West Virginia - Wild and Wonderful

About West Virginia

West Virginia is noted for its mountains and diverse topography, its historically significant logging and coal mining industries, and its political and labor history. It is one of the most densely karstic areas in the world, making it a choice area for recreational caving and scientific research.

Business

West Virginia is full of opportunity for any business with a growing economy and a highly dedicated workforce. Whether you are running an existing business or thinking of starting a new business you can find all of the information you need throughout this business section.

Education

West Virginia is fortunate to have a tremendous education system with a high standard of excellence. Please use the information provided here to learn more about the wealth of educational opportunities in our great state.

Employment

West Virginia is home to one of the finest workforces in the country based on our hard work and commitment to quality. Whether you are looking for new job opportunities, enhancing your job skills or researching future employment trends you can find all of the information you need throughout this employment section.

Family

West Virginia offers the perfect balance of a rural and urban setting that suits a variety of lifestyles. This is a state where you can go whitewater rafting in the morning, go to an art exhibit in the afternoon and attend a concert in the evening. Whether you just moved to the Mountain State or your family has been here since it was founded, you are part of our community.

Health

Maintaining proper health is vital to ensuring the highest quality of life possible. West Virginia strives to provide one of the best health care systems in the country that is affordable and available to all residents of the state. This section contains numerous resources to assist you in accessing the health care services provided in the state.

Tourism

Exhilarate in the lasting beauty and natural wonder scattered throughout West Virginia. From unmatched outdoor recreation to world-class resorts, breathtaking scenery and a variety of cultural and historic attractions, West Virginia is an ideal spot to plan your next adventure. Discover for yourself what makes West Virginia wild and wonderful.

 Plan for snow and great skiing conditions at Canaan Valley Resort’s Dec. 11 opening 

12/8/2010 

CANAAN VALLEY, W.Va. – Between two feet of natural snow and snow guns adding even more of the white stuff, Canaan Valley Resort is poised for an exceptional ski season for the second consecutive year. Opening day is Saturday, Dec. 11.

“Ideal weather conditions, including cold temperatures and coveted lake-effect snow, have prevailed for more than a week. This allows Canaan Valley Resort to start its 39th season of skiing in style,” said Lisa Ratliff, Director of Group Sales for the resort. “This is a great time to come up to the valley, whether you or your family want to learn to ski or you’re a veteran of the slopes who can’t wait to get back onto the snow.”

Canaan Valley Resort, operated by Guest Services Inc., offers the best value for skiing in the Mid-Atlantic region, and the deals are even better right now. “If you take advantage of the ‘Stay & Ski Package’ through Dec. 25, you can get lodging, breakfast and a beginner group ski lesson, all for just $69 per person double occupancy,” according to Ratliff.

Canaan prides itself on affordable, family-friendly skiing, but the 39 slopes will offer plenty of challenges to those looking for a black diamond, too. “Hot Deals” and events are posted on the website www.canaanresort.com. Value season prices are in effect through Dec. 24, and Canaan Valley Resort also has affordable packaged options for Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

“By packaging lodging, meals and lift tickets, visitors can save a bundle,” General Manager David Bostic said. “This is among the most beautiful locations anywhere to spend time with friends and family, no matter what you enjoy doing.”

A terrain park for snowboarders, the fastest tubing runs around, covered ice skating in the pavilion and cross-country ski trails are just a few more of the amenities available at the resort. The menu at the café in the main lodge is being remodeled to include a “build your own burger” station, and the weekend breakfast buffet offers great food at a great value in the main dining room.

For more information or to check the slope conditions at Canaan Valley Resort, visit www.canaanresort.com or call 1-800-622-4121. For information about other West Virginia state parks, visit www.wvstateparks.com.

Plan for the New Year

January offers the perfect opportunity for new skiers of any age to take up the sport. Canaan Valley Resort will join with Southeast Ski Areas Association in an effort to attract newcomers by offering a free lesson to those who book a midweek “ski and stay” package.

“Our ski association works together to promote skiing as a great way to get outdoors for exercise and fun in the winter months. Part of that challenge is to find ways to introduce new skiers to the slopes,” said Bostic.

Among the other 2011 highlights will be the return of the D.C. Ski Club in January to celebrate its 75th anniversary. Those trips from three-quarters of a century ago pre-date by decades any sophisticated lifts and amenities, and the reunion likely will include a trip up the mountain to where the old car that pulled the tow rope still sits. The D.C. Ski Club 75th Anniversary is scheduled for the first weekend in January. More details with be available as the event approaches.

Canaan also will be the focus of a celebration of the 60th anniversary of skiing in Canaan Valley. That will be held the second weekend in February, with special events and special pricing. Additional details and specials always are available on the website www.canaanresort.com.

“This promises to be an exceptionally exciting year for skiing, snowboarding and tubing, so people should start planning now,” Bostic said. “We look forward to seeing all our old friends and making plenty of new ones.”

Contact Information

Lisa Ratliff, Director of Group Sales or David Bostic, General Manager, Canaan Valley Resort 
304-866-4121