By Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman
Snowshoe is one of the Intrawest Destination Resorts, and it has a Western feel. There are so many options, including snow sports, eating, shopping, and games for the younger set. Getting here from the D.C. area is a four to five-hour drive through some of the region's most spectacular scenery. Once you cross the West Virginia line you know why it is called the Mountain State.
Some of the high points (no pun intended) include Spruce Knob, Seneca Rocks, Smokehole Caverns, Dolly Sods National Wilderness Area, Green Bank National Radio Astronomy Laboratory, and Cass Scenic Railroad. Snowshoe is the major employer in Pocahantas County, and the resort contributes to the community in many ways. The marketing and public relations aspects of Snowshoe are well run by President and COO Frank DeBerry; public relations representative Krysty Ronchetti, and marketing director Dave Dekema.
There were so many wonderful experiences about the weekend in Snowshoe, it is hard to know where to start. Each morning began with dramatic dawns. The sunrises brought springtime warmth. From our condo on the fourth floor of Allegheny Springs, we could see the mountains we had crossed . They had ribbons of snow reminding us that this is just a January thaw. The trails here were well covered thanks to earlier snows, machine magic, and excellent grooming. The forests are surprisingly green for January but "Snowshoe climate" is predicted to return next week. The other wonderful aspects of the visit were the chances to ski or snowboard with old friends and make new ones. This time we had the opportunity to savor gourmet dinners at Sunset Cantina with an eclectic Tex-Mex menu and Auntie Pasta with Italian delicacy in West Virginia portions. The fresh seafood selections at both were a delightful surprise for an area better known for its local fish and game. The Junction has a traditional breakfast buffet and Cheat Mountain Pizza has signature pies ready for takeout or delivery when you come off the slopes.
College students on their last weekend of winter break crowded enthusiastically to Snowshoe on Saturday. Connie was nearly wiped out by two speeding skiers who came within inches of hitting her hard from the side and the back during a ski lesson. She came up with a suggestion, and it is not a joke from Saturday Night Live. Everyone on the slopes should wear bells of some sort, so that others know they are coming. Maybe it is a craze that will catch on!
On Sunday, we went to the Silver Creek area of the resort to visit our friends at the Adaptive Center. It is still led by hard-working David Begg, who has been its creator and driving force for over 25 years. It is part of "Challenged Athletes of West Virginia" and their motto is "Ability First." It is a fine, well stocked building, run entirely by contributions. This year's military weekend is March first to fourth, and is sponsored by "Warfighters Sports." Some of the wounded warrior groups have split into different organizations, but they all do excellent work. They all deserve our support.