Timberline Mountain Ski Resort is a winter sports enthusiast’s hidden gem. With a peak elevation of 4,268 feet, the resort has over 40 ski trails for all skill levels, from beginner to expert. The resort also has the Southeast’s longest ski route, the 2-mile-long Salamander Run. The ski resort is well-known for its natural snowfall, supplemented by snowmaking machines, allowing guests to ski and snowboard throughout the winter.
Timberline Mountain also offers snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice skating, skiing, and snowboarding. The resort also has various eating alternatives, including the rustic Fireside Grill, which provides delectable American cuisine. Overall, Timberline Mountain Ski Resort is the ideal winter destination, providing tourists with a unique and memorable experience in the heart of West Virginia’s mountains.
Overview of the Terrain
- 50% of the runs are for beginners.
- Intermediate Runs at 18%
- Advanced Runs: 23%
- Expert Runs: 9%
- 22 total runs
- 2 mi. The longest run
- 100 acres of skiable terrain
- Night Skiing on 27 Acres
- Making 100 Acres of Snow
Timberline Mountain Ski Resort Trail Map
- Base Elevation: 3,268 ft
- Peak elevation of 4,268 feet
- The vertical drop is 1,000 feet.
Real Snow Country averages 150 inches of snowfall annually and has complete snowmaking capabilities. The best glade skiing in the area may be found here. This summer, they took the time to expand the glade skiing and are working hard to place lights on White Lightening. This will have a black diamond run for night skiing.
Description of the Area
Timberline Mountain is located in West Virginia on the higher range of the Allegheny Mountains. With its 4268-foot summit, you may expect lovely snow and spectacular views of the valley level and environs. Unwrapping the treasures of the best ski resorts in West Virginia is essential for a unique adventure. Timberline is well-known for its large slopes and varied terrain, but it also has the Southeast’s longest ski slope, Salamander, a two-mile green path that winds down the mountain.
Wide blue ski routes with fantastic vista points will provide great photo opportunities for intermediate skiers. Adventurous and advanced skiers will appreciate the relaxed mountain atmosphere and dedicated tree skiing (more than five glades are available when conditions permit). Timberline’s main slopes all have a 1000-foot vertical drop.
What has changed?
Timberline is undertaking nearly $10 million in capital renovations this off-season, including installing two new lifts, following the purchase of the resort by Perfect North Slopes. Other changes include, among other things, regrading the learning area, significant upgrades to the snowmaking equipment, and a rebuilt rental shop.
Skiing Instruction
Alpine skiing, snowboarding, telemark skiing, cross-country skiing, adaptive programs… the list goes on… Timberline’s ski school provides novice and advanced skiers with opportunities to develop their abilities. You’ll notice that nearly all of their instructors have several PSIA and AASI certifications and that their ongoing education is something they want to “brag about.” Several of their instructors have over 30 years of experience instructing on the snow. Their kids’ program never fails to impress and sets the little ones up for success while having so much fun!
Hotel Timbers Inn & Suites
Timberline is the valley’s only slopeside hotel. What exactly are you waiting for? Ski in… Ski out… Do not attempt to ski off your balcony!
Your Wilderness Connection
Timberline provides an easy way to go to some fantastic terrain. Call them to ensure the circumstances are ideal, and then head to the lift with your backcountry gear. You can get to areas quicker and safer than you could reach the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area by car. No other spots in West Virginia will bring you closer to nature.
A Quick Overview of Area Lodging
Welcome to Timberline, where you’ll find affordable slopeside hotels, quiet houses, lakeside access, condos, and townhomes. Timberline Realty is the only real estate company in the area affiliated with Timberline Resort, so you’ll have over 150 hotel options right at your fingertips.
Mountain Timberline
Timberline Mountain has had the most outstanding drama in recent years of any ski slope in the Mid-Atlantic. Following many years of degradation and controversy, the resort declared bankruptcy in 2019 and was put up for auction. Indiana-based Perfect North Slopes purchased Timberline in late 2019, and they immediately implemented an aggressive capital improvement plan to re-open a revived Timberline in time for the 2020-2021 Winter Season, including chairlift replacement. Timberline’s development is detailed in DCSki’s feature story, The Renaissance of Timberline.
Timberline Mountain’s guests for the 2020-2021 winter season found a vastly enhanced resort. While Timberline has always had spectacular views, plenty of snow, and a peak elevation of 4,268 feet above sea level, the current ownership has lifted the standard by upgrading the resort and shown a commitment to making Timberline one of the top ski hills in the Mid-Atlantic.
Timberline is two miles from Canaan Valley but has more challenging terrain than its neighbor. The resort’s trails include steeps and bumps and some glade skiing. Beginner terrain is also available, though Canaan Valley may be more suitable for beginners. The 2-mile Salamander run at Timberline has an easy-going pitch ideal for beginners. Timberline Mountain concentrates on skiing and snowboarding and offers a small lodge. Timberline does not have a tubing hill and has few summer activities.
Timberline Skiing for Beginners
Most of Timberline’s novice terrain is near the mountain’s base. A double chairlift serves one prominent novice slope (Woods Hole). More experienced learners can use the triple chair next to the beginners’ double chair to reach the mid-station.
Beginners can ski the Winterset route to the right from the mid-station or to the left and ski various lines back to the base area. Salamander is the most notable of Timberline’s green paths. This two-mile run drops 1,000 feet from the summit to the base. It’s ideal for more experienced starters. True beginners will struggle not because the terrain is too tricky but because it is too gentle. Some polling will likely be required, and snowboarders should maintain their speed throughout the run to prevent becoming stuck.
Several minor, green connection trails crisscross the resort, although they are all flat and best used to go from one location to another rather than being an actual trail worth a separate run.
Timberline Intermediate Skiing
The majority of the intermediate skiing is on the mountain’s right flank. Three long blue runs provide enough variety and challenge for intermediate skiers. All three courses have expansive Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge vistas for practically their entire length. Upper/Lower Dew Drop and Upper/Lower, Almost Heaven, are the resort’s older blue offerings, and when the upper and lower sections are combined, they can be skied as four distinct lines.
The new Twister trail on the mountain’s rim is the favorite. It’s lengthier and windier than the other two. The lack of trail intersections allows more experienced skiers to turn up the throttle. It’s the Mid-Atlantic’s longest and greatest leg-burning blue run.
Timberline offers advanced and expert skiing.
Timberline’s primary strength is expert skiing. Timberline’s double black diamonds are steep enough to warrant the distinction, unlike many Mid-Atlantic resorts that overclassify their terrain. Even by New England standards, Off the Wall, The Drop, and Cherry Bowl are all steep.
The resort’s famous single black diamond run is White Lighting. The wide open slope runs beside the chairlift, and the Southeast’s top skiers like to show off on the path because the long runout allows plenty of space to scrub speed after a fast descent.
FAQs About Timberline Mountain Ski Resort in West Virginia
1. What are the hours of operation for the ski resort?
Timberline Mountain is open Monday through Friday from 9 in the morning until 9 in the evening and on weekends and holidays from 8 in the morning until 9 in the evening.
2. How should I travel to Timberline Mountain Ski Resort?
The ski resort is easily accessible by car and is near Davis, West Virginia. Moreover, travelers can ride a bus or rail to nearby Morgantown or Elkins, rent a car, or take a shuttle to the resort.
3. What kinds of terrain may Timberline Mountain visitors expect?
Timberline Mountain’s 40 routes and three terrain parks provide a diversity of terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. The resort is well-known for its beginning and intermediate courses but offers rugged expert terrain.
4. Does Timberline Mountain Ski Resort offer lodging?
Yes, tourists can stay at one of the resort’s many lodging options, which include hotels, vacation rentals, and cabins. Some lodgings have ski-in/ski-out access.
5. Do you have any dining alternatives at Timberline Mountain?
Yes, the resort has various food alternatives, including a cafeteria, a pub, and a restaurant. Visitors can choose from food and beverage options, such as burgers, pizza, and craft beer.
6. what other activities are available at Timberline Mountain besides skiing and snowboarding?
Visitors can enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and tubing in addition to skiing and snowboarding. The resort hosts activities such as live music and holiday parties throughout the season.
7. Does Timberline Mountain provide lessons and equipment rentals?
Yes, the resort provides ski and snowboard lessons for people of all ages and abilities. For individuals who still need their equipment, rentals are provided.
8. How much snow falls at Timberline Mountain Ski Resort?
The resort receives 180 inches of snow annually, guaranteeing that tourists may enjoy superb skiing and snowboarding throughout the season. In addition, the resort has snowmaking facilities to ensure adequate covering even during milder winters.