SNOWHOE, West Virginia — Snowshoe Mountain Resort began its 35th winter season Friday morning with a 9 a.m. rope drop ceremony. Snowshoe announced last Tuesday that ski season would begin early this winter after the resort was hit with a powerful winter storm that dropped 31″ of natural snow. The mountain was scheduled to begin winter operations on Wednesday, November 26, but moved up Opening Day due to amazing early season conditions on the mountain. Just in time for the official start of the season, another 3″ of fresh snow fell overnight Thursday, providing the perfect power covering to Snowshoe’s groomed slopes.

“The amount of snow we’ve received and the job that our snowmaking team has done is truly incredible,” said Snowshoe President and GM Bill Rock. “Our team has worked extremely hard to allow us to open early, and Mother Nature couldn’t have timed this epic storm any better. We’re thrilled to offer some of the best early season conditions ever at Snowshoe.”

Skiers and snowboarders were greeted with cold temperatures Friday morning as strong wind gusts had wind chills well below zero as the crowd lined up to make the first downhill treks of the season in West Virginia. With plenty of cold air to work with, Snowshoe’s seasoned snowmaking team added several feet of man-made snow to what Mother Nature provided this week, accumulating upwards of 5-feet of snow on many of Snowshoe’s slopes. The mountain opened 6 trails and 21 acres of skiable terrain for the hundred or so guests who made the trip for Opening Day. With $29 early season lift tickets available until Tuesday and snow in the forecast through Friday night, the mountain expects crowds to grow as the weekend continues.

Cold air should remain in the region for the foreseeable future, allowing snowmaking to continue around the clock. With all that snow, the mountain hopes to have 15 or more slopes open for Thanksgiving visitors next week. A welcome surprise, this November snow has Snowshoe boasting some of the best early season conditions on record, and puts the Pocahontas County resort in great shape for the remainder of the season. Not even a week into the season, Snowshoe has already seen more snow fall this year than any NC or VA resort received all last season.

For more details on all of Snowshoe’s early season operations and reservations, visit www.snowshoemtn.com or call 1-877-441-4FUN.