Snowshoe Village Live Cam

The history of snowshoeing in West Virginia is closely tied to the development of the Snowshoe Mountain Resort, which is now one of the largest ski resorts in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States.

Snowshoe Mountain Resort was first developed in the early 1970s by Dr. Thomas Brigham, a dentist from Florida who was an avid skier. Brigham purchased land on Cheat Mountain in West Virginia with the intention of creating a ski resort. The resort was initially called Silver Creek and opened for skiing in 1974 with a single lift and a handful of trails.

Over the years, the resort grew, and in 1990, the name was changed to Snowshoe Mountain Resort. Today, Snowshoe is a sprawling resort with more than 60 trails, 14 lifts, and numerous amenities, including restaurants, shops, and lodging options.

Snowshoeing has always been a popular activity at Snowshoe Mountain Resort, and the resort has a number of snowshoe trails that are open to guests. In recent years, the resort has also hosted a number of snowshoe races and events.

Outside of Snowshoe Mountain Resort, snowshoeing is also popular throughout West Virginia, particularly in the state's many parks and forests. Many of these areas have designated snowshoe trails, and some offer snowshoe rentals.

Overall, snowshoeing has become a beloved winter pastime in West Virginia, and the state's many beautiful trails and natural areas make it an ideal destination for those looking to explore the great outdoors.

Top Tourist Attractions

• Cass Scenic Railroad State Park: Located about 40 miles from Snowshoe, this park offers a scenic train ride through the mountains of West Virginia. Visitors can also tour the restored logging town of Cass, which dates back to the early 1900s.
• Seneca Rocks: This stunning rock formation rises nearly 900 feet above the surrounding landscape and is a popular destination for hiking and rock climbing.
• Cranberry Glades Botanical Area: This unique ecosystem is home to several types of bogs and swamps, as well as a variety of plant and animal species. Visitors can explore the area on a network of trails.
• Green Bank Observatory: Located about an hour from Snowshoe, this observatory is home to one of the world's largest fully steerable radio telescopes. Visitors can tour the facility and learn about the science of astronomy.
• Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad: This historic railroad offers a variety of scenic train rides through the mountains of West Virginia, including a Polar Express ride during the holiday season.
• National Radio Astronomy Observatory: Located in nearby Green Bank, this facility is home to several radio telescopes and is dedicated to studying the universe. Visitors can take a guided tour of the observatory and learn about the research being done there.
• Monongahela National Forest: This vast wilderness area covers more than 900,000 acres and is home to a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting.
• The Greenbrier: This historic resort has been welcoming guests since 1778 and is known for its luxurious accommodations and world-class amenities, including a championship golf course, a casino, and a spa.

Overall, Snowshoe and the surrounding area offer a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, there is something for everyone in this beautiful part of West Virginia.

Climate

The climate is influenced by the Appalachian Mountains, which can cause weather patterns to change quickly and dramatically.

In the winter months, Snowshoe is typically covered in snow and experiences cold temperatures, with average highs ranging from the mid-20s to low 30s Fahrenheit (-4 to 0 degrees Celsius) and lows averaging in the teens Fahrenheit (-8 to -2 degrees Celsius). Snowfall is common, with an average annual accumulation of over 150 inches (381 cm).

Spring brings warmer temperatures, with average highs ranging from the mid-50s to low 60s Fahrenheit (12 to 16 degrees Celsius) and lows averaging in the 30s and 40s Fahrenheit (0 to 4 degrees Celsius). Spring can be a wet season, with frequent rain showers.

Summer temperatures in Snowshoe are mild, with average highs ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (24 to 28 degrees Celsius) and lows averaging in the 50s and 60s Fahrenheit (10 to 16 degrees Celsius). Summer is the wettest season, with occasional thunderstorms.

Fall brings cooler temperatures, with average highs ranging from the mid-50s to low 60s Fahrenheit (12 to 16 degrees Celsius) and lows averaging in the 30s and 40s Fahrenheit (0 to 4 degrees Celsius). Fall foliage is a popular attraction in Snowshoe and the surrounding areas, with vibrant colors usually peaking in late October to early November. Overall, Snowshoe experiences a wide range of temperatures and weather patterns throughout the year, with winter being the snowiest and coldest season and summer being the wettest. Visitors should be prepared for changing weather conditions and pack accordingly when visiting the area.

Geography

It is located in the Appalachian Mountains and covers an area of approximately 11.3 square miles (29.3 square kilometers).

The area surrounding Snowshoe is characterized by rugged, mountainous terrain with elevations ranging from around 2,800 to 4,800 feet (853 to 1,463 meters) above sea level. The Cheat Mountain range dominates the landscape and includes several peaks over 4,000 feet (1,219 meters) high.

The area is home to several state and national parks, including the Monongahela National Forest, which covers over 900,000 acres (364,217 hectares) and is the largest national forest in West Virginia. The forest includes numerous hiking trails, scenic drives, and camping opportunities.

The Shavers Fork of the Cheat River flows through the area, providing opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and other water-based activities. The Greenbrier River is also nearby and offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Overall, Snowshoe and the surrounding area are known for their natural beauty and rugged, mountainous terrain. Visitors can explore the area on foot, by bike, or by car and experience stunning vistas, unique ecosystems, and a wide range of outdoor activities.