W.Va. Ski Areas Hoping For Snow

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) – The winter’s warm start has West Virginia ski operators wishing for snow.

The traditional holiday rush to the slopes has been slowed by the absence of snow and colder temperatures.

At Canaan Valley Resort and Conference Center, spokeswoman Lisa Ratliff told the Charleston Gazette the slopes have seen only a couple measurable snowfalls in the last month or so.

Last year at this, she said, all of the resort’s trails were open at this time, but no so this year.

Joe Stevens of the West Virginia Ski Areas Association said milder weather in population centers such as Charleston and Huntington keeps skiers and snowboarders at home.

Tom Blanzy of Timberline said he’s remaining optimistic about the rest of the season. He points to colder temperatures expected next week.