Chilly temperatures and plenty of mountain snows have encouraged West Virginian ski resorts to start their seasons early this year.

Snowshoe opened the week before Thanksgiving.
Timberline is set to start this Thursday, Dec. 4th, and Canaan Valley State Park will open Dec. 12th.

Most resorts start with just 4 to 6 runs open, including the learners area, a beginner's slope, and an advanced run... with a terrain park thrown in for the snowboarders in the region.

But this year, almost every ski resort is offering discounted lift tickets for the opening day.
Snowshoe marked their lift down to just $29.00 each day of the weekend.
Timberline is offering it for $1.00 opening day only.
And now, not to be outdone, Canaan Valley is offering a free lift ticket.

Of course, they're banking that new skiers will have to rent skis, boots and poles, as well as find a hotel room and find meals, but for those who have their gear already, this is a tremendous inducement to ski early!

The Ohio Valley Ski Club is offering discounted tickets to their members and new sign-up families providing rentals and lessons for new skiers.

www.OhioValleySkiClub.com

With a season that is starting early, it encourages new skiers to take lessons or try the sport that West Virginia is famous for.

Most resorts are within three hours drive of Parkersburg via major highways, and smaller mountain highways are well maintained due to the regular traffic to the resorts.

As mother nature renews the snow pack every few days in the mountains, most skiers are banking on a long and cold season this year.