If you are looking for an easy to get to ski resort in West Virginia, Winterplace Ski Resort is the place to go. While it may not be the steepest or biggest resort in the state, it is a nice hill right beside Interstate 77.

Winterplace has 28 trails and a snowtube park. For skiers and boarders, the resort stats have 603ft. of vertical drop. However, if you are skiing the upper portion, or eastern most portion of the hill, the drop is closer to 400-500 feet. The picture above shows the vertical drop of the upper mountain trails.

When it comes to snowmaking, Winterplace doesn't mess around. This past summer they have added numerous SMI Polecat fan snowguns. Some of the guns are automated. I witnessed 5-6 of them come on automatically last season in a matter of seconds. Winterplace has really invested in their snowmaking, and their massive base last year proved it.

If you are planning a trip, I would advise avoiding any Saturday or holiday period visits. This includes the week between Christmas and New Year.

There is a picture below of the crowds to be expected if you plan your visit during these periods. This picture was taken on December 29, 2008. Odds are if you visit during the week, or on a Sunday evening, you will ski straight to the chair! Southern Skiing is about skiing in the south and West Virginia. Happy trails!