WV POW DAY (BEG ski touring/XC skiing/snowshoeing)

OVERVIEW

Guys. What a winter we’re having. The snow has actually stuck around in Cville for far longer than the usual muddy 48 hours, and it is absolutely. Freaking. Puking. in the Alleghenies. Teets and I were out there last weekend skiing 10 inches of truly blower pow, and we could not be more stoked to get back.

To take advantage of this once-in-several-years snowpack, we implore you: skip your Friday classes, call in to work sick, and ditch your responsibilities. Live your best ski bum life. (Easy for us to say as second semester fourth years but you get the gist).

We are planning on heading out to Canaan Valley, West Virginia to ski at White Grass. This will be an opportunity for all to try out various winter activities. Teets and I will be on alpine touring setups, but we will also be accommodating anyone who wants to try XC skiing or snowshoeing (both of which are available in the gear room). If the club runs out of either, they are both also available to rent for cheap: https://whitegrass.com/about/rates/.

It is important to note that while this is a beginner-friendly trip, there will be some degree of figuring it out as you go. This will depend on the activity you choose and who else signs up. Max and I will be able to give lots of tips if you’re ski touring, but only have a general understanding of XC skiing or snowshoeing. Regardless, the snow should be amazing and it will be a great time whatever your skill level. Also note that due to the varying nature of the different activities, groups will likely split off at some point in the day.

It’s an almost 3-hour drive, so I’d like to get a nice early departure from Charlottesville. With multiple cars we could probably allow some to come later, but here’s the plan –
7:00am: Depart Cville
9:45am: Arrive at White Grass
10:15am: Head out to ski, starting together and eventually splitting by activity
4-5pm: Reconvene at the lodge, pay for tickets, have a beer
7:30-8:30pm: Arrive in Cville

You should bring –
Appropriate layers: layer to adapt to different temperatures as you climb/descend, both down insulation and a windproof shell are recommended
Food: lunch and trail snacks
Water: 2-3 liters
Appropriate footwear: if you’re touring you should know what to bring for your setup, if XC skiing you will wear XC ski boots, if snowshoeing hiking boots work well
Poles & helmet if needed
Change of shoes for the car
Daypack
Money: day-use pass is $25
High level of stoke

Note: We need drivers! Specifically, any 4-wheel drivetrain is preferred (AWD, 4WD, 4×4). Drivers will get priority off the waitlist, and be fully reimbursed for gas expense plus a 50% tip. Come with a full tank.