This State Is One of the Best Places for Beginner Skiers

“Almost heaven” takes on a new meaning each winter in West Virginia.

Dubbed the Mountain State, West Virginia is home to some of the most accessible skiing in the United States, with numerous ski resorts that cater to all levels from novice to expert. It has programs specifically designed to welcome those completely new to the sport.

As the only state located entirely within the Appalachian Mountain region, West Virginia’s unique topography means it is filled with ancient mountains (the Appalachians formed 480 million years ago) and hills, along with plenty of snowfall. As such, the region enjoys a relatively long ski season running from roughly Thanksgiving through early April.

West Virginia is a state with profound natural beauty and, in addition to its mountains, is filled with wide open spaces and uncrowded parks. This includes one of the newest national parks, New River Gorge National Park. It also has impressive public services like newly paved roads and pristine hiking trails.  From a geographic standpoint, it’s an accessible ski state from destinations like Washington D.C.; Atlanta; Charlotte, North Carolina; Columbus, Ohio; and Knoxville Tennessee.

Often overlooked by East Coast skiers, West Virginia’s slopes fly under the radar, meaning its ski resorts are a perfect place for those looking to escape the crowds or try out the sport in more relaxed surroundings. And even in the rare event of a lack of snowfall, the state has its slopes covered — literally. West Virginia’s major resorts have state-of-the-art artificial snow technology to ensure 100 percent coverage. “West Virginia offers fantastic skiing even when natural snow is scarce,” Tim Wagner, the president of the West Virginia Ski Area Association, said in a release provided to Travel + Leisure.

Throughout the state, there are hundreds of slopes and dozens of resorts, including some particularly friendly to beginning skiers such as Timberline Mountain Resort, Snowshoe Mountain Resort, Canaan Valley Resort, Oglebay’s Nutting Winter Sports Complex, and Winterplace Ski Resort. The West Virginia Ski Area Association even has a program to help kids learn to ski at affordable rates. The association’s 4th and 5th Grade Passport Program offers free ski passes, lessons, and rentals for just $40.

Visitors looking to go further off the beaten path of the ski resorts can look for some winter fun at parks like Blackwater Falls State Park in northern West Virginia, Seneca Rocks located mid-state, and New River Gorge, in the south.