has also attended to increasing skier numbers from last season by alleviating the ticket window lines. An additional ticket window will be available at the opposite end of the parking lot from the ski lodge for all skiers and snowboarders who don’t need to rent equipment. This will allow guests to purchase tickets quickly and jump straight on the lift to begin the day on the mountain. The Resort Hotel will also be providing a ticket kiosk in the lobby for all guests to purchase lift tickets and rentals. Guests will be able to purchase tickets before taking the shuttle to the mountain. “All of these upgrades will significantly reduce the ticket window lines we experienced on busy weekends last season”, stated Drumheller.
Furthermore, the resort has invested in additional equipment rental, such as snowboards and boots due to the popularity and growth of the sport. Ice skating equipment has also been updated. “Our resort offers an overall winter adventure”, stated Drumheller, “and our ice skating rink behind the resort’s main lodge has become more popular over the past few seasons. To help guests experience ice skating, we have purchased additional rental skates for our fleet.”
The State of West Virginia provided new pavement to the gravel parking lot at the ski lodge this year, as well as an expansion that provides an additional 75 to 100 parking spaces and space to house the additional ticket kiosk window. All of these upgrades will be ready by the resorts projected December 14 opening date.
The weather forecast for mid November in Canaan Valley is currently cooperating well to allow optimal early snow making conditions on the mountain. On Tuesday the area is forecast to receive 2-5 inches of snow, followed by below freezing temperatures throughout each night for the remainder of the week. The Mountain Ops team are prepared to take full advantage of this early season weather window and make as much snow as Mother Nature will allow.
