SNOWSHOE, W.Va. — Officials at Snowshoe Mountain Resort are targeting Nov. 25 to open its 2026–27 ski season, putting West Virginia’s largest ski destination 50 days from the start of winter operations, weather permitting.
The four-season resort in the Allegheny Mountains announced the opening date Tuesday as it prepares for a season that will include the debut of a new Shavers Center day lodge, the return of Winter Brewfest, and a schedule of skiing and snowboarding events through March.
For travelers from Washington, Pittsburgh, Columbus, and Richmond, Snowshoe is a major winter destination, according to Patti Duncan, the resort’s president and chief operating officer.
Duncan said crisp fall weather signals the season to come in the Alleghenies, the highest mountains in central Appalachia.
“We are experiencing some spectacular fall colors on the mountain right now, and that always gets us excited because we know that snow will be soon to follow,” Duncan said.
She said the resort is optimistic about natural snowfall during the El Niño winter but is preparing to rely on its snowmaking system regardless of weather patterns.
“Looking back over the years, El Niño winters have often made for some incredible ski conditions here at Snowshoe, especially compared to elsewhere in the East,” Duncan said.
“We’re optimistic about a snowy winter, but either way, our snowmakers are ready to provide the best on-snow experience in the region.”
New Shavers Center to open
One of the most visible changes awaiting returning visitors is the new Shavers Center, which Snowshoe officials expect to open with the ski area Nov. 25, according to Shawn Cassell, the resort’s marketing director.
The new building will serve as the resort’s principal day lodge and will include cafeteria-style dining and après-ski programming. Snowshoe’s Ski & Ride School and Pre-Ski programs will also operate from the facility, Cassell said.
The Shavers Center replaces a longtime gathering place near the resort’s mountaintop operations and will provide indoor and outdoor event space with mountain views.
Winter Brewfest, scheduled for Dec. 12, will be among the first major events held in the new facility.
Winter events run through March
Snowshoe plans to open its Silver Creek area Dec. 18, adding night skiing and snow tubing to the resort’s winter operations.
Other scheduled events include a Burton Snowboards 50th anniversary demonstration event Dec. 19, the Cupp Run Challenge Feb. 1, and Red Bull Rivals collegiate slopestyle competition Feb. 27.
The Snowshoe Open slopestyle competition is scheduled for Feb. 28, followed by U.S. Amateur Snowboard Association boardercross and skiercross racing March 5–7.
Kids Ski Free Week is scheduled for March 8–14, when children 12 and younger will be eligible for free lift tickets. Spring Fling, including live music and the resort’s pond skim, is scheduled for March 20.
Snowshoe is targeting March 21 as the final day of the winter season, weather permitting.
The resort lists a 1,500-foot vertical drop in its Western Territory, where Cupp Run and Shay’s Revenge provide some of its most advanced terrain. Snowshoe also operates beginner and intermediate terrain, freestyle areas and glades, while Silver Creek includes 12 trails available for night skiing.
Early-season discounts offered
Snowshoe is also promoting advance purchases as it approaches opening day.
Its Flex 3 Pass is currently priced at $199 and provides three non-holiday ski days during the 2026–27 season. The days do not have to be consecutive or selected in advance. Snowshoe says the price will increase to $249 on Nov. 1, and the pass will only be sold before opening day. Holiday blackout dates apply.
The resort’s Flurry of Savings promotion, which runs through Oct. 12, offers discounts of up to 20 percent on lodging and rentals as well as reduced advance prices on lift tickets, according to Snowshoe.
Snowshoe Mountain covers about 11,000 acres in Pocahontas County and operates year-round, offering skiing, mountain biking, golf, and other outdoor recreation. Alterra Mountain Company owns the resort, and it participates in the Ikon Pass program. The resort sits on the summit of Cheat Mountain at an elevation of 4,848 feet and includes three principal ski areas—Snowshoe Basin, Western Territory, and Silver Creek.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Nov. 25 | Snowshoe Opening Day (weather permitting) |
| Nov. 26–28 | Thanksgiving Festivities |
| Dec. 6 | West Virginia Ski FREE Day |
| Dec. 12 | Winter Brewfest |
| Dec. 18 | Silver Creek Area Opening Day (includes night skiing and tubing) |
| Dec. 19 | Burton Snowboards 50th Anniversary Demo Event |
| Dec. 24 | Village Christmas Celebration |
| Dec. 31 | New Year’s Eve Celebrations |
| Jan. 8–10 | Snowshoe Pride Weekend |
| Jan. 30–31 | Southern Alpine Racing Association (SARA) Event |
| Feb. 1 | Cupp Run Challenge |
| Feb. 27 | Red Bull Rivals — Collegiate Slopestyle Competition |
| Feb. 28 | Snowshoe Open — Slopestyle Competition |
| March 5–7 | USASA Boardercross & Skiercross Racing |
| March 8–14 | Kids Ski FREE Week (free lift tickets for children 12 and younger) |
| March 13–14 | College Weekend |
| March 20 | Spring Fling Weekend (live music and pond skim) |
| March 21 | West Virginia Ski FREE Day & Closing Day for Winter |