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Timberline Mountain: Family Fun, Great Snow and Warm Hospitality

Why had I not heard about Timberline Mountain until this year? 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!

What really sets Timberline apart 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 and added conveneinces, like my favoriete, outdoor bathrooms so you don’ thave to clop in ski boots up stairs and through a lodge to use the faciltieis. They also replaced outdated chairlifts, and enhanced snowmaking capabilities.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 business.

Skiing at Timberline felt like a hidden treasure. The snow quality was outstanding, the lift lines were reasonable (even on a Sunday), 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 drive through the double yellow-line, single-lane, windy snow-covered mountain roads can be treacherous. We were stuck behind a Dodge Challenger with rear-wheel drive that slipped and slid for about 15 miles, making for a nerve-wracking approach. The secret is getting out. Timberline’s upgrades are drawing attention, and I can see it becoming a more popular destination in the coming years. But for now, it 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 without the corporate fluff. If you’re looking for great snow, solid terrain, and a welcoming atmosphere, this West Virginia gem is absolutely worth the trip.

K. Pearson Brown

Writer, blogger, PR pro — traveler, tech geek, health and wellness believer, parent. Wrote my first book at age 5, still living my dramatic autobiography.