At the moment all five of West Virginia ski resorts are preparing for a busy season with an estimated 800,000 visitors this season. The five resorts are estimated to bring in over $250 million in economic impact to the state and will bring in about 5,000 jobs at the resorts and related business. Although the mild temperatures has created a challenge for all five resorts they expect to be up and running no later than December 22nd. The ski season is expected to continue until the end of March.

The Five Resorts are: Canaan Valley, Oglebay, Snowshoe Mtn, Timberline, Winterplace

According to John Hingsbergen of WVPubcast.org,

The West Virginia Ski Areas’ Association is looking forward to a busy season. Spokesperson Joe Stevens says the resorts will attract an estimated 800,000 visitors, most from neighboring states such as Virginia, North Carolina and Ohio.

Stevens says Florida makes up 15-17 percent of the skiers in West Virginia. He says, “Probably 80-85 percent of those Floridians will come in a three-week period, to see a white Christmas, actually.”

So lets hope ideal weather for snow making and that everyone gets to see a white Christmas!

Ski resorts expected to bring $250 million to WV – WVPubcast.org

Photo Credit: Snowshoe Mtn Resort