ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA: Snowshoe Mountain Resort reports that they have begun getting their first natural snowfall of the 2012/13 ski season starting at 9:00AM on October 8th.

While the snow likely won’t be sufficient to open up any trails, it indicates that the ski season is nearly upon us. At present, Snowshoe is scheduled to open for the 2012-13 winter ski and snowboard season on Saturday, December 8th, and earlier if conditions permit.

Snowshoe also offers a Snow Guarantee this winter: If Snowshoe Mountain cannot offer the most skiable terrain open compared to all other mountains in the region then your next day of skiing is free. The Southeast region includes 15 ski areas in West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina.