I have not skiied in the midatlantic area (have been mostly in Vermont, Utah, and CO), but am looking to ski somewhere that won't require a plane ticket. I'm an intermediate skiier. Seems like West Virginia might be my best bet for good snow and decent sized slopes, and I've heard good things about Snowshoe. However, will the snow and ski conditions still be good in mid-late March? I just want to avoid a 6 hour drive where I find only slush and closed slopes. Any advice for good regional skiing in mid-late March is much appreciated!

I have consistently found great conditions throughout march at all the resorts in WV except winterplace. Snowshoe will be at or near 100% open through april, with Silver Creek Closing a week before the main snowshoe area. WV tends to get a decent amount of natural snow in march as well. Canaan valley may not be at 100% but i have gone there on the closing weekend of the season probably 3 times. Once i was greeted with 12 inches of fresh....the day after we left canaan closed at 100% open with over a 50 inch base and 6 inches of new snow. Therefore go for it and enjoy, i think you can get 2 nights 2 days at a canaan the last weekend of the season for 49 bucks, and snowshoe and timberline will be throwing out great deals as well

March comes in like a lion and occasionally leaves like a lion as well. It can be the best month of year: warmer weather, decent snow, longer days, softer moguls on the double blacks, easier driving, and often lots of open terrain. My best ski memories of WV are the sunny days of March. What's more, a lot of people don't bother skiing in March so the slopes are empty.

[This message has been edited by johnfmh (edited 02-22-2004).]

I certainly hope for some more snow this March. The mountains are craving it right now... so is my base.

And then something about a mid-April kicker session (possibly illegly) at T-Line... and a picnic table. Hmm...

For the past five years I have skied either the last or next to last weekend in March at Snowshoe. The conditions have always been great, and it usually snows. In fact, two years ago I was snow in for a couple of extra days due to extreme cold and 20" of fresh snow.
So, GO, ENJOY, SNOWSHOE....!

I'm betting on a snowy march this year based on 2 factors.1 very little snow this feb,2 last years slow march THINK SNOW!!!

I'm with Andy. I can remember 00/01 season started late, wasn't cold....baaad year? Drove into Canaan Valley for the annual 2nd week of March trip to find 8" of new snow from a storm the day before we arrived. Been skiing WV in March the last ten seasons and haven't been shut out yet.

It was either the last weekend in March or first weekend in April last year, I am not sure which. In any event, we skied Timberline in our t-shirts on Saturday, and Canaan ($5 lift tickets!)in the midst of a 12 inch snowstorm that Sunday. I kind of think we will see something similar this year.

Yeti's First Rule:

Less than average snow in February means lots in March.

In any event, I've only skied 12 days at Timberline this year. I need to ski at least 25 to justify that $250 season pass.

That would work out to be $10 a visit--a little more than the price of a movie or about 1 hour of parking at a DC area garage.

You do realize john, that by skiing 25 days a season on the $250 pass (aren't homeowners discounts great?) its like Timberline's paying YOU $30 to ski there every day.

Canaanman:

The $250 rate goes to anyone (not just home owners) who buys a pass in May. It's "the early bird gets the worm" pass. It's the best deal going.

I am planning on going to Wisp in mid or late march, do you think the slopes will still be open by then? I am new to skiing and was wondering if anyone knows what time of year wisp usually closes for the season. thanks.

Kate:

Wisp is usually open at least through all of March and frequently into April. During Spring Break, lift tickets get very cheap.

Given the base there this year, I would think Spring Break is almost certain unless it gets REALLY warm in the next few weeks....