Rated as a 2015 Top Ten Resort in the East by SKI magazine for lodging and the après-ski experience, Snowshoe Mountain looks to open an array of additions to its resort experience this season for every age-group and personality. With 1,500 vertical feet, 250 acres of terrain, 100-percent snowmaking, and improvements to lodging, dining, and entertainment, the new Snowshoe Mountain is now going above and beyond for families and skiers of all types.
Increased snow making early in the season promises great skiing by the just-announced opening date of November 26; with a season the resort says will run through April 5. The resort plans to offer a vacation-like atmosphere all season to skiers and non-skiers alike.
Located at the top of the Powder Monkey chairlift, and across the street from Snowshoe’s famous Western Territory, the Corduroy Inn—brand new for the 2015 season—will provide an elegant hotel setting with a rustic edge, offering studios, lofts, and 1-bedroom plus loft suites. These Wi-Fi enabled units include luxury bathrooms, heated tile flooring, granite kitchens, HD televisions, and stone fireplaces perfect for the winter atmosphere. A Tuscan chophouse is attached to the hotel—the Alpine Ristorante—as well as a 3,600 sq. ft. spa perfect for the parent seeking pampering.
For a more private — and unique — dining experience, book an evening in the Sunrise Backcountry Hut, accessed via the Cheat Mountain Ridge trail. This idyllic cabin deep within the wilderness can accommodate up to 20 people. It’s surrounded by views of nature otherwise inaccessible to the majority of guests. Nearby evening tours by snowmobile or snow cat are also available for the more adventurous. Guests are treated to a hearty meal all prepared on-site by the cabin’s Hutmaster.
Additionally, Snowshoe Mountain has promised increased measures of comfort for its beginning skiers or snowboarders. The National Ski Area Association shared recently that 85 percent of first time skiers and snowboarders do not return for a second visit. As a reactionary measure, Snowshoe is expanding the 2015 Terrain Based Learning program. This program seeks to provide a more comfortable and fun experience for learning beginners, removing discomfort or fear associated with the sports. The resort has once again asked the original developers of the program to expand and build out an additional Terrain Based Learning park at Silver Creek, Snowshoe’s second distinct ski area.
Teenagers were not forgotten in Snowshoe’s new plan. 20 Below—a teen-only center—sounds promising in its offer of games, movies, dancing, and even a social media center to teenagers.
For those above 21, the attached Connection Nightclub adds a friendly environment for singles and those looking to let loose. Nationally known artists scheduled to play at Beats on the Basin this winter season include The Infamous Stringdusters, Keller-Williams, Passafire and Rusted Root.
Covering a total area of 11,000 acres, the new Snowshoe Mountain really does have it all. Snowshoe has introduced variable pricing discounts to lift ticket purchases online. For more information on ticketing, lodging prices, visit www.snowshoemtn.com. The Intrawest Passport will offer children 12 and under free skiing, and includes six days of skiing at each of six participating North American Intrawest ski resorts. Full offer details can be found at www.intrawestpassport.com.
