The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

November 26, 2012

Winterplace plans to open for season in mid-December

By Wendy Holdren Register-Herald Reporter



After the area received an early blast of snow, many winter sports fans have been wondering when they’ll get to hit the slopes.

Terry Pfeiffer, president of Winterplace, said the resort plans to open for the season Dec. 14 as long as the weather is suitable.

New snowboards and skis have been added to the rental shop, along with some high performance demo skis.

“Those are the latest technology in skis,” Pfeiffer said. “It’s something people will really enjoy.”

In addition to the new equipment, several new cabins that can sleep up to 60 people will be opening this season.

“We’re also enhancing the stage in the resort center and will have local Christian rock bands playing on the weekends. We’re excited about that.”

Pfeiffer is preparing for the 2013 season and has been hiring workers for the past three weeks. Hiring will continue this week.

Applications can be submitted online at www. winterplace.com.

Season passes and daily rates can also be found online.

Pfeiffer said the “Learn to Ski” and “Learn to Snowboard” packages will be offered for $34.95 this year, which includes a beginner lift ticket, rental equipment and a 90-minute group lesson, Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., which he said is a great deal.

As soon as a cold stretch of weather is spotted in the forecast, Pfeiffer said Winterplace will be manning the snow machines, so get ready for some winter fun.

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Snowshoe in Pocahontas County is open with two top to bottom runs and three lifts at the Snowshoe area and one top to bottom run and one lift at Silver Creek.

Superstorm Sandy helped dump more than 50 inches of snow at Snowshoe, and spokes man Dave Dekema said temperatures at the highest elevations have been cold enough to support snowmaking operations as well. After a late start last season, he said employees are excited to open early this fall.

Snow from Sandy allowed one resort, White Grass Touring Center in Davis, to open its cross-country skiing trails in October. But Canaan Valley, Oglebay and Timberline plan to start their seasons in early December.

— E-mail: wholdren@register-herald.com

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