Canaan Valley in West Virginia is kicking off the ski season Saturday, Dec. 17 -- and you can get a lift ticket for just $10 if you bring donation for Toys for Tots. Just bring a new, unwrapped toy valued at $10 or more to receive the discounted rate.
With a base elevation of 3,100 feet and located not quite four hours west of D.C., Canaan Valley Resort (230 Main Lodge Road, Davis, WV 26260) has 91 acres of land for downhill skiing and snowboarding. Along with 39 slopes, you'll also find an 850-foot drop for all those experienced, ahem, daredevils.
You can also go airboarding (imagine body-boarding on water) -- a high-adrenaline, easy-to-learn activity. Riders lie belly-flat on an air tube and fly down headfirst the mountain slope. Take advantage the snow tubing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice skating as well.
Canaan is the highest mountain valley east of the Rocky Mountains. The lodge consists of 250 rooms, 23 cabins and 34 campsites; a full-service ski area; dining; a fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, and a whirlpool spa; and miles of hiking, biking, and cross country ski trails. There are also plenty of houses available for short-term rent (by the night or week) very close to the slopes.
As an added celebration of the holidays, Santa and Mrs. Claus will pop in on Dec. 24 and 25 for an evening of a readings and buffets. Gather around the fire and read “Twas the night before Christmas” with Santa.
Lift tickets are $30 for adults, Dec. 17-25. From Jan. 2 to March 9, lift tickets are $32-$50 per day for adults. Half-day, extended and multi-day tickets are available.
Ski rentals are $28; snowboard rentals are $37.
