Snowshoe Magazine....

SNOWSHOE MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES:

THERE’S MUCH MORE THAN SKIING NOW

I like to think I’m improving with age, just like Snowshoe Mountain.

But my years of coming to Snowshoe and skiing from dawn until well past dusk are coming to a close. That doesn’t mean, however, that I spend any less time up at Snowshoe. In fact, thanks to lots of new adventure opportunities, I’m actually spending more time up here then ever before (including during what used to be the ‘off season’).

With more than a hundred million bucks going toward a host of new amenities like Rimfire Lodge and seriously awesome new skiing in the Western Territory, skiers love Snowshoe more than ever. But those big bucks also added some new adventure opportunities for those of us who want more out of our winters than a packed day of skiing.

The off-slope options abound. Last year, my introduction to the new Outdoor Adventure Program was through snowshoeing. With the huge spring snows, it was an ideal time and place to try this hot sport. Snowshoe Mountain provides an all-day trail pass (unlimited day use on 20 miles of marked trails for different skill and fitness levels), rentals, guided day and night tours, and even a ‘Learn to Snowshoe at the Shoe’ program that includes an introductory class (it’s really easy), a one-hour rental, and a one-hour trail pass. I tried the intro program and returned to buy a trail pass and get rentals for the rest of my spring stay. You’ll see me on the trails again this year.

Snowshoeing was extremely successful last season, so they’ve added much more to the Adventure Program for 1999/2000. I’ve promised myself to try everything else this season, even if it means a bit less time on the slopes.

Like snowshoeing, cross-country (nordic) skiing is easy to learn and enjoy. Snowshoe offers a similar trail pass, rental, and intro program. The same trails that made snowshoeing so popular last year are sure to welcome newcomers like me to the nordic way this season.

To me, one of the most interesting opportunities is the new Sunrise Backcountry Hut that Snowshoe built this past summer. Located several miles down Cheat Mountain Ridge T(?)rail, this five(??)-bedroom cabin provides one of the most unique winter (and any other season) wilderness experiences in the east. Staffed by a full-time caretaker (who is also a great cook), the Sunrise Backcountry Hut is an ideal getaway for all or part of any Snowshoe visit.

The ‘Adventure Dining’ program at the cabin features a guided snowmobile tour out to it (with a stop for some special-recipe hot cider or hot chocolate) and then a wonderful candlelit gourmet dinner, before returning to the Village of Snowshoe Mountain Resort.

This short visit will surely make you want to return for a longer stay. Snowshoe accommodates with overnight packages that include dinner and breakfast for individuals or rental of the complete hut (it sleeps 12-14 people). For overnight stays, you can also reach the cabin by hiking, snowshoeing, or on cross-country skis. I’ve already experienced the incredible Allegheny sunrise from the spacious deck and I’m sure to take advantage of another cabin adventure more than once this winter.

Those snowmobiles that carry you out to the cabin are also available for tours. The snowmobile tours are fully guided for one or two hours and can accommodate one or two people on each machine. It’s an ideal way to see more of the beautiful backcountry surrounding the slopes.

If the silent treatment is more your style, then a horse drawn sleigh ride is the perfect Snowshoe outing. The short rides up Skidder are nice, but nothing beats silently sliding up Old Spruce R(?)oad or heading into another quietly beautiful area. This is a winter adventure not to be missed. Your carriage awaits!

If you want to take a Snowshoe visit to new heights, the ice climbing program is ideal. The climbing session includes rental equipment and three climbs (or attempts, for novices like me). Just don’t forget to be nice to that ice.

Of course, Snowshoe has also added a ton of new adventure opportunities on the slopes. If you haven’t tried snowboarding or ski blading yet, this is the place to do it. Reasonable rentals, lessons, and a great learning environment made me try both sports last year. You’ll likely see me out there on an array of ‘boards’ again this season.

Additional on-slope adventures for kids and kids at heart (like me) include the huge Ruckus Ridge Adventure Park, the new Kids World facility to service the needs of children and parents day and night, and a wide variety of new rental equipment and instructional programs that can make for a new adventure every day on the mountain.

Snowshoe Mountain has also invested millions in what used to be the ‘off-season’ period. The incredible array of possibilities from summer to fall include: a climbing wall; a BMX park; a skatepark; skate and bike rentals; mountain biking; hiking; guided flyfishing; sporting clays; horseback riding; and miniature golf.

While many of these activities may be available when the weather allows during ski season, you’re sure to want to return this spring, summer, or fall to try one or more of these new Snowshoe adventures. I know that my Snowshoe visits don’t end when the snow melts anymore.