Snowshoe mountain provides perfect vacation destination

Nestled in the mountains of Pocahontas County, W.Va, Snowshoe Mountain is a snow lover’s paradise.

With 42 trails and new snow made frequently, Snowshoe maintains the perfect skiing or snowboarding conditions, but is it a worthwhile trip if skiing and snowboarding aren’t for you?

The answer is yes.

As I just learned to ski last year, my skiing abilities are sub-par, but a weekend at Snowshoe still ranks among my top-five favorite things to do.

Whether you prefer a relaxing vacation or one filled with entertainment and nightlife activities, Snowshoe has you covered.

If you’re looking for a quieter trip to Snowshoe, swing by Cheat Mountain Pizza in The Village and try one of the best pizzas in the area. Then head back to your hotel or cabin and hop in the hot tub to relax with friends and family.

Be sure to grab a hot drink at Starbucks and watch the sunset in the large parking lot overlooking the mountains – it is undoubtedly one of the prettiest sights you will ever see.

Conveniently, the amount of lodging available at Snowshoe is astounding.

From Rimfire to Seneca to Allegheny Springs and the many cabins and houses available, you are sure to enjoy the overall coziness of the lodging available.

For those on a budget, Snowshoe Inn, at the bottom of the mountain, is always a less-expensive option.

For after-hours entertainment, the nightlife at Snowshoe is sure to please. Visit Snowshoe’s nightclub, The Connection, or swing by the Comedy Cellar for an evening of laughs – both longtime favorites in the area.

The Junction, Misty’s Sports Bar, Old Spruce Tavern, Hoot’s Bar and Grill, Sunset Cantina and Foxfire Grille also offer great bar specials and tasty food for visitors.

West Virginia University student Codie Sayger recently made her first trip to Snowshoe and said she plans to make many more.

"I really enjoyed skiing for the first time, but I was surprised by the amount of other things to do at Snowshoe," Sayger said. "The Old Spruce Tavern is a really cool little bar that was packed when we were there."

Additionally, the people who work and stay on the mountain are always friendly and welcoming.

Josh Dean, who attended WVU last semester, has taken his spring semester off for the third time to live at Snowshoe while conditions are at their peak for the mountain’s activities.

"My favorite part, aside from the boarding, is the people you get to meet and their lifestyle," Dean said. "It’s a super carefree way of living."

Wesley Felton, resident of Marlinton, W.Va., also gets as much time on the mountain as much as possible.

"Being able to snowboard whenever I want at one of the highest-rated ski resorts on the East Coast is something I really appreciate," Felton said. "But Snowshoe is the perfect place for anyone; it’s small but still pretty big and quiet, but busy in places and sort of just makes you feel at home. Whether you’re here for the snow, the food or even just the stay, there’s no way you’ll be disappointed."

Snowshoe Mountain Resort isn’t just for those who love winter, either.

During the summer season, Snowshoe enthusiasts can enjoy many biking trails, as well as beautiful scenery and numerous shops in the village.

One of Snowshoe’s best-kept secrets, though, may be the local talent that comes from the area – most recently, country music artist Wyatt Turner, who said he performs at Snowshoe whenever he gets a chance.

"Growing up in the mountains of West Virginia doesn’t give you much opportunity in the area of musical entertainment," Turner said. "It’s where I got my start, but it was only a confidence builder, as I was always playing in front of very small crowds to get a feel for what an audience likes and wants."

When he felt it was time to take things further in his musical career, Turner moved to Nashville, Tenn.

"It was a bit of a culture shock for me in the transition from such a small town to a metropolis, because I now play for much larger crowds, but as I visit home, I still enjoy playing all the small venues where I started my career," Turner said.

"Snowshoe Mountain Resort likes to hire me as often as possible, which is wonderful, because I help to pull in locals to the resort, and I also receive recognition from people countrywide. I really enjoy being able to come back and play for the people who believed in my dream before it seemed attainable."

Although for Turner, who made an appearance on NBC’s "The Voice" this season, "as often as possible" is rarer than he would like, the live music at the resort is always superb.

West Virginia Free Ski Day is coming up at Snowshoe Sunday, March 3 and will allow West Virginia residents to show their state ID for a free lift ticket 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Many people miss out on this opportunity each year.

Don’t let that be you.

Whenever the opportunity to travel to Snowshoe presents itself, take it. No matter what kind of vacation you prefer, Snowshoe Mountain Resort is sure to be a vacation to remember.