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Is Timberline Mountain the Mid-Atlantic’s Best-Kept Skiing Secret?

If you’ve skied on the East Coast, you probably know the options are limited, and conditions are always iffy due to the region’s inconsistent winter weather. It snows, it melts, it rains, it freezes. The slopes can be mushy and slow or dangerously icy. But I just discovered an excellent alternative to the usual DMV-adjacent snow areas —  Timberline Mountain. This gem of a West Virginia resort is located in Canaan Valley, just 125 miles west of Washington, D.C., and benefits from its unique geography. The valley is a frost hollow, meaning cold air pools in the area, leading to an extended winter season and abundant snowfall—more than 150 inches annually. In 2022, temperatures even dropped to a record-setting -31 degrees, colder than parts of Alaska!

Besides its reliable snow,  Timberline is also knowapart is its long, high-quality runs. The two-mile Salamander Run is the longest ski slope in the Mid-Atlantic, and the resort boasts a peak elevation of 4,268 feet with a vertical drop of 1,000 feet. While it may not have the high-speed quads and massive trail network of Snowshoe, Timberline offers an experience that is both intimate and impressive, with 35 trails spread across 100 acres. Plus, eight trails are lit for night skiing, extending the fun well into the evening.

Timberline’s transformation is a success story. In 2019, the resort was purchased by the Perfect family, owners of Perfect North Slopes in Indiana, who immediately launched an aggressive capital improvement plan. With a $16 million investment, they revitalized the lodge, put in outdoor bathroom facilities (my favorite!)  replaced outdated chairlifts, and enhanced snowmaking capabilities. Now, a state-of-the-art Doppelmayr six-person high-speed lift whisks skiers to the top in just over four minutes, nearly doubling the uphill capacity from before.

During my visit, I had the pleasure of meeting Paige Perfect, a member of the ownership family. She was professional, down-to-earth, and, true to her name, perfectly pleasant. The warm hospitality at Timberline matches its improved infrastructure, making it feel like a well-run, family-oriented operation rather than a corporate-driven resort.

Skiing at Timberline felt like a hidden treasure. I’ve been an Epic Pass holder for the past few seasons, thinking I was getting a great deal on lift tickets by committing to certain resorts in advance. But when those resorts don’t have snow, the pass becomes worthless. Timberline, on the other hand, has reliable snowfall and great conditions, making it a much better value for actual days on the mountain. The snow quality was outstanding, the lift lines were reasonable (even on a Saturday), and the atmosphere was refreshingly low-key compared to the high-traffic resorts I’m used to. Reviews from other visitors echoed my experience—many noted that the mountain’s groomed runs rival those in New England, and the revamped lodge and rental facilities further elevate the experience.

One downside? The secret is getting in and out. The drive through the double yellow-line, single-lane, windy snow-covered mountain roads can be treacherous. Our trip to the resort was easy, as we traveled in the evening, when there was no traffic, and the roads were dry. On our way home, the weather turned to a wintery mix of rain and snow, and we were stuck behind a Dodge Challenger with rear-wheel drive that slipped and slid for about 15 miles, making for a nerve-wracking trip. So come prepared with good snow tires or bring chains, just in case.

Timberline’s superior conditions for snow sports and its upgrades are drawing attention, and I can see it becoming an even more popular destination in the coming years. But for now, I am glad it is a best-kept-secret and remains a fantastic alternative to the pricier, overcrowded resorts.

Timberline Mountain exceeded my expectations in every way. It’s proof that a well-run, independent ski resort can deliver an exceptional experience. If you’re looking for great snow, solid terrain, and a welcoming atmosphere, Timberline is absolutely worth the trip.

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