Skiing
Before we go any further, you should know that if skiing is not your sport, there are always some wonderful resorts to just relax in. You can always go play in the snow and make a giant snowman.
Skiing is a sport in which you glide over snow on long, narrow runners called skis. There are two different types of skiing: one is called downhill skiing and the other is cross-country skiing.
Downhill skiing is the most popular type of skiing. Professional skiers can race down mountain slopes at speeds ranging from 30-60 mph; but, for the everyday skier, the speed is slower at about 20-40 mph. In order to downhill ski, you should go to a ski resort that has lifts because it would be almost impossible to get to the top of a slope by walking. You need to spend quite a bit of money if you want to downhill ski. First, you need to either rent or purchase your equipment. You need skis, poles, boots, and winter clothing. You have to purchase a lift ticket which costs varying amounts depending on when you want to ski. Different resorts charge different prices so it's always best to check what the cost will be for what you want to do.
Winterplace
is a ski resort located in Ghent, West Virginia. It's conveniently found from
Interstate I-77. Winterplace has 27 slopes, 9 ski lifts (14 if you count the
snow tubing lifts), and two warming lodges. There are three different levels
of slopes. They are identified by colors and shapes: green circle indicates
beginner slopes, blue squares indicate intermediate slopes, and black diamonds
indicate advanced slopes. You must read the signs to make sure you ski down
the slope most suited for your ski ability. The price depends on when you want
to ski and for how long. If you want to ski all day, the ticket costs more than
if you just want to ski at night. Winterplace
is one of the very few resorts
that offers nighttime skiing. Most ski resorts are located in places where the
weather is too cold to allow for night skiing.
There is a ski school that provides skiing lessons for 5 weekends on Sundays. It costs $90 per person. If you want to purchase a season pass, it can be very expensive. There is a special pricing for junior night skiing which costs $125.
Winterplace also has the largest snow tubing park in West Virginia. It's an activity where you slide down a slope in a tube the size of a truck tire. The resort provides tubes so that you don't have to buy one. When you purchase a snow tubing pass, you get to use the resort's tubes. If you want to go snow tubing, you must purchase a special pass. There are tow ropes that carry the tubes and tubers to the stop of the hill. The ride on a snow tube is very exciting because it varies from smooth sliding to bumpy riding.
There is special park for snowboarders because the sport is very different from regular downhill skiing and can be dangerous if you are inexperienced.
The other type of skiing is cross-country skiing. Cross-country skiing is hiking on skis over flat snow covered ground. It is not available at Winterplace at the present time.
Information - West Virginia