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Why Canaan Valley Resort is the Perfect Winter Getaway

By Jamie Clark, Publisher Macaroni Kid Roanoke and Travel Enthusiast January 19, 2017
If you are looking for some winter fun the whole family can enjoy, Canaan Valley Resort is your perfect destination. Nestled in the Alleghany Mountains, at an elevation of 3200 feet, Canaan is the highest valley east of the Mississippi, making this a cool location for you geography buffs, and, a breathtaking winter wonderland to be enjoyed by all. 

Back in my younger days I was an avid skier, as evidenced from my old ski jacket circa 1992 with a lift ticket to boot that my dear mom is hanging on to {She claims it's good quality, but I’m going to venture a guess that quality has improved significantly over the years.}  Skiing sadly took a backseat to being a mom as my priorities shifted and suddenly 15 years had gone by. When I was given the opportunity to head to Canaan for a weekend of winter adventure I jumped at the chance.  

I'm going to be honest and admit I was a bit nervous about hitting the slopes after such a long hiatus. I mean a lot had change in 15 years, not to mention I was 15 years older. Here are a few things I discovered about myself, my skiing ability and why Canaan Valley Resort was the perfect place for my return to skiing and winter fun. 

1. I am happy to report that skiing is just like riding a bike. Some of the equipment has changed a bit {hello shorter and fatter skis} but the basics remain the same and it didn't take long to get my ski legs back. 

If you or your kids have never skied, Canaan as a fantastic ski school and very easy trails for learning. If you are like me and getting back into it after a hiatus the runs are easy enough to give you confidence and just challenging enough to get your heart pumping. And, if you are an expert skier then I urge you to check out Gravity, one of Canaan's most difficult trails. While I didn’t try it, the expert skiers in my group did and loved it. 


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2. Skiing is easy. Ok, some first time skiers might disagree with the skiing part, but if you're a first timer don't be intimidated. From getting your rental equipment {and realizing that no matter who you are you can not look cool walking in ski boots} to taking a lesson, the staff at Canaan are there to help and put you at ease. Truly. If you fall down, which you probably will, there will be a hand, or pole, to help you back up. January is Learn is Ski & Snowboard Month and Canaan has some deep discounts happening right now on lift tickets, equipment rentals and lessons. 

3. Trying new things is not scary. While I love downhill skiing, I knew that Cannan Valley was also known for it's great cross-country skiing trails. So, when in Rome, right? I figured Canaan would be the perfect place to try it out. While very different from downhill, it was easy to pick up. I must admit I did feel a bit ackward at times, but the view from the trails made up for it. Oh, and going uphill wasn't nearly as hard as I thought it would be. Whether it's cross country skiing or downhill skiing, you owe it to yourself to try something new and maybe even cross something off your bucket list. 

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4. Laughing is good for you no matter your age. If you want to let loose and laugh {and maybe scream} snow tubing is for you. Located right next to the ski mountain are 4 lanes, each 1200 feet long {making it the longest in the Mid-Atlantic} of snow tubing fun. I recommend going down as a group by tethering 4-5 tubes together because you will FLY down the hill! You'll actually feel a little sad for those going solo and how slow they go. I'm pretty sure you can't not laugh and scream as you do it. And then, well then there is the most amazing magic carpet to get you back up the top so you can do it over and over and over again.   



5. When you need a break from all the winter fun, the Resort is the best place to unwind and warm up. There is not much better after a long day of skiing than sitting fireside, enjoying a delicious meal and topping it off by a soak in a hot tub. You can totally picture yourself here, can't you?



 

6. It is possible to slow down and feel like you're in your own personal snow globe. I bet this sounds a little surprising considering what I've described so far about Canaan Valley, right? In the midst of it all, you truly must allow yourself to slow down and enjoy each moment. As I was riding the ski lift to the top of the mountain, I felt like I was in my own snow globe. It was quiet, snowing slightly, the trees were beautiful and snow covered and it was just me. Peaceful and magical. It felt amazing. Once again reminding me that I will not let another 15 years go by before hitting the slopes. 


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Winter is absolutely beautiful and Canaan Valley offers the perfect opportunity for you and your family to enjoy the snow and the great outdoors during the winter. Skiing, snowboarding, tubing, cross country and ice skating are all right there at your fingertips. This is more than just a day’s destination. Book a weekend getaway for you and your family to enjoy and explore all Canaan Valley has to offer. 

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The writer was a guest of Canaan Valley Resort. Meals, activities and accommodations were included to facilitate this review. All opinions are those of the writer.