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Wild Bill Moore 1979 Canaan Valley State Park

snowing, flowing beer and soaking up the good times. oh yeah! just wanted to thank you and the crew at whitegrass for such a bad-ass jack frost party and super first weekend of winter fun! not only did we sled the farm, but we skied all the way up to bald knob, and we got to see our groomed lines in sawmill bowl start to fill in with snow. you have created a special thing out there. can't wait for more!- dan...

Archives...Grass Is Always Whiter On The Other Side- joannie* Joyce said you must be fortunate to know so many desperate skiers * Humans were never meant to hibernate * I used the wet spots for climbing skins David Lysy * this is the most thoughtful place from the bird feeders, the shelters, prayer flags, nature posters...the whole thing * Black wooly worms do not lie! Paul * mid atlantic inferiority complex is getting snowed over * anybody can ski when the weather is nice...Dave Markgraf * Loving the wv island of march paradise * I don't know what you're doing in 20 years yet I want to either volunteer or work here * when you go from snowboarding to xc skiing you increase your edge factor by 400% Jamie * Hope you survive this winter. It has to have been about a three month buzzz zzzzz zzzzz. Ged Smith *WG IS AN ICON BOTH OF BLISSFUL NOSTALGIA AND BRIGHT POSSIBILITY Greg Dailey * You'll look up and wonder why you were cutting so high this spring Micky * We have a new annual vacation...WG Chris * short people make snow deeper Brent * there's glide out there...it's just real slow Tony Barnes * Best public place on the planet Cory B * started out alone and was immediatly skiing with eight friends Mark Anderson * never seen so many people with smiles on their faces Jon Thompson * White Grass Ski It If You Want Tony Barnes * need to move WG closer to Michigan it's a brutal drive Dave from Detriot * Lady's Man at Wg...Another day, another foot of snow, another shot of Morgan Chase with a couple of lovelys. Jon Yoder * no friends on powder day unless they have your sandwiches Adam Chase * I was here 50" ago Curtis * I've been snowboarding for a few years....will you have me back? Will * Hey - you stole all of our snow!!!...Congratulations. Must be great there, say hi to Dickie for me. Steve Hindman, Stevens Pass,WA * I wanna go down without goin' up Aaron * the most fun ever had without a motor Robbie * WG is like a secret fishin' hole, only tell the good good friends. Tom and Julie * Stonecaol Flats looked like an early episode of Star Trek Jamie Mulligan * Don't hit as many trees goin' up Jamie Chenowith * Saw Lester come up Falls Overlook with the big groomer and thought I was at Canaan Brad Moore * This is one of the most therapeutic places in the world Nelson * Of course there's no control, its nordic skiing Ryan * It's a rain shadow on all four sides...Tom Breach * The most legal fun you can have Jeff Hazel * Maybe we won't see the ground 'til April Ed Rader * My annual winter testament of faith is getting my WG season pass Carl * Skiing in the snow is way better than riding in the rain Joey Riddle * If tele made sense they'd do it in Europe * Next time the skiing is this good just put a big star with fireworks on the web page Tom * The only problem is that the webcam is showing me all the great snow that I am missing. It makes me sad to be sitting here in my office watching those flags whip around in the snowy wind. We'll be making a run for the mountains very soon marc * This year we offered ULLR a pair of skis that belonged to a friend we lost a while back to cancer. He was a fanatic skier and absolutely would have approved. ULLR must have liked them- 30' plus in the PA Laurel Highlands in the last 8 days and its still bombing! Steve Waugaman * I've got a Whitegrass hangover.......only problem is......I know the only cure is to come back for more!!!!!Love and miss you guys! ter * I remember you from a visit in the early 80's and I was very pleased that White Grass had the same character two decades later. Jim Barnes * Enjoy The SNow...What the hell am I doing in the office….counting the hours until I get up there! Paul S. Magness *Andrew from Brisbane, Australia said....Chip, you've converted me to an uphill skier * what happened to the snowfarm...did it disappear? Robert J. * looks like fairyland out there * WG is always good, just usually not this good * if it wasn't for televised sports the rivers and trails would be far too crowded * no one cares if you tele mad river glen sticker * I love Canaan...I bought a Subaru Matthew Goff * Heading out there this weekend, and the next, and the next, and the next....as long as you got this snow.... keep on skiing in the free world! Kevin Jones * Roll out the white carpet for him... I'll bet you are enjoying all the crystal water. Jim Snyder * The allure of the high allegheny mountains still is strong for me. Best from an old admirer -- there simply is no place like White Grass, even here in New England. I have great memories of hikes in Colorado, but some of my most clear and vivid memories are of skiing Dolly Sods and of White Grass and the fantastic group of people you gathered there. Trent Batson * Fern Gully is now a super highway for the soul Robbie the groomer * Hard to ski with an umbrella Asher * I can't wait to see the other 95% of the WG trails * The best in Scottish conditions Jeff * I matched a personal record....only a four fall run down Fern Gully Harley * better go ski may melt tomorrow Randy French * So utterly, entirely, completely, intensity, anticipating Whitegrass to glide on! Alan Grubb * why can't skis just be part of your body? Chris Brown * I got him a new pair of xc skis for his 70th birthday! Sue Dovell * I never met an alpine skier that used to tele * My 9 yr old daughter LOVED Whitegrass and xc skiing and said, “Mommy, it feels like I’ve known all the Whitegrass people all my life!” She can’t WAIT to come back! Lynn Grasso * where the warm and welcoming atmosphere inside was the perfect end to a great day Beth * What could we bring to contribute to the shot ski? Jim Stewart * Nowhere else does the groomer bring fire and moonshine Rick Van Noy * Here’s a few of our favorite internet radio links: www.wwoz.org * www.mvyradio.com & www.wunc.org Connie* Brew Pub Live Music * xc snowboarding parody...martin * chaga mushroom ...great info about it * First Frost Pool 10/ 6 winners Kurt & Jim Baczuk / First Snow 10/17 Pete Kepner / Total Snowfall Guesstimations from 135" to 300" *Laurie is baking cakes, cookies, and other yummies for Trail Mix * Off Piste * The ChipperCHase Article.pdf

Ground Zero

Finally Ullr provides! It was great hanging at White Grass this weekend, best place to ski for the natural experience! There was not a drop of powder at T-line on Sunday and the Grass was loaded! Thanks for the hospitality. Let's hope the weather will cooperate and I will see you soon. Best, Ed pics by Paul Sullivan, both from beautiful Floyd, VA

We made it to White Grass twice this winter and had fresh lovely snow both times. Ullr has smiled on us! The powder was fantastic! Thought you might enjoy some photos from the weekend. Thanks for all you and your staff do to make White Grass the splendid place it is! Chris, Tom, John, and Jesse Hong

Good times, good snow, good winds, good livin' and good friends Marc

Watching the Grammys tonight and can't help think about how you must be rollin in the deep with Adele's performance! And of course you are rollin in the deep with snow. Jerry and I are following your updates online and are so happy that Mother Nature is cooperating.  We plan to come back before the season is over.  Jerry wants to ski that mountain – you have to take him.  Emily

What comes first snow or smiles? Answer: Smiles. Snow just makes them bigger.Glad to see the big smiles at W.G. Peacefully waiting for snow. David, Vermont, USA

WV Mac Daddy's Whitegrass Cache *** This is in a rock field that has some loose rocks so be careful even the big ones are questionable. There is a 1,000 ft plus altitude climb! There is a myriad of scenery fields, cliffs and wooded views. This is a big ammo container with a travel bug and a special geocoin that wants to go to only higher elevations so do not take it unless it is going higher than 4,352 ft and that will not be easy! This is a fun cache that is pretty much on trails. I took the Bald Knob trail from Canaan Valley ski area the location is N 39.00.656 W 079 26.387. Once you get to the wonderful view of Bald Knob continue over to the top of Whitegrass on the top trails. The rest of the walk is very nice with walks through ferns and thickets. Take at least 2 hours on this one kids in good shape can do this one. After you find the cache keep going on the cabin mountain trail to get to the tippy top of the mountain the gigantic field at the top is awesome. On my way back once again I ran into a big black friend she had two cubs and roared at me but after I scampered up the hill already very tired she left me alone. If someone can tell me what kind of tree is at N 39.00.581 W 079 26.245 I would love to know kind of tree this is, its right on the way up in the first flat walk after the parking lot, this is one of the largest trees I have seen east of the Mississippi. Enjoy the cache who will be FTF Ratman Cteam who knows lets have a meet and greet soon WV MacDaddy

Hoping winter is NOT over...maybe come up next weekend! Sid

bb biathlon international official results / Blizzard Below Zero Wind Chill Conditions Feb 4
sorry some of the kids froze, could not wait and got lost...Ken (Doctor Biathlon) was in Jackson,WY
bib # 39 Ethan Grave Age:5 dnf
#31 Andre Thornton Age 10 8:15 8 Hits 7:35 adj time Place 1
#54 Emma Meaninsh Age: 7 dnf
#10 Roland Moylan Age: 9 8:44 7 Hits 8:09 adj time Place 2

Brewstel Mac and Andre

USFS: JESUS STATUE CAN STAY AT MONTANA RESORT Montana's mountaintop Jesus can stay at Big Mountain ski resort - for now, according to published reports. The religious statue, which has been on federal land since 1955, was allowed to remain in place for at least 10 more years after the U.S. Forest Service reversed its eviction order last week. The initial decision came amid heated debate over the separation of church and state.
The agency had faced a firestorm of criticism from religious groups, the state's congressman and residents after it decided last year to boot the Jesus statue from its hillside perch in the trees above Whitefish. After the agency's about-face, opponents promised a lawsuit within the week. They argue the statue's free placement on federal land is unconstitutional. Forest Service supervisor Chip Weber said the revised decision took into account that the statue is eligible for placement on National Register of Historic Places, and that no substantive concerns related to environmental conditions were found in about 95,000 comments received by the agency. The latest decision renews a 10-year special-use permit for the Knights of Columbus Council, whose members placed the statue there.

VERMONT'S MAGIC MOUNTAIN REACHES FUNDING GOAL After a nearly two-year campaign soliciting loyal skiers to buy shares at $3,000 a pop, Magic Mountain is finally a cooperatively owned ski area, according to published reports. The southern Vermont ski area has hit its goal of 300 shareholders, giving management access to the $900,000 raised during the campaign, which will go toward snow making and other infrastructure projects. The sale of the 300th share triggered a change in ownership from the family that owns the resort to a partnership that includes shareholders and Magic president Jim Sullivan. Magic's inability to cover trails with man-made snow has kept the small ski area from thriving, especially during dry winters like this one.

Lack Of Lakes Ice looking at last year...

Dear White Grass Café Staff! Thank you for making this past Saturday evening very special for the Amstutz-Forehand Families. Special thanks to everyone especially JoJo for the kindness and Sheena for being such a wonderful server. We are still in awe of you Sheena for remembering Renee's seed allergies. WOW!!!! You all provide everyone with such a memorable experience and your kindness and attention to detail is especially appreciated. You make memories for all who are fortunate enough to share your good graces. We have been coming to White Grass for the past 7 years, and even though our children are 15, some of their happiest moments in life have been made during our annual trip to White Grass. Thank you ever so much!! Best wishes for the rest of the season! Richard Amstutz, Eagle Rock, Va.

only a poet with a neurotic compulsion for
control would try to embrace snow in the alphabet,
an impossible task since snow is no more
nameable or tameable in words than I can shovel
the snow in my back yard back into the sky
Wislawa Szymborska

Cindy Phillips

sent by La Fontaine Bakery Europe cold appropriate for the "crop" on the snowfarm Richard

sent by David Crossley, Duxbury, VT Dolly Sods Ground Hog's Day

Mt Sopris, CO sent by old timey WG staffer Russ Kennedy (NSS Nat'l Convention)

New Venue / Freeland Road The name Chinook is an American Indian word that is translated as "snow-eater."

White Grass a LOTTA FUN even without snow! Just a quick note to thank you for helping to make our (snowless) week in Canaan Valley so much fun. The hike up to and views from Bald Knob were spectacular. It's the first winter we could hang out up there for more than 5 minutes. Definitely worth the trip. Of course, the Adele video was an added bonus, and singing & dancing along—priceless. Enjoy the rest of the winter. Best, Plum and Mike "To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong." Joseph Chilton Pearce

As always, we had a great time hanging around White Grass Saturday and Sunday, despite the heavy dirt cover. Here are a few pics of the nature walk on Sunday. See you again in two weeks. Marc

Thanks for everything. Chuck Critchfield

Megan

Swan Mtns. Bill Love

Again, thanks for showing the outdoor club an awesome time! Those kids had a blast! And, as always, so did I! I hope to make it at least one more time before the season is over! I'll be doin' a fire-snow dance for you! Sending you snow angels, Carrie

Just back from an amazing trip to Utah and Juneau AK. Don't tell: but Alaska is where all the snow is. Here are some wintery pictures until winter makes its way down to WV. Daniel F. Kirkwood

Stumbled across this sweet painting of early nordic skiing. Evan Erbe

Head is still ringing from the ride back - rough but so more than worth it. Thanks for sharing such a -- add every superlative in the world here -- thing called White Grass. There is magic hiding in every corner of the place. Thanks again. David Crossley, Duxbury,VT (tele pic by Kate Preston, on far right...)

5 Km Snowshoe Race Jan 22 * WV Mtn Trail Runners Coverage

Hey Chip, Saw your snow search video in the Nat Nord. I can't wait to join you up there some day soon! Snow comes and goes but our memories with each other never melt. Eric Erbe

Greetings from Charlottesville, VA! Just wanted to send you some snow:) This photo was taken January 2010 at White Grass - one of my favorites. May the snowflakes be many in the coming weeks. Hope to see you guys soon, Susan

Set of Whitegrass skis makes their way to Chicago. 3 year old Eva makes her debut run on the Chicago powder powered with boards from Whitegrass! Hopefully we will get her to the real Grass next winter. Be ready for more orders from Chi Town, Kristin is spreading the word! Best Joe Hovious

Chppie doesn't come on here too often, but many of us are really liking the rossi evo trail for trail skiing at whitegrass. Of course the Chase boys can rip on anything anywhere. The madshus skis now have the old omnitrack pattern I consider the best kick and glide pattern. There are several models to chose from, I liked the Cadence when I gave it a spin. I also tried the Alpina Woodie which is a metal edged trail skis that fits in the track. My skate skis are atomic, but I've never tried any of there no-wax skis. Stro...from facebook

may be snow covered so we recommend driving a snow worthy vehicle. Hope to see you here this weekend. Crystal Lake Ski Center,PA

What a great weekend at Whitegrass. It is always my dreamworld come true. Thanks for making it happen over there. Snowfarm was incredible, you are the Master. Scott Pleban

Our family had a blast last weekend. The weather dialed up perfectly. Looks like it could happen again. Fingers crossed. Jay loves his "new" skis and is climbing hills well when he remembers to ski like he is peeing in the toilet. C ya soon, Matt

thanks for the best weekend this winter yet! Skip

White Grass even shows up towards the end as a little white building in the distance under a parade of billowing clouds. Enjoy :) Best wishes, and we'll see you 'round in 2012! Vicky and Eric

would like to set up a lesson for myself and three boys, ages 13/10/10 on Sat, 1/21. My 13 year old son and I took lessons last year from an older gent on your staff who was the best instructor I've ever had in any sport. I hope he's working Saturday! We have a few more in our group, too, but not sure their intentions yet. ...thanks! Mark

MLK weekend at WG

Dear Laurie and Crew, Thank you for a great meal and great service. Everyone was appreciative of the food, drinks, and service. Hope the rest of 2012 winter season goes well. Again, a thank you to each of your crew Sarah Fletcher/ Friends of Mtn Top Library

To the whole gang, thanks for all your expertise in the field of x country skiing & the joy of living. Ethan dug the bb biathlon...this card was a depiction of the valley from last December. Aimee & Ethan

But I have to tell you that Diane is the one who spotted the Lio about Step 1: Get Snow.and said I should send it to you! She thinks, optimistically, about Whitegrass all the time. We have kept our weekend clear in case something turns up--or comes down. Cheers, Harley

Thanks again for advice on camping spots and with gear. We had a memorable trip. I think all 16 of the boys would make the trek again, which is saying a lot considering the cold! Chris

Mike and Cassie Sheer

We had a blast! Beechlick was silky smooth and Falls Overlook was fast and FUN!!!!! Fabulous network of trails and friends, we smiled the whole way home. WE LOVE WHITE GRASS!!!!! Jeanne and JT Sutton

Purple suit purple pow alert John Bolecek follow chip

It is a great ski at all that was missing was a hug from you.. I hope all is well. Best! Erika

Vic

Just renewing friendships made the drive over worthwhile. The dinner at the WG Cafe put it over the top. And the unexpectedly good snow was just "ice"-ing on the cake. Al Larsen, Arlington VA

Rock on Chip!Your spirit lives on with us all year long.We can't wait to be back!Here's a one last little Hipstamatic batch for your archives....Have a great season! Peace, Rodrigo

Whitegrass should be top of the list...go there only if you want to be disappointed when you try somewhere else. FREE THE HEELS! feedback found online

Here's to getting more snow soon... you do a good job with whatever comes your way. Good thing you have the strongest following of any Cross Country ski area in North America ( the world maybe ) ... You'll be fine no matter what... cause you have it right. Dickie NATO

Randy Johnson, Smokies of NC on facebook

Dorothy's first time skiing on snow @ 22 months (she had been practicing on the kitchen floor) looking forward to coming back and seeing you again soon! Sully

LAWSUIT FILED TO BLOCK HOMEWOOD RESORT DEVELOPMENT : A federal lawsuit was filed recently to block a controversial plan that would turn the Homewood Mountain Resort at Lake Tahoe into a posh winter and summer mecca, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. The Sierra Club and Friends of the West Shore sued the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and Placer County for approving what they called "an ill-conceived, inadequately studied, and environmentally-disruptive development." The $250 million project by San Francisco's JMA Ventures includes a four-story hotel, ski-in condominiums, two lodges, a swimming pool, underground parking and retail space. It was approved by the planning agency last month. If built, it would be the biggest hotel on the west shore since 1901. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Sacramento, says the development would, among other things, increase traffic on two-lane Highway 89, worsen air pollution and spew runoff into the lake, which is directly across the street from the resort. Read more at http://bit.ly/yn0hxl.In related news, Homewood announced a cutback in its schedule, which will close the slopes Mondays through Thursdays, "until snow conditions permit full operations or further notice," but will keep them open Fridays through Sundays.

New Mexico one of the few NA locations getting more than average snowfall this winter so far. Richard and Lindsay

The Friends of Blackwater's North Fork Watershed Project is hosting their 3rd annual holiday open house and raffle to benefit the Davis Food Pantry. The raffle drawing will be held Saturday January 14th at 6:30pm at the Hypno Coffee in Davis, following an open house from 12-6 at our office located next door.

It was good seeing you guys again over the holidays, and I'm glad I got to take my kids over to enjoy their first taste (literally) of White Grass! Our 9 month old loved the show, thanks for the hospitality. I thought you might enjoy the attached photos of Caroline Ballash clapping along to the music on Thursday 12/29! Oh, and our son Park loved it too and loves his new White Grass Frisbee! Wishing for snow, Adam Ballash

BB Biathlon Results Jan 7
1. David Brehl Age:9 Time: 8:23 Hits: 9 Adjusted Time 7:38
2. Christopher Brown Age: 7 Time: 9:38 Hits:7 Adj Time:9:03
3. Gregory Gilmore Age: 9 Time 10:22 Hits: 4 Adj Time: 10:02
4. Ethan Grahe-Cody Age: 5 Time: 28:20 Hits:4 Adj Time: 28:00

We made it to Whitegrass! Adam sorted me out with a pulk and some snow shoes. The wife and kids had a great time. Lovely place you have up there. Nice food in the cafe.I will recommend your place to people when I head back to NC and the UK next year. Might see you tomorrow to free the heel for and hour or two. My family and I made it to Whitegrass again today. Tony hooked me up with some backcountry skis and boots. I had never tried skis with fish scales but they worked great. Cracked a few of the trails and practiced some telemark turns on the hill. My wife a children enjoyed a coffee or two in your cafe. We had a great lunch too. Whitegrass is cracking. We really enjoyed it. Thanks! Jon Lindsey

Thanks for a great dinner! Angie Ron and Anne Ulle

Mandy Sullivan

Dolomites: Alpe di Suisi in north Italy, enjoying fresh snow, fantastic scenery, and dreaming of Whitegrass! See you soon! Ray Phaneuf & Cristina Loglio

Our first time out this season in a Leesburg, VA park late October 2011. The boys WG boots were small since they'd grown from last winter, so Sam (on left) voluntarily went sockless. Both were stoked to get new gear today and try it out on their second ski day this year, at Whitegrass. Peace, Paul Hess

sent by Betty Gatewood

Everything I know about skiing I learned on White Ecstasy Tony Barnes Tony B.

Lindsay/ Kid's Clinic Jan 7

Canaan Ski Area is 40

Last Year 125 skiable days November - April with 216" snow along with 266 loyal season passers. Credit to our pal Ullr, Canadian Great Lakes Northwestly Flow, and You!

Mark Bandy Hope On The Slopes

The passing of our fine pal Brian Bry is felt deeply in the hills of West Virginia's Nordic ski community and White Grass this morning. Many of us grew up skiing the hills of Trail Head learning from him the secrets of freeing the heels. He made the long trek south to ski with us and I can remember every stride and the white outs in the Dolly Sods where we found refuge behind a slab of sandstone that day. Brian, smooth sailing my brother and our love goes out to the family and friends that join me in saying good bye for the last time. Chipper Chase, Canaan Valley, WV

Todd

It's nice to be important but it's more important to be nice. Sent by Susie Mullens

Vic Moore Visit Canaan.com Robbie

Looks like some fun snow has arrived..know you are having a blast and making everyone's Whitegrass experience super fantastic. We are blasting Adele and i sent the CD of her concert to my step dad for his birthday.The kids are still talking about you and all the people there, the cafe and wanting to get back on skis. Thanks for everything! Caroline Atkinson You all made our week and you and your family are an inspiration and with this goin on in the world there is not only hope but a for sure we are bound for glory! Ski together and everything else is a cinch. Love! chipper

YAY!!!! Make snow, farm snow, pack snow, groom snow, snow ice creme, snow men (and women), snow cones, snow chains, snow gumbo, snow scampi,...Matt Haverty/Mt Top Realty

Dude! Great walk. Loved it. Martin

Thanks, Whitegrass for a wonderful, healing, re-centering time had by myself on Wednesday, Dec. 28. I am so grateful that I have discovered your little space on our planet! You have made a difference in my life...I will be back. John Cantrell... John, We get all our love and energy from folks like you and simply pass it on. Bless your heart! chip

Cabin Mountain and sky were all dressed up in Winter’s finest. Joe

Our local treasure no matter the weather is the local Purple Fiddle, AMAZ ING intimate shows, way to go John Bright!

It is an idiosyncratic species, the Mad River Glen skier, and among its distinguishing features, pride leavened with self-effacing humor is its most endearing. That, and the bumper stickers. The pride is deserved. This little bauble of a ski area is arguably the most challenging in North America. But like a New England blue blood's thrifty chic, she's a little frayed at the edges, her base area buildings showing the trials of time, and her main lift up the mountain is a nose-thumbing single chair. We do things our way, that chair says, and that's the way we like them. The fact that Mad River Glen is even alive is a tribute to a New England resolve as obdurate as the granite bedrock of Vermont's Green Mountains. Its iconic bumper sticker, worn like a badge of honor, challenges in bold red letters: SKI IT IF YOU CAN — a far cry from most modern resorts' back-bending efforts to alleviate any trace of discomfort or anxiety for their guests. Bucking every ski-industry trend, its handful of owners over six decades have kept this singular ski area true to a simple set of beliefs: Skiing is a sport, not a business; a mountain should remain as close to its natural state as possible; presnowcat trail cutters knew what they were doing; and all focus should be on the mountain, not the amenities.

Bill Love little crow tracks are bigger in Montana

White Grass XC by Crede * Dickie Hall * Kids Fun * Freakystylie WG * Ruthie's Ski Hash Movie * Morganizing SNow.avi by Anne Jones * suespringer2/3 * chipskisunset* tommyspringertele * Groundhogskiers * WildPoniesski * robbazookarun.mpg * saunahollowdrift.mpg* Kelly Dunn MarchVaTeleSki * Low Snow WG

Go Athey! by Todd

I am finally finished with my presentation about our climb of Denali last spring. Takes about 45 min to an hour. I am happy to present it at Whitegrass some weekend coming up. Scott Pleban

Marc and Kara

US woman skiers are already off to a great start! Kikkan Randall captured the title at the World Cup sprint races in Dusseldorf Germany the first week in December. Sarah Hendrickson became the first American woman to win a World Cup ski jumping event, this one in Lillehammer, Norway. Also, alpine skier Lindsey Vonn has already won two Downhill Championships in Alberta, Canada. And Bodi Miller has a WC silver medal already too.

ASPEN AND VAIL TOP LIST OF PRICEY SINGLE-DAY LIFT TICKETS : The Aspen Skiing Co. raised its lift ticket price on Friday, back to its highest in history, according to published reports. The walk-up, single-day ticket is $104; a buck lower than Vail, which is charging $105 for the last-minute purchase. Vail appears to be the winner of ski resorts in charging the most for one day of skiing. One day at Aspen or whole season at WG about same price!

We do hope that White Grass will send the special message to the upper atmospheres for Santa to drop just a foot of snow - that is all that we are wishing for! Looking forward to seeing the Whitegrassers, Elena and family

We rallied again for another epic trek into the Colo. backcountry. Ullr offered northface granular glisse. Moonlight Meadows won best wax track and best vista. Thanks, Dan, for another excellent Hut Trip. Geo Bello

SNOWMAKING IN CRAFTSBURY, VT EARLIER THIS WINTER

Climbing great Tom Cecil setting up new routes off his boat in Hopeville Canyon,WV

Chipper , Hope all is well. I saw this in a Dec 1966 copy of "West Virginia Conservation", a small monthly magazine (subscription $1/yr) that used to be published by the WV DNR. See you soon.Tom Nutter

"My ski bases are grooving" Dave Neff after hitting more CO granite in the thin backcountry this early December

Paul Sully

Freaky STyle WG If you've ever skied White Grass this video makes complete sense! The kind of place you might want to plan your entire winter around.

This was my first Jack Frost--and it was a blast! I thought you might like to see a few of the photos from the party: We'll be back in the area for New Year's. Bring on the snow! Andrew

Emma was so disappointed in October when she went out to ski and her boots no longer fit! But we just stopped by the other day, traded up to a bigger size, and then she went right outside and took off skiing with a BIG smile on her face! She skied off down to the hut and was puzzled when she couldn't find the "treasure box". I had to explain that Chip and the gang were still getting things ready. I think she'd like to volunteer to help with restocking some of the "treasure boxes" this winter! See you soon - Shannon

We are a community of warriors. See the schedule at www.mountainyoga.blogspot.com Thanks!- Anne R. Farmer, RYT

Here is a link to video featuring Adam doing some climbing and longboarding, it is part of a national video contest of state parks "Blackwater Falls State Park" by Nora Sheridan. Athey Lutz

Marc /Dolly Sods

MARYLAND’S ONLY SKI RESORT CONSIDERS OPTIONS The owners of Wisp Resort, MD, said they're considering selling the landmark property to resolve financial problems linked to a slide in home construction around nearby Deep Creek Lake, according to published reports. Karen Myers said selling Wisp – the only ski resort in the state - is the last option she and her partners in DC Development LLC would pursue to repay more than $23 million to BB&T Corp. of Winston-Salem, NC. They're also seeking new investors in their businesses. She said Wisp is in no danger of closing.The resort isn't directly involved in the financial dispute, which stems from slower-than-expected sales of home sites in DC Development's nearby Lodestone golf-course community. Wisp is run by another company, Recreational Industries Inc., also owned by Myers and partners Gary Daum and Steven Richards. Myers said there's little demand these days for subdivisions with just home sites. Wisp, on the other hand, is a profitable business with $16 million in annual sales, state-of-the-art snowmaking equipment and features that drew 195,000 skier visits last season, said General Manager Tim Prather. Since its founding in 1955, Wisp has made Maryland's westernmost county a year-round tourist destination. Vacation homes, some worth millions, ring the 3,600-acre lake. The ski resort is the county's sixth largest employer with a work force that swells from 225 in the summer to 650 in the winter.

Tool

Hopefully earthquakes and hurricanes are precursors to tremendous amounts of Snow! We'll surely be there for trail work in the Fall... Cheers, Annie and Kyle

70" for the year if it's gonna rain...

Joe Henry

Accu Latest Predictions

You're reply triggered a nice memory I have of my 1st Jack Frost (1995). I remember it being kinda ethereal-lots of stars as we stood around the bonfire, and strangers (at least I was) talking as if they'ed known each other for a long time. And the next day we all skied up to Baldy & back, and it was the first time you and I had a conversation (you told me your story of Whitegrass Knob, VA, to Canaan Valley). Mike Gorrie

Good times and new friends. martin

Chip & Crew,Thanks for a WONDERFUL time this past weekend! Had a BLAST. The music this year was off the hook! Rod CV Patrol Mill Creek Saw Shop * The Carpenter Ants at Jack Frost! Whew! I loved it! jdp

Jack Frost party. Wonderful as always, and with the addition of the band it just topped it all. Still a bit sore from hours of dancing. Haven't had that much fun in a long time. Let it snow now - I'm soooo ready! Much love always Gisela (Chris Good, Todd, and Gis were in the steeps all day Sunday nippin' n' tuckin')
What a noble use of energy and effort. Here's to your Thirtieth Jack Frost and a big honkin bowl of thank you for all the Whitegrass tours, treats, turns and grins. You keep the nord flame burning so brightly. I'll be there is spirit this weekend and look forward to skiing with you later on.  Ski hard, play fair, have fun, and get back in the woods where you belong. Love, Dickie NATO

Over 1000 hours and counting. Never been better on the trails. You'll love the improvements and THANKS TO ALL THE WORKERS!

Much of the property White Grass skis is within the The Highland View Farm owned by Randall Reed. He has been presented a Century Farm Award for continuously farming the same tract for at least 100 years.
Lindsey Reed, his father, bought the first tract in Canaan in 1908 and came from a family that has farmed in WV for four generations. "We have to preserve farms someway, somehow, and provide the means for farms to be productive" stated Ed Michael.

No trees anywhere, so in the back country you can just pick a direction and go. I was there (along with Olympic team members from Russia, Poland, and Slovakia) for the annual Merino Muster race. Strat Douglas/NZ

Friend Chris B. writes the text Morgan is on the road

Larry Camp

it seems a one- to two-week period of more substantial cold will settle into the Northeast during week two and three of December. Weather Channel

Carla and Randy Kesling

My mom loves Whitegrass. When I was making the wreaths she said it reminded her of when she as a teenager. Ken Cremer

Crocketts from Athens, OH slaving away in new glades

Ketih Strausbaugh

Mark and Betty Gatewood

Checking WG site every few days, counting the snow flakes. All I can say is: can't wait, can't wait, can't wait! Ready to make any necessary sacrifices to snow gods for this winter. Maybe a burning of ill-informed wooly bears? Love, Elisa and Jim

Engrossing history of Helvetia,WV Modern telephone service did not arrive until 1966. * Nov 23: Pickens, WV (1950) Maximum snowfall from a single storm (state) A total of 57.0 inches.

go from mowin' the lawn to mowin' the tele glades Rich Spence ski gardener * I think its fantastic that you and all us worker bees have turned Old Weiss Knob into the most varied XC terrain anywhere. Ken Cremer

Halloween weekend at Big Meadows Jeff Salem the boys at the Nut

Are you a resort skier concerned about the immense amounts of fuel and energy used for snowmaking, grooming, heating lodges, and running lifts to make your sport happen?

LET IT SNOW! NOVEMBER 22ND 5:02 PM We are looking forward to Mother Nature Developing some SNOW for our Trails this Thanksgiving Holiday! Our snow guns were fired up this morning! We look forward to a wonderful winter season of skiing, snowshoeing & hitting the Backcountry! Season Passes have an early discount until November 29th Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe,VT

QUEBEC WILL BE ONLY HELI-SKI DESTINATION IN EASTERN NA : In January, Massif du Sud in Quebec will become the only downhill area in Eastern North America offering helicopter skiing and snowboarding, according to published reports. The area's operators still are refining the program, but say there will be helicopter departures from at least three venues: the base of the mountain, a heli-pad in downtown Montreal and La Cache à Maxime, a nearby resort. Besides the new Héli-Safari, which will take skiers into the backcountry, Massif du Sud already offers a Catski Safari. Massif du Sud is about 3,000 feet above sea level, making it the highest elevation lift-serviced skiing in Quebec, although it is not the highest vertical drop.

"The story explores the fact that there still are many places in the world where mythical and long believed extinct creatures still exist. The characters and dialogue breathe fresh life into this exciting and excellently crafted tale." Thanks for your support, Mike Esola THE ICE GORILLA BOOK

Birkebeiner in Durham! We Meyer/Salazars thought you just might appreciate Izzy's Halloween costume this year. Note the skis on her back which she carried all night! See you in January. peace, Sarah and Teddy

Refuge Photo Contest

About White Grass Touring Center : Steep, rugged, wide, groomed, glades galore, twisty, curvy, mountain tops filled with wind, wilderness in all directions, trails of every description going everywhere. Exciting challenging ski terrain nearing its 50th year of providing the snowiest southern Appalachian nirvana. Laid back coffeehouse atmosphere coupled with a famous natural foods cafe makes it hard to even want to go outside and ski.

Storm only dropped 10-15" (versus the 24-37" predicted, sigh) but still gave us sufficient coverage. Saturday skinned up to Cardiff Pass and skied Cardiff Bowl and Hellgate Cliffs a couple of times, climbed over Cardiff Peak and then down Two Trees to Snowbird See you at Jack Frost! Richard

If you can't take the heat, lie down in the kitchen! Thanks for a fun day yesterday! See you Tuesday....Love, Linnie

Dear Whitegrass, First of all, let me say how much fun a friend and I had skiing there last Feb. It was 50 degrees in Harrisonburg, VA and snowing at Whitegrass! Amazing. I've convinced my family to come with me this year, and I am looking for some used XC skis for myself and my wife. I was wondering if you all had some leftover from the previous season, or if they have all been sold. We are looking for basic touring xc skis, nothing fancy. Let me know. I'd much rather support you all then some online retailer...Thanks! Jon Spicher

She's always at her sparkly energetic best at Whitegrass, and I think the rest of us are right there with her. No matter what, we'll be there a lot this winter. See you soon, Aaron, Jana, Emma and Violet

Good Fiddle show w/ Uncle Lucius

" I hate cross county skiing" overheard from a Texas Band but we good vibed them anyway, they don't know WG yet, give them credit

WG hat and Jack entering Denali

What Those WG Stickers Stand For : Here is a list of some of the many possible things that those WG stickers can represent. This is everything I've been able to think of this past week. Now you go think up some more.
General: welcome guests
warm greetings
wistful goodbyes
wide grins
wax 'n glide
woolen garments
well-used gear
windy gusts
winter gales
weird goings-on
winding glades
woody groves
Weiss Gnob
weird 'n gnarly

Types of people you meet at White Grass: wily guides
weather gods
whiskered gnomes
wizened geezers
wild gals
wise guys
wacky goofballs
wurldly groomers
WARPED GENIUS
wingding goers - at Jack Frost
Wavy Gravy (in spirit)
wobbly galoots
wolves 'n grizzlies (well, maybe not)

Trail maintenance weekends: wandering glade-iators
work groups
worn gloves
weathered gates
wet gaiters

White Grass Cafe: wholesome goodness
whole grains
wondrous gastronomy

Trip planning meeting overheard in White Grass Lodge: What gives?
Wanna go?
Who's going?
We're going!
Wow, great!
Wayta go!
Worries gone!
WE'RE gone! Jack Kangas

Thanks for a fabulous time on Sunday. Glading with Todd was a blast (and a great workout, I might add) - looking forward to checking out the short steep spine we opened up below barton's bend. I'll send pictures from Utah this weekend. Some Colorado College friends started Sweetgrass Productions a couple of years back and have been making some of the most incredible ski movies - all without helicopters or snowmobiles! They've spent the last two years in South America making "Solitaire" and it looks to be epic. Here's the trailer - http://vimeo.com/27216372 - it will be showing at the E Street Cinema in Washington, DC on Wednesday, November 30 at 8pm See you at Jack Frost! Richard

in the morning my crew did some amazing glading around bartons on the existing little shots and opened up a new one down to join the bottom that runs up lookers left of sauna hollow. afternoon was a new shot from tippy top of little wing to skiers left down to the switchback intersection, and then cleaned and widened jack frost to the likes of which i have never seen! Todd

Love the valley. Love the snow. Love to ski. Steve and Susan Dayton - JAX, FL

It's Johnny here, Richard's friend who messed up my ankle there last year and got rescued by your staff, but kept on skiing till the end of the season. As I recall from our conversation, your sister lives in Bennington, VT, where I'm from and learned to ski. It was awesome to see your pics of Prospect Mountain on your website. I talked to the proprietor there, Steve, last winter when I was visiting my hometown and raved to him about Whitegrass. He knew it well but hadn't been there or met you; maybe you two got to connect this time. It's a great place and where I learned to ski! Imagine how surprised I was to learn that you've got the higher elevation there at WG and more snowpack. Than Vermont. Who would have thought? And it was great to see your pictures of the mountain, including I'm pretty sure one of local skinny ski celebrity Birger Vigsnes, the man who taught me how to skinny ski. Small world! Looking forward to a rocking winter at Whitegrass. I might see you this weekend. We're headed out there to do some pruning. Johnny

Whitegrassers would appreciate the cartoon below entitled "Occupy first chair" -- be the 1%. I think WG is more egalitarian than most ski areas though...Richard

Go Todd!

Chipper!! Check this out,in particular the first paragraph: Hope he's right Sarah * People have been asking me about updating the winter forecast. Well, right now, I have nothing new to say about the forecast that I issued a few months ago. I think the snowstorm in October was tipping its hand to where the snow wants to be this year. We are already seeing the pattern for the winter taking shape and some more adjustments and blocking over the next 30 days will line us up for the barrage of winter storms on the Appalachians and Northeast. I think while the core of the cold weather will be across the northern Plains and Great Lakes, the snow will be centered from West Virginia to Maine. ACCU Weather

LL Bean XC Skis * Ski Museum

Fiddle Do Not Missers: Hackensaw Boys 11/19 Furnace Mtn 11/25 Hoots and Hellmouth 11/26, 2/4 Tenth Anniversary Celebration w/ Sim Redmond Band , and 2/18 Dangermuffin

Halloween Weekend

Random Hi from Florida. Mild winter ahead for us. Rollercoaster likely for you guys unlike the last couple of years if I'm reading the weather sign right. Thaws punctuated by big storms looks to be the rule for the central and southern apps this year. I haven't been in WVA since the big snows of March 1999 but I still get my Canaan Valley fix from your website all winter long. I just need a way to like it on Facebook so I can share the snow stoke with my internet friends that might not be on to the snow zen of the Whitegrass Ski Touring Center. I can't say that I hated paddling 20km on the St. Johns River with a light sweat this afternoon but I'm still wishing I was playing in the snow when I look at your site. Plant a paddle in the water, plant a pole in the snow. Don't matter. Just glide. Reid Hyle (in Florida)

Pics from Halloween Snow Fun. Craig

Haven't seen you guys in two years but I check the site every day like I check the sky for the morning sun. Chris Miller

RELIGIOUS STATUE AT MONTANA SKI RESORT FACES EVICTION : A statue of Jesus on US Forest Service land on a hillside over Big Mountain, MT faces potential eviction amid an argument over the separation of church and state, according to published reports. The Forest Service late last week withdrew an initial decision to boot the Jesus statue from its perch in the trees. But as the agency further analyses the situation before making a final decision, it warned that rules and court decisions are stacked against allowing a religious icon on the roughly 86-square-foot patch of land. The statue has been a curiosity to skiers at the famed resort for decades, mystifying skiers at its appearance in the middle of the woods. But the Freedom From Religion Foundation isn't amused, arguing that the Forest Service was breaching separation of church and state rules by leasing the small plot of land for the Jesus statue, and the organization is pushing the agency to stand by its original decision to remove the religious icon.

Bennington, Vt

Similar set up in Vermont, old downhill to cross country Prospect Mtn XC

This was the end-of-season/chili cookoff party at Seneca Rocks. There were so many climbers present that a number of parties were still up on the summit of the South Peak as the sun set. And it takes time to rappel off. You will see in the first half of this video lights from the climbers as they are trying to get down. The bright star-like object that rises within a second of the video starting is Jupiter. The Pleiades (also known as the Seven Sisters, or M45), enters the upper left corner of the field of view at about 0:13. There is no music with this sequence (that'll come in the final movie), and it's only 17 seconds long. Other details noted in the video description on the youtube page. Enjoy! Mk

You won't have to look any further than your own web site to find the inspiration for our new outside wall hanging. We're planning on dropping by one weekend in Nov.for one of the trail days Looking forward to snow! Ron & Anne

Chip Margy's Hut mid December Whitegrasser Jennifer Walker overseas helping others

I usually drive down from Pittsburgh for a few day trips of skiing in January and February, and it's always been great. Kudos on maintaining a great ski area and an authentic lodge. I'm glad you remain personally involved in every aspect of the ski area. Phil

George Mikedes and the new JFC artwork * Countdown to Jack Frost less than a month

Mycophiles have spent the season in a sort of extended delirium.(NY TIMES) Sent by Mark and Clare

Maya calendar's "Long Count" runs out on Dec. 21, 2012, and that a world-changing crisis will occur at that time. Other folks, including the modern-day Maya, say that's just a load of llama crap ... and that 12/22/2012 will merely mark the start of a new calendar cycle.

Say hi to the old man (winter) for me Jonathan Jessup

White Grass Nordic patrol NEEDS MORE MEMBERS .

I did not know that Mo'town had a distillery. This site has a lot of good information. They even do fabrication. I particularly like the formulas. Jeff C.

Ribbon Cut/Camp 70 bridge Cindy Phillips soon...

Thanks for the amazing fall exploration in the state park. Our eyes still hurt from all the bright scenery. Mark and Clare Anderson (first pic the promontory along canyon rim)

Made some WG cookies and pad thai noodles today! All I need now is some snow! Chris Phillips

PRIVATE VERMONT SKI AREA PLANS TO OPEN UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP : Private ski areas may be an endangered species, but someone apparently didn’t get the memo. The idea of making a private club out of Haystack Ski Resort, adjacent to the larger Mount Snow Resort in southern Vermont, was tried a few years back but the project went belly up. Now a local inn owner has bought Haystack and plans to revive that idea. The deal closed about a week and a half ago and within hours, work was being done at the ski area and the golf course was in operation, according to published reports. New owner Jim Barnes also owns the Hermitage Inn in West Dover.Barnes, whose Hermitage Inn real estate holding company purchased the golf course, ski area, and associated real estate, said he plans to move forward with the Haystack Club concept developed by the former owner, Bob Foisie, and his company, 1 Cornell Inc. Foisie broke ground on the project in fall 2006. His ambitious project included the construction of 118 four-unit townhouses, 170 condominiums, a 162-unit hotel, as well as an extensive remodeling of the former Haystack Upper Base Lodge, a new base lodge, restaurant, spa complex, a centrally located propane facility, and a mountain operations building. The club also planned the construction of a “chondola” combination chairlift and gondola, as well as snowmaking and trail improvements. The private resort was slated to be open only to guests, with almost no public access. The club would, however, sell as many as 250 lift tickets per day to local residents.Four months after breaking ground, however, Foisie abruptly halted work on the project and refunded club memberships, and began squabbling with local officials over property valuation and sewer obligations. During the period that the club was under construction, Haystack’s original base lodge was demolished, and the newer “upper” base lodge was gutted. After a court battle with the town, Foisie won a reduction in the assessment for the property. But now, in what should be an important economic development boost to the valley, Barnes is moving forward almost as if the project never stumbled. “Our intention is to open the ski area this year,” he said. Barnes’ Hermitage Inn will also be linked to the overall resort. Originally, Haystack Club memberships were set at $85,000. Barnes says memberships under his ownership will be substantially more affordable - $25,000 - with a $5,000 discount going to the first 100 buyers. Read the full story at http://bit.ly/pdUrZG.

MARYLAND’S ONLY SKI AREA FILES FOR BANKRUPTCY PROTECTION : The owner of Maryland’s Wisp ski resort said it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, according to published reports. D.C. Development LLC said Sunday that its filing Saturday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court gives it some breathing room to seek new investors during its reorganization.The filing stems from the partners' alleged default on nearly $30 million in loans they got from BB&T Corp. of Winston-Salem, N.C., to build a golf-course community near the ski hill. The partners said they're financially strapped because the home sites haven't sold as well as expected.Karen Myers of D.C. Development said a sale of Maryland's only ski resort remains the last option she and her partners would pursue. Wisp General Manager Tim Prather said he expects Wisp to open Nov. 25, weather permitting

PRIVATE MONTANA SKI RESORT SHUT DOWN FOR FORESEEABLE FUTURE : Spanish Peaks, a 5,700-acre private ski and golf community in Big Sky, MT, closed and laid off its staff last week, according to published reports. It cited a troubled real estate market and substantial operating losses as the primary reasons. A letter to club members said, “it is likely Spanish Peaks will remain closed for the foreseeable future.”The letter also said that the company might file for bankruptcy. After restructuring debt, seeking capital partners and making “hundreds of investor calls and visits,” the only option has been to shut down operations, according to the letter.On the club’s website, Spanish Peaks is described as a “private enclave in a very privileged neighborhood.” It includes cabins and home sites, some of which offer ski-in, ski-out access to Big Sky Resort, and a golf course. The Yellowstone Club, another private ski and golf community in Big Sky, went bankrupt in 2008. The next year, Moonlight Basin, a resort and real estate development in Big Sky, also went bankrupt.That kind of track record resulted in an article in the Denver Post entitled: “The death of private ski resorts?” Read it at http://bit.ly/qq1viF.

Local Rolling Thunder Organic Farm Story

Ah, the colors and the solitude. Best Regards, Jon (Chesterfield, VA) Romi 'n' the Sods...

Joe Henry Fog Bow/ WV High Country

like the leaves, we turn, turn, turn. And when there is snow, we’ll turn, turn, turn ~geo~

martin

For all of my fellow skiers/boarders/ and snowkiting friends, here s a somewhat techie winter forecast ...he gives three very detailed forecasts over the fall months. The first one... check it out! John Regan...Lake-effect snow can be significant this year," Pastelok warned. He explained that with bitter arctic air set to blast across the relatively warm waters of the Great Lakes, conditions will be right for above-normal lake-effect snow from mid-November through early January For areas north and west of the Appalachians, however, snowfall for the season is expected to be much higher. An early, heavy lake-effect snow season will put northwestern Pennsylvania and western New York into the zone of winter's worst snow and cold, according to the team. AccuWeather.com Winter 2011-2012 Forecast: Another Brutal One

Saundra Goss wins first frost pool 9/16 by Todd * First snow pool winner Catherine Fleischman 10/1 First ski 10/1

Two-day update on the WV Snowfall: The Saturday/Sunday WV high elevation snowfall while just missing being a WV state monthly September snowfall record by less than one day (occurred Oct. 1) will, according to my prelminary research, end up being without a close second, the largest two-day storm snowfall accumulations ever so early in the season. The earliest WV accumulation I could find in the historical records was 1.0 inch at Cheat Bridge (3,565 ft.) (between Snowshoe and Canaan Valley) on Sept. 30, 1993. Traces of snowfall in WV have occurred above 3,250 feet elevation as early as mid-September in the past. Here's a select summary of snowfall amounts for the two days (Sat. & Sun) and temperatures (Sun 7 am to Mon 7 am) reported by National Weather Service COOP observers. Note below the lowest elevation for snowfall was around the 2,500 feet elevation with steep increases above 3,000 feet. Station (elevation) (Sat & Sun) (inches) High Low Snowfall Total * Snowshoe, WV (4,765 ft.) 29 26 9.0 * Canaan Mtn., WV (3, 700) 33 31 8.3 * Canaan Valley, WV (3,250) 37 32 4.0* Terra Alta, WV (2,700) 38 34 T * Bayard, WV (2,418) 41 34 0.2. Bob Leffler

Congratulations to our ski brethren in Canaan Valley. Whitegrass gets first tracks in the east this year. Well deserved and fantastic. Dickie * We are definitely jealous of your early snowfall but it brings a smile to my face to see you on skis on snow!!! Central VT will have to settle for the first hard frost of the season and peak foliage this week. Cheers. Steve Robbins

For the fifth year in a row, West Virginia tops the list of states where an individual driver is most likely to run in to a deer. Using its claims data in conjunction with state licensed driver counts from the Federal Highway Administration, State Farm calculates the chances of a West Virginia motorist striking a deer over the next 12 months at 1 in 53, an improvement over a year ago when the odds were 1 in 42.

Trail Pixie/Marc

Aurora Barn Dance / Vermont Gone Astray

ROYAL GORGE XC RESORT IN RECEIVERSHIP, BUT OPEN * Royal Gorge ski resort at Donner Summit, CA is in receivership but will remain open, according to published reports. The 40-year-old venue, which calls itself North America's largest cross-country resort, has been crippled by debt and a stalled development plan. It was put under control of a court-appointed receiver last month. The move came after its lender, Armed Forces Bank, slapped Royal Gorge's ownership group with a default notice in late June for nonpayment of a $16.7 million loan. The owners, led by Bay Area developer Kirk Syme, bought the resort in 2005 and began planning a big housing project. It was instantly controversial with environmentalists and never materialized. Default notices often lead eventually to foreclosure, with the lender taking ownership. For now, the bank has obtained a court order that leaves ownership to the Syme group but operational control to a receiver, the Douglas Wilson Companies of San Diego. Robert Richley, president of the Wilson firm, said Friday the resort is operating "business as usual." He said the receivership includes the historic Rainbow Lodge restaurant and inn along Interstate 80. But it doesn't include Ice Lakes Lodge, another fixture of the 2,900-acre property, which has a separate ownership structure.

Randolph County RidersCarolyn Cavendish / Idleman's Run

Attaining Mythical Status : Posted on 01/09/2010 by: Emma : If you're a free-heeler out East and haven't skied White Grass, you're missing out on one of the most unique and delightful experiences left in the country. White Grass inhabits a niche and a vibe found nowhere else. The terrain offers something for absolutely everyone. The weather in Canaan Valley, WV lives up to the "Wild, Wonderful West Virginia" slogan. This is not an overly domesticated, spit polished, marketing driven experience. White Grass offers a full on experience for all the senses and more smiles per mile that can be found anywhere. (found on google, wow. thanks!)

photos of the Camp 70 Bridge and the AmeriCorps members working on the Splash Dam South Trail. Julie

Chip Chase has a passion for connecting people with the outdoors, and particularly with cross-country skiing. White Grass relies on natural snow and snowfences to collect drifts. This "snowfarming" permits XC skiing even when the downhill resorts aren't running. The people at White Grass are among the most happy, relaxed, welcoming, and supportive folks I've ever met at a resort. Want to try XC? You can rent great equipment, take a mini-lesson, then try it out yourself on miles of flat trails that are within sight of the lodge. You can even rent a pulk (sled) to tow your child along. You're an expert? Weiss Knob offers vertical elevation to work your cardiovascular system on the way up, and to work your quads doing telemark turns the whole way down. Worn out, or just aren't up for XC? Hang out in the lodge, try not to over-indulge in the delicious food at the cafe, and watch the staff set up ski packages for visitors. Share a table with a new friend or four. Words can't express how much better I feel after a day at White Grass. Chip's captured a generous share of Almost Heaven at White Grass. We've been going to White Grass for decades now. The lodge is always bustling with happy skiers and filled with yummy aromas from the Cafe. The trails are always well-maintained and the signage gets better and better every year. Chip keeps bringing in new stuff to keep it fresh, while maintaining the same down to earth joy that i've never seen at a downhill skiing place. This is a true gem. Visited January 2011...not sure who wrote this.

Ridge tops turning gold, puts skiing on the brain... I attached a nice photo of Ivan on the trail. Thanks for all you do. Peter Yelk

I learned that the way to win Burning Man is to practice release and acceptance. This year, I let the playa lead me … I took a left when I felt like taking a left. I took a right when I felt like taking a right. I picked a blinking light and aimed towards it. I said yes often, when I might otherwise have said no. I went with the flow as it took me. And the playa gave me exactly what I needed, when I needed it … no more, no less. I remembered to have faith in the universe. http://www.burningman.com/

We measure our success by the impact we have in the world. Through decent wages, charitable contributions, and a fun, positive, work experience we influence the world around us. We enrich the lives of our friends and families, we contribute to the betterment of our communities, and we ultimately leave the world better than we found it. Lindemann Chimney Service

Family in Vermont Erin Dave Lesher

I think I took this in the late 80's

In December, The Weather Channel and WSI forecast: Northeast - Colder than normal * Southeast - Colder than normal, except FL. Here's more good prognostication, See you soon, Casey

Martin

Herringbone* Jacob!./ MoBackFlip.* DoublePoler* chipmakingdeal.audio* SuperCalaFrag.MPG * ColetteSpeaks* MorganJibT'day * WG JAM SESSIONmpg* Gandalfs skater * SweetUphillmpgBoundary Downhill Posse11/18/08 * SnowedOutaSchool Chris Barnes * Hey Brad whatchya like about WG? * Morgan Anita's 10/28/08 * Robb Baldy10/28 *Morgan jibskate 4/14/08 857 KB (604 KB version) * Crazy skiing wmv 4/14 2651 KB * Skate up flip out down 4/14 2655 KB MorganFlippin' round * GeoBelloWG * SlipSlidin'Away * Chase Boys Flipping Out * Morgan One With Snow Baldy Chutes in mush on nnnbc 3/3 HDmpeg * Nite360 3/3 HDmpeg * March 2 08 Robert PowderCory Chase XC 12/18/07 * sunday jan6th flips * low snow dreggs * afternoon in a mild winter * Jan Three Lets Go Ski * Nite Groom with the Cream * Maintain Control? * Creative Wasting Of Times * Nat and Matt * WG Trails Jan 08 April 17 * Someone has to ski it.* First Day O Spring Jumps * Chip Baldy Chutes in touring gear * BigBackFlip * SpringSkiing Trails* PSIARandy * MorganJibSKateTrails * March First xc. * MorganHop. * Mr. Chip Gets A Day Off * HotTub Huckin' * Curtis Like Snake * WindyDaysof EarlyJanuary * Winners WVSO * SomeSkiersOf WG * Life of a groomer mpeg * * MorganJumpsPow1/17/07.mpeg SnowfarmCruisin’.mpeg * MorganJibskate Home * Happy SKier.mpeg* Chip On the SNowfarm1/11.mpeg * SPringer Skiing* Goes up Comes Down * Brad Moore Deep Snows * Snowcat Groom * SueSkate* Two Horse Open Sleigh * Early Season WG 06 *CoryNo-PoleSpinner * MorganMovesAprilsnows * ChipTeleSlopeXC* Flipping Out* DriftbusterTourCanaan * WhoNeedsDeepSNow * Jibskate Wreckers * Oh The Wind And Rain * Rainy Day Ski Spinners * MadRiverTeleBumps * JibskateFlippers * MorganTow3mile2/21 * FastWayToBaldy * WindblownBaldyXC * JakeBirchesGarden2/19 * LiftlineGroupies* MorgandriftKing * XC MarathonStart ** XCRaceStriders * MorganTearsSawmill ** MorganSueAntics ** MorganSpringerCrash * MAXslicesSpRINGER2/7/06 *ChipTeleLuge2/1/06 * BenMeetsPipeline * DrewSkireport.mpeg * *Dancin' DickHall NATO * LowSNow DickieHall * ArboMarks * Sue on getting Up** DickieMeetsNat'lNordic * KidsSnowfarmAnticsjan28 * GroomingSuperBowl.** Trail Skiin' with Chip 1/19/06 * chip ski * Chip On The Farm * Michael Loves Mtn State* ChipskisNAt'lNord * Almost-a-360 *CharlieTeleMarksNATOBreakfastBowl* BelowBaldyTele(1/7) * CHIP Nat'l Nordic * Chipskijan10 * Morgan Climbs Drop Zone(8/21/06) * Tony Climbs Unknown * MellyDog Picks Berries mpeg * Bear Crossing in Pendelton County * MorganTraverse.* BadJump * TreeSlide * Ride The Fence * Sue Haywood XC Downhilling New Years ** Follow Sue Tele Sauna Hollow ** Jump tele jack frost * Kids interview *Morgan and I shot a xc ski video * MorganNoBinding.mpeg

37,000 new acres of protected W.V land * Davis River Front * Davis River Front's blog * wvhighlandsartists * What to Bring XC Ski * Curtis LugeZip (3/5).mpg * ChipNattyTurns * CurtisQuickies.mpg *ChipRedOak(3/4)* GeohopsCanMon.mpg * Opensezame*ChipCanMon3/2* LugeRunGisela. (3/2) * FlowBYxc. (3/2) * Skihiking and Foolery * PackPowWill* Chip and JoJo Dance WG/Facebook * Trailblazer 'CV has its own mystique'* Upper SpringerGeo.mpg * SeeAMouse.* Morgan360canoe*TwistySkiing* Goodstuffjumpin * WG testimonial.mpg * Local boy always fast bike - http://nick-waite.blogspot.com/ * Vermont’s Mad River Rocket Sleds* WG Web Cam History mode * Snowfarming * Ski Jouring in WV * Granny Gear schedules 3 big 24 Hour bike races next year * Freeland Road Bubbling springs Video * Denali Nato.wma *MaryAnn the mapmaker has a site * WG skiers meet VA fiddlers by Todd * Snurfer Poaches Mad River SKi Area * skibuilders.com * 10 great places to peacefully glide cross-country USA TODAY * Lost Ski Areas *Hyno Coffee * Tucker County Trails* The ultimate ski Showdown Utube by xcskizone * if you like check this one * xc ski zone.com *

Jonathan Wilson: Making Like Thoreau, In Song * "It'll take some practice but I'll get it" * A mild winter projected by forecasters * Getting ready to start an Occupy Whitegrass movement Rick Van Noy * Fall Schedule Mountain Yoga * WV Boy Scout camp/npr * Latest WV Music Hall Of Fame Inductees* Bridge Day on the New * Local ground explosives.avi * 8.9 percent increase above the previous year and one of the best years on record for xc * Paw Paw our American Mango * ...almost raised $90,000 from the Run For It/Tucker Endowment in Sept. * Orion Mag *Anne Jones new Development Director Tucker County * Nelson Rocks * Old growth trees in WV * Local Spruce Restoration * WV State Parks * Blue Ridge Outdoors* npr music/jeremy-messersmith * Tucker Cravings Food blog * Create Tucker blog * Month On A Farm npr * Experimental Drug Reverses Effects Of Toxic Wild Mushrooms * Gauley River Carnifex Ferry 150th Anniv * After Dark Trailer * We're Rich! (In Nature,nyTimes) * White Grass staffer Stacy McKean local librarian * Be like water, it's the softest thing in the world and the most powerful...Jeff Colaianni * We have given up on seeing stars so I brought a cloud collector's handbook and am learning about clouds. Clay and Barbara * Bear Town * Pearl Buck * Hellbenders Smoked Fish Taco Wed night * Charles Jupiter Hamilton, WV artist * Telluride Shroom Fest * Mother Earth News Fair @ Seven Springs, Pa mid Sept. * Forest Birds songs * WV Naturalist Program * WV Mushroom Club * Obama Administration Joins Outdoor Industry Association * Sustainable Living @ Turtle Island Preserve, NC * Dudeism sent by Bill Roody * Brookside Inn romantic outing * Scotty bikes local half track trails * Dolly Sods Trail Reviews * Winter In The Sods * Dolly Sods photos * Hemlock Blight in WV * Nearby Nelson Rocks Via Ferrata * Warm Water Causing Cold Winters * Washington Irving proposed renaming the United States either "Appalachia" or "Alleghania" * Wild Ginger and Spice shop in Davis * New School Super That Has Been Around * CVI trains local youth scientists * Solar forecast hints at a big chill * Canaan Valley Institute * refreshing Ben Sollee Tiny Desk Concert...used to play the Fiddle * Mtn Bikers are sometimes treated like snowboarders of the mountain * Optimistic about the local social scene starting to match the scenery...300 live shows last year @ Fiddle, weekly yoga, soccer, mtnbiking, galleries, Hypno coffee, Hellbenders, Trail Mix, Friends of the 500th, Tucker Endowment...Paddles Of The Past, WV whitewater history/ facebook * Highlands Sky Trail Run/check results * Mad River Glen Rebuilds Single * The Last Mountain Movie * White Grass is a kinda self served downhill version of skiing Dan Sullivan * Timberline Stables * Mountain Horseback Trail Rides * Local Thomas Mountain Yoga * Local Beech Bark Disease * PACIFIC YURTS * No April Skiing Here YouTUBe * old Cross Country Skier Article on WG * Cross Country Snowboarding Parody * Remember the Next June Canaan Birding Fest * The WVDOH anticipates that the Bismarck to Forman section of Corridor H may be completed in late 2013. Davis to Bismarck section is anticipated to begin later in 2011, and the WVDOH intends to complete construction of the 16-mile section in late 2013. * Corridor H Tucker County * 70-Year Corridor H * Corridor H * There is no clear difference between heath and moorland but moorland is generally related to high-ground heaths a cooler and damper climate.* Wyoming (1938) Remarkable hailstorm left hail a foot deep over an area about 10 by 30 miles. Drifts up to 5 feet formed as well. Reports of hail still on the ground in protected areas a month later. * WG is one of the worst kept secrets in WV Matthew Goff * 875 man hours labor on trails this season * Winter Refuge Events Fr/ Last Year * Crazy ski/snowshoe Marquette...we have a pair! * Thomas Jefferson wrote in the Notes Of The State Of VA ..."this scene is worth a voyage across the atlantic" as he gazed into what is now WV * 2010 one of the best for us ever! 117 days of skiing 91 near perfect conditions on 251" natural snow...good things come in pairs * Thought after last year we wouldn't get a repeat again, but this is ridiculous Diane Rader * Canaan Valley has the same climate as Central Maine, it has snowed every month of the year, average mean annual temp 44 degrees, 55 inches of precip/year, 150" snowfall in winter with over 200" last two years * Left the skiing at WG and by the time I reached Keyser they were playing basketball in shorts Paul * The eastern mountains were getting too small until I discovered what WG was about and now I am a beginner again. Paul Golder * AncientWindsXCApril * Skiing After Skiing Is Over * Norwegian XC Trick Skiing and MoRe! * Facebook Friends of WG * 50 km of trails does not include any of the slopes, telemark glades, cleared uphill routes, single track trails up top, or any of the small secret ones, maybe we should say we have 75 km or more...KosherWV II Vimeo by Jacob * HopSkiChipVimeo by Todd * XC Ski Stunts Andy Newell * XC Backcountry /VPR * Mr Magoo (our next trail name) and Snow!* Bed Rock, Top Of the World, Bridger all new trails this spring * They'll rush up in December yet never ski March (April?) Denis Bogan * Was bummed to miss the latest snowstorm. Gotta remember to avoid commitments between November and April, not just December to March. Mark * remember... the weather always looks worse through a window. L.E. * 2010 one of the best for us ever! 117 days of skiing 91 near perfect conditions on 251" natural snow...good things come in pairs * Got a new muscle in my leg never had before....a stabilizer! Robbie the xc skiing trail blazer * Musicians or entertainers ski/eat free barter for small performance * Banff Film Fest * Chase Boys Antics/YouTube * More sweet VIMEO byTodd * White Grass wiki and some history * Just double-checking if we need to purchase a new season pass? It just will not end !!!!! Diane & Ed and boys *Congratulations on the FWS compatibility determination. Dan Sakura * * Canaan Refuge 15 Year Plan * Daily Snowfall Map * At 40, 'Take Me Home, Country Roads' Still Belongs * As they say at Tahoe Donner, the skiing is out there! * Going to have to take credit for being the one who sacrificed himself for your late season snow, being in patagonia Note- people don't WEAR Patagonia IN Patagonia. Matt Lambert * Late March Fly Away Skiing @WG YouTube * Jumping Mount Porte.Crayon/YouTube * Davis Driftland/YouTube * WG 2011 Race results * The White Grass Movie 2000 by ColleenYouTube * The Powder Of Love * Sunshine XC * Dec XC w/ Cracker / Fern Gully Antics byTodd * .lite weight xc skiing WG style YouTube* Chase Boys Cross Country WG Half Pipe Trick Park/YouTube * Kosher WV by Jacob Lutz, local ski wonder * Black Diamond CEO Testifies in Support of Wild Lands * I don't ever put my skis away. Still trying to get out to Utah n' Tucks. Mike Buchness * If it's white and we are skiing it can't be all that bad, it's just different Randy French * snows along the entire length of the Appalachians later month. Herb Stevens * Local Power Line PATH Suspended * Not sure if this is xc or downhill Swedish visitor that loved the sauna * Every hour is the powder hour at WG * There was so much to do at home I had to take the day off Ben McKean * Start your day with Adele live and watch out your windows and wine glasses may shatter * no gardening catalogs or boats allowed on premise until April * we get more weather in a week than you do in an entire winter Chip to the Kirkwood,CA xc center * My goal in life is to convert people to nordic skiing one person at a time Randy French * the world is a better place knowing that whitegrass is alive and well. Your website is my link to those magical green hills and I can’t wait to move back! Tim * when she needs her fix of mountains, Vermont's soulmate to the south is Whitegrass. David Goodman * XC Racing the Birkie/WashPost Bill Donahue * Several WGers raced the Birkie last Sat. * Need some burnt offerings to Ullr Jeff * Enough of this spring stuff. I ain't ready to give up on the skiin' yet. John Regan * Joe Bastardi resigns from AccuWeather * We had to endure all that powder skiing to get to this corn...chip * My bike still has a flat from last fall Geo Bell, corn tele skiing the 2 foot bases sunday * I like treble but really prefer deep base * Been missing you on the dance floor, but happy you got so much snow this winter! Kate/ Mtn State Brewing * Over the river and through the wood, To grandfather's house we go; The horse knows the way To carry the sleigh, Through the white and drifted snow. Quote of The Week, Jackson, NH XC report * thanks again for hosting the most coolest, chillest, friendliest, spot on earth: White Grass peace, Keith * Lederhosen clad 91year old Klaus Obermeyer said Snow is 75% of a successful year. The other 25% is the economy * Everyone should own 5 pair of skis Chip Chase * you gotta remember I've been collecting them for over 30 years Stro * Waxless skis need wax especially in sticky snows * I thought I left the hurricanes down south Zach DePollo * Like skiing 2" frosting over Angel Food Cake Dick Geisler * Blackbird's Wing is pretty much a half mile snow dune * Chase away the warmup and bring back the snows. Chris Hong * Tucker County Trails Benefit a huge success! Because of your outpouring of support, the trail club raised close to $2500!! Plan For 3rd Annual Canaan Mtn Bike Festival June 24-27 * Crime goes down in winter cause people come to their senses Garrison Keillor * It's like a big snow funnel here Stacy McKean * my doctor told me not to cross country on my bad ankle but she doesn't ski...Richard * A Frozen Lake Doesn't Mean the End of Lake-Effect Snow Season * Under the guise of cross-country skiing and cafe arts we will provide an affordable experience of attuning to our higher selves and fairness and love. Sean * "The only way you can hurt the body is not use it," LaLanne said. "Inactivity is the killer and, remember, it's never too late." * Tucker Arts Blog * Tucker Cravings about food * springlike corn snow is second best to powder Todd * you could charge an extra $2 for ice skating on the way in. UPS Driver * Safety thought always remember: Don’t ski faster than you can swallow.Lee Greathouse * winter to finish as the coldest for the nation since the 80s * It's like Bob was the pisten and I was the bulley Andy Smith Riversports * Basia Bulat NPR desktop concert * Snowshoe Race Results * Absolutely nobody on the east coast knows more about the art & science & pure joy of free heel skiing than Chip Chase and the gang at whitegrass. Marty Cooperman * Rossi Evo Trail by Onion River Sports * Thinkin' of y'all everytime they shake up this dang ol' snow-globe! Corey Bonasso * Hatcher Pass Alaska Nordic Trails Approved * Low Pressure will spin counter-culture clockwise.  In other words, we're hoping for a big mid-week dump for staff and customer alike! cheers, tom & anita * Do your snow dance and keep your fingers crossed!!! Bob Ruppel * Thanks for another snowlicious White Grass experience. Dave Lowther/Park School * Long tuesday skiing all alone on a mountain by a glade with no end Robert J * wasted a lot of spray snow on the window and wish you wouldn't of dumped a case on my driveway Ed Rader * Guess it's time for Alex to chase the mice from the snow blower Maryann * Don't ski faster than you can see Matt Lambert * XC Skier Digital Magazine * you gotta have stiff feet to ski those old sns boots Tony (stiff socks help, too) * it's like reverse downhill skiing Todd * trees live for a hundred years and die for two hundred Amy C. * Had a fantastic weekend - Finally hit the purple powder alert. Worth every flake! Bud * Developing a series of semi challenging snowshoe trails near the lodge * White Grass is like a huge gift and I told my husband I was a much nicer person after skiing there * I love it when I gotta take my pants down to get the snow out....a good snow day Robert J * We used to have snowman making snow around here Adrienne * Gabby, If I could catch up with you I'd show you how to climb better Dickie Hall * Chip's How To Get Your Gear On/U Tube *It's always good at Whitegrass - never had a bad ski day there in nearly 20 years! See you soon Gary * * TakeMe HomeXC/UTube * LillyDogNiteSKi 9mg* Grooming Latest Snows.7.5 mg.wmv * the key to happiness is learning to live without perfection Dave Markgraf * Thanks for bringing snacks for the shelters its why I go....all about snacking * Young American Skiers/Utube * New updated maps (any one caught with the old ones will be told to take off their skis, boots, and socks and under immediate arrest on the spot) * you won't get hurt, you'll just crash overheard on baldy * we have a ski place so we can sell hats Mike Sayre in reference to Hat Grass Touring Center * my kids ride their skis down the inside steps * Kate chomping the bit... new skis 5.9mg.mov Meredith & Pete Athens Bike * Meeting folks outside of WG that have been here is like a Phish fan....your first concert, the song list....the first weekend, Barton's Bend to Roundtop...* Chip and Geo's Fowler Hilliard Colo Hut Slides * Cafe's Local Organic Frankferd Farms * Sysco Kids Food Co * enjoy! xc in Canaan chris wolz * double area use fee must be paid for over 100 cm wide skis at the waist or make contribution to the low snow wg tax fund * You should make a sticker that says 'Live To Ski' Toy * Karhu/Madshus Epoch Skis * Playing With The Moon * Corridor H Hiway Sped Up * Canaan Refuge 2011Calendar * After last week all my skis are rock skis Matt * you'd be coming up to get us if it wasn't for these snowshoes...Stephanie * Earth Eco Tours Snowshoeing Deep Creek, Md * WYEP is picked up naturally at WG * Corridor H nearing Davis * xc skiing is like winter swimming * Backbone Ski Farm / CLOSED *Abigal Wahsburn promotes the local WV Augusta Heritage Workshops NPR Tiny Desk Concert * This place reminds me of Oregon in the 70's Chris * One of our neighbor's in Thomas predicts another great snow year this coming winter. Citing the dark color of buck fur, she told me it was going to be "an early and bad winter." Mark * Bridger calls bluegrass music whitegrass music * theartofseth.com/ * Webcam Laurel Highlands, PA * 24/7 Song of the Day NPR * Weekend Volunteer/Staff Trail Hours @ 635, we are continuing on * we look happy cause we haven't started yet...*Arctic sea ice loss/ U.S. winters * Timberline snowmaking system for threatened salamander * Live Music/ Events Mtn State Pub * Gentle Adventures Wild/Wonderful Walks * The present is a gift and that's why they call it a present...Jimmy Cliff NPR desk concert * Marcellus Shale drilling THREATENS our Watershed! Mark

See some of what is happening here in VT--words can't explain---again Ben & I are high and dry and helping others--- Wendy Bridgewater * Tom Conlon has been sending Hatteras Road/Rt. 12 info

Barry Baumgardner anchorman of WG * OTR/ Caver's Old Timer's Reunion Labor Day

Brent is an avid skier and musician. In the late 70's he joined the Canaan Valley Ski Patrol and also sang and played guitar and 5 string banjo in the Late Harvest Band, a contemporary bluegrass band which toured through out the Mid-Atlantic states.

The Gendarme Shop * Seneca Rocks Climbing Guides

Naturally Open and Ready For Winter

to bring you back to those four days of fun at Floyd Fest. Looking forward to many snowy days of fun ahead in the winter of 2011-2012! Paul Sullivan StreamLine TimberWorks

As For the Mid-Atlantic, it looks like it will be another colder than average winter for you. The snow hole that was over the Southern Mid-Atlantic last year, D.C, Maryland and Virginia I do not expect to be here again. I expect slightly bellow average temperatures for I-95 and points east, which include the major cities of Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington D.C. and Richmond. This may actually be a good thing that we are not in the depth of the cold or else it may push storms farther off the coast. I also expect it to be wetter than average. So Cold & Moisture usually equals snow/Ice so expect a repeat of last year for most areas in the mid-Atlantic. That is how it looks now. Things may change! Casey

Geo/New River

Saturday September 17, 9:30 am, Red Spruce Ecosystem Restoration, Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center. Join us for a day of volunteer work to help restore the red spruce ecosystem. We'll be planting red spruce seedlings as part of a landscape scale restoration effort on the National Wildlife Refuge. 9:30 am gathering and educational program followed by car pooling to the restoration work site at 10:00 am. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes or boots and bring work gloves and a water bottle. Lunch will be provided. For more information, visit www.restoreredspruce.org or call Dave Saville at 304 692-8118.

Annual Kickball Davis - 1 vs. Thomas - 4

Dear Family and Friends of Team Fresh Canvas, The 2011 Run For IT is almost here!!! Saturday, September 24, is the date for the annual run/walk in Davis to support the Garrett "Dutch" Easton Endowed Fund. Thanks to your generous support for the last 2 years, Team Fresh Canvas has raised over $12,000 and established the Dutch Easton Endowed Fund, the first fund established entirely with proceeds from the race. This fund supports the creative arts in Tucker County. We want you to join us again this year. Last year Team Fresh Canvas had almost 40 walkers and runners and we want to top that number this year. The race forms can be downloaded at www.tuckerfoundation.net. If possible, please send your registration forms in by September 15 so that a portion of the fee will go to our team. Please feel free to forward this email to anyone who you think would like to join us. Questions??? Email me. Looking forward to seeing you at the race...a good day will be had by all!!! Thanks! Glenda Easton Team Captain gleneast1@aol.com

evening rush hour on 219! Todd * Late Harvest Band reunion, "Here's to You, WV"

Larry Keel rockin' in Montana sent by Bill Love

Where I was last Sunday...and those are the mountains I had just climbed that day! Woo hoo! Your still-tired friend. Casey Rucker

All Ken had to do was leave here to go national! Casey wishing this was Whitegrass! We'll miss you all this season. We're off to Austria for the next 3 winters! Justin Wimpey

Have enjoyed all the various updates this summer on the WG web site. You might consider updating the driving directions from Norther VA considering that with the new section of Corridor H is now 45 miles long (Byrd Memorial Hiway) open that we can now make it here in less than 3 hrs (Oakton/Fairfax). We take H (US48) to the end, right on Knobley Road, left on Greenland Gap Road, up the mountain to Liberty Gas, 93 to Davis etc. Unless the weather is really bad, this is far better than through Harmon. The canyon south of Petersburg has black ice in winter. WVDOT plows Knobley and Greenland Gap as though they were main roads, which they now are. Since we owned our cabin we have not taken the Harmon route, even in dead of winter. 93 can be fun with ground blizzards, but its not bad except for the coal trucks. Ken Cremer

We were in your old territory over the weekend, still working on a section of the Great Eastern Trail.  Drove through Bergton and Criders, up German River Road to the trailhead.  We had four equestrian trail riders from Bergton (Backcountry Horseman of America), two horses, two dogs, mountain bikers (including Chris Scott) and a group of PATC trail workers, working our way over Beechlick Knob.  Some were clearing trail with chainsaws and hand tools.  I was In the measuring team, pushing a wheel and recording waypoints for an eventual guidebook. Didn't find the old schoolhouse, but one of the horse people thought it might have been the old Riggleman place? See you when the snow flies, Mark & Betty Gatewood Mount Sidney, Virginia ...Mark and Betty, We were looking over at you and we must be thinking on the same wavelength as we were checking out small trails and overlooks and doing some recon for some more trail improvements at the same time! Thanks for the help and the WG connections that we need to keep up and nurture. Love you guys and thanks to trail guru Chris as well. Good to hear of so many interests melding together! Cheers! chip

Pickers from Athens,OH * Will in Mingo,WV Joeys and Mandy Bike Shop

Pocahontas County, WV

ROYAL GORGE XC RESORT DEFAULTS ON $16.7 MILLION LOAN : A cross-country ski resort near Lake Tahoe, CA has defaulted on a $16.7 million loan, putting controversial development plans into limbo, according to published reports. Royal Gorge LLC was hit with the default notice in late June, according to Nevada County records. The resort owes the money to the Armed Forces Bank of Irvine.The resort bills itself as North America's largest cross-country ski area. It encompasses more than 2,900 acres and about 200 miles of trails and includes the historic Rainbow Lodge. Royal Gorge's managing partner Kirk Syme, a Bay Area developer, and two partners, cousins Todd and Mark Foster, paid a reported $35 million for the resort in 2005, at around the peak of the property bubble. They quickly charted a plan for 900 residential units on the property. The project was immediately unpopular among some environmentalists.Syme said in a prepared statement he's "confident we will resolve this matter with our lender." He said operations at Royal Gorge aren't affected by the default. He added that the resort's Ice Lakes Lodge is under separate ownership and isn't involved in the default.

REVISED NUMBERS SHOW LAST SEASON TO BE BEST IN HISTORY : Big Fourth of July ski crowds helped make the 2010-11 season the busiest in the U.S. industry’s history. U.S. ski areas set a new all-time record of 60.54 million skier/snowboarder visits during the 2010/11 season, according to new numbers from the final Kottke End of Season Survey. Earlier numbers had tagged last season as the country's second-best.As an illustration of the late-season surge in visits, it’s estimated that nearly 50,000 skier/snowboarder visits occurred over the July Fourth holiday alone, in which nearly a dozen ski areas were either still in operation or had reopened. This marks the second time that the ski industry has broken the 60 million visit threshold, representing a 0.6% increase from last season’s 59.8 million visits and a .1% increase from the industry’s previous record of 60.5 million visits set in 2007/08.

by Pete / No Frack WV

Wild Bean coffee shop in Lewisburg, WV Mill at Babcock State Park grinds grain the old-fashioned way

Historical Logging Assoc./ Bill Liebman Cass Scenic RR

Good seeing you at the concert and these are from the Blackwater Mushroom Foray. Charlie Willett

Clifftop Rocks

Augusta Workshops...Pencil In For Next Year

Saw your pic with Jorma - here is a cool one I took at Mt Jam this year - I am sure you saw a good set of Tuna. Saw Gillian Welch last week and tommrow going to see Zappa Plays Zappa and Return to Forever( Chick Corea-Stanly Clark-Al Dimeloa- Lenny White) Lots happening this summer - Ivonne and Diane Rader rafted the Upper Yough last Friday- will have to get you some pics. I have been boating the Upper more this summer but lots of bike rides with the dogs. Seems there is plenty to do this summer and I am sure I'll see more of you as we approach that magical time of fall - see ya soon Keith Strausbaugh

It is that time of year again to explore the Dolly Sods and pick some blueberries. The scenery is fantastic. We'll see it all - forests, meadows and lunch on the banks of the Red Creek. It is a strenuous hike, so be prepared for a challenge. Chef Janeen is in the test kitchen already, working on a wonderful menu! WHEN: Saturday, August 20, TIME: 9:00 WHERE: Meeting place to be determined somewhere in Canaan Valley. Space is limited on this trip, so register soon at:
For some great pictures from our 'En Plein Air' walk and our regular Saturday walk in July, go to: http://wildwonderfulwalks.com/newsletter/ See you on the trail and remember.... go outside and play today! Beth Hestick Wild & Wonderful, LLC wildwonderfulwalks.com 304-641-8144

Behold! Michael Gorrie atop Baldy

Chip's daughter Erin with Oliver, Janie, and Alex as Mainers Summer love from the Sutton's

Floyd

Tele Bruce

"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up." Pablo Picasso (sent by Nathan Healy)

Thanks for the photos – and for all your help and enthusiasm at the foray. We need more like you, though, of course, you are one of a kind. Hope we can do it again next year.Good seeing you! Like old times. Gary Lincoff

The hike was awesome .My thighs were sore the next day. Love and Light Gisela

Mark B. Sculptures

More and more local bear encounters indicating that UBD (Ursa Bear Disorder) is setting in from a fungus on the blueberries. Apparantly they are slowly becoming more aggresive and angry at people in the woods. Last week 12 mountain bikers were surrounded by a band of 30 mysteriously organized clan of bear that were closing in on them when...well, the rest of the story as the summer goes on and in general STAY OUT OF THE WOODS.

Another one from rocks on Rohrbaugh. You guys continue to do a fantastic job - WG is a true sanctuary - & the website has kept me going during many work hassle days. Best. Vito Seskunas

Your website was looking a little summery –so here is our after work jaunt last night (7/18/2011) Bill and Cathy Love, Glacier Nat'l Park, Montana

Well, flat feet, rain, and texting drivers notwithstanding, I'll see you in Burlington."Miles to go..."Roger Zimmerman '61...Ski buddy gives back to Univ. of Vermont

Out on Yough Lake to enjoy some kayakin' and watched this juvenile osprey try to fly out of it's nest and crash into the water below. I felt like it was in trouble so I paddled over to it and picked it up and put it on my boat. Mom and Dad were circlin' over head while I paddled him to shore. I enjoyed a PBR with him and then sent him on his way on dry land. Has to be one of my most memorable experiences in a kayak. Checked on him an hour later and he was in a tree close to the ground with the parents close by. Hope he learns to fly soon! John Regan

Thanks for joining us last week for two great outings in Otter Creek. Looking forward to the next exploration, maybe the Dunkernbarger connection you discussed. Old Growth: * Coal Run Mark and Clare Anderson

I am in Canan every so often to visit my friends who live there. Definitely cross counrty ski at White Grass in the winter. Forth of July weekend after a big storm I captured this image from on top of the mountain out side Thomas,WV by one of the windmills. Cheers, Jeff Suhanick

Winter In The Sods Thanks Dave Faunce

more old timey ski pics from John Lutz's

Mandy Sullivan Trail Mix

State Journal article on WG Total Snow Winner Athey Lutz...215"

Larry McNeil of the Union Pacific Railroad tests the Proctor Mountain chairlift at Sun Valley, one of the first two in the world, in December, 1936. Seventy five years ago this spring, the chairlift was invented as part of a major new ski resort in the Idaho backcountry planned by the Union Pacific Railroad and its board chairman W. Averell Harriman. The resort was named Sun Valley, and the new form of uphill transportation, which was almost passed over in the planning process, became the workhorse conveyance of ski resorts throughout the world. Ski Museum.org New Display

Eight voyagers, seven boats, one tunnel, ninety eight rapids, countless ledges, seven hundred and forty five verticle feet, thirteen miles, no swimmers....Geo Bell fanfare

RESORT SALE STALLS; BIRKEBEINER FUTURE UNCERTAIN : A deal to secure the future of the Telemark Resort, WI stalled once again, creating uncertainty for organizers of the American Birkebeiner ski race, according to published reports. The closing, scheduled for late last week, was postponed indefinitely and the parties are back to negotiating.Dick Short, a developer from Missouri, controls the property via the mortgage he holds on the lodge and roughly 1,000 acres that surrounds it. The current owners, the Telemark Interval Owners Association, closed the lodge in the fall and voted to surrender the property to Short via a friendly foreclosure.Meanwhile, Telemark Partners LLC has been negotiating to buy Telemark and renovate it into an Olympic-level training center. Mike Kocon, president of the TIOA Board of Directors, said the purchase agreement presented to his group wasn’t acceptable.Anticipating a record 9,000 skiers for the races in 2012, the Birkebeiner needs to secure permission to use the Telemark lodge and the sections of Birkebeiner trail that cross Telemark land. Without that in place, organizers would have to pursue an alternate course option.

Kenny Weiland earlier Canaan Wolf Creek Prints

Farmers love to plow snow into the fields because of its high nitrogen level, especially if there has been lightening...like last week near here, a rare event. Max Dubansky * WG Junk Page

4/3/11

top of the world glades snow profile...10" old and 14" new Sunday (4/3) mornin' * quick turns melt even quicker this time of the year * tele woods skiing fall line on day # 121

Just recently got hooked on the "heel-less" approach to skiing. Been skiing Timberline and Canaan Valley for a number of years in traditional downhill gear, but just started frequenting WG this past winter. The wife I and I are now hooked. So much so that we are gonna invest some money in some equipment so that we can continue to enjoy the bounties of Whitegrass and Dolly Sods in the coming years. My question for you is, what equipment should we look to purchase if we plan to do a significant amount of skiing "up top" in the Sods Wilderness. I know traditional cross-country skis are great for newbies like us, but will they be as effective in un-groomed wilderness? Thanks again for a great winter this past year! Cheers, Paul Watson

It’s amazing how much snow we have at Bolton right now. Our weather pattern has been very consistent for the last week and it’s more comparable to early February than late March! There is a great base of snow and with about 12? of new snow this week on top of the base the skiing is awesome. The normal spring time obstacles are non existent at this point– NO stream crossings and NO ribbons of snow on the trail. It’s just plain old boring great skiing! We want to encourage everyone for get up to this mountain for a couple more skis. Base: 23° Snowfall Average Base Depth: 20-45" * Summit: 19° Last 24 Hours: 1-2" * Last 7 Days: 8-11" * Primary Surface: Packed Powder/ Powder Season Total: 318"

Goldenseal WV Heritage * Eastern Cougar Extinct Mad River and NATO

Rush Blady

back yard exploring can be very inexpensive and life altering chip

Bob Weir signed WG map thanks to Tim Avanzato... Time at WG is special no matter what the weather and snow conditions are. Ted Conwell

... the next generation of skiers and they rip! Sarah Deacon

Chinese Painting from Margaret Todd Diehl

Curtis / Sinks Area,WV Dec 2010

Morgan and I are living here in Bangkok for this and the next school year (then the girl is done w/ schoolin')...will be home in the summers...wanted to let you know that the Whitegrass website is my life link to WV...so thank you very very much....and that the winds of seasonal change are a comin', hustled in by a fine mushrooming season. You and your family look happy. Good. Awesome! Lots of love and smiles, April

black and white skiing in canaan 1950's from John Lutz collection

Hi Chases! Saw online that you were finally getting on the rivers in WV… thought I would share some pictures from my recent canoe trips. I’ve been down the Murray River, Australia three times now… I’m loving every minute of my time on the water and hope you are too! Glad to see Whitegrass had a great season again. Kate Preston / Outside The Valley

For SAle It’s a new, energy efficient house with 1.5 acres, just a few miles from White Grass. call 304.704.8148 or email vicki.fenwick@gmail.com

This is the most beautiful valley/canyon in West Virginia!!! Sure, the New River Gorge is bigger, wider, and deeper, but the SBP definitely wins on scenic beauty and unspoiled wilderness. The cliffs are spectacular, and one has a spring at the base that comes out of apparently solid rock to fall about 30 feet to the river---very special! The tributaries are very scenic, as well---sometimes only one foot wide, dropping over smooth bedrock at about 1000 feet-per-mile in tiny little glens---fantastic!! Once, I floated under a rather large and astoundingly muscular brown eagle, only about 60 feet away; another time, a smaller bald eagle flew by me, also about 60 feet away. Allowing some time to hike would be a very good idea. In summation, this is the best river trip in West Virginia, and everyone should do it at least once, and I hope it stays this wild and unspoiled forever. I want to come back soon. Robert Farmer

Margo Young for sending lost cell phone Sepp helped build the original ski area that we use in 1959-60

He's been working on this project for over a year now. Ryan Harding and I should help him finish it by December. caleboconnor.com Love to all and to all a Good Night. Sean Conroy

I like it here skiing is a religion! Our first time in the arctic. Great snow! Norge. Jeff and Margaret Todd

I just wanted to send you a quick thank you note on the Smoke Hole trip. Kara and I had lots of fun and we were really appreciative of all the supervision for us river newbies. pics I took of folks going through landslide. I also took one nice photo of our campfire under the nighttime stars. What a beautiful night we had in that gentle little valley.I hope we see you again some time this summer. As usual, we will be hiking around the hills. Marc Shaffer

Last year's chef Chip has moved to the Research Center in the American Southwest to cook and study natural history...birding is really big there

My philosophy of life is basically to live life. Do what you do, love what you do, and don't listen to naysayers," says Dereck "Chip" Williams, 23, from Duluth, Minn. (on npr website)

Snowy Range, Wyoming, May 1, 2011. Is it Spring yet? Mark Thomas

Suttons Strike Again/ Smoke Hole Canyon WV

PENNSYLVANIA RESORTS INVESTING IN INFRASTRUCTURE THIS SUMMER Whitetail Resort, PA plans to invest $2.8 million in infrastructure this summer, a sign of the optimism that follows a successful 2010-2011 season. Capital projects include new fan guns and lighting on a popular intermediate trail, as well as acquiring all new adult rental skis and boots and 600 brand new adult snowboards. Other improvements include air conditioning in the Marketplace dining area, a loading carpet on the EZ Rider Quad Lift, the expansion of the ski and snowboard check, and the addition of a second outdoor patio with heated pavers. Whitetail has also expanded its services with the creation of a Special Events Department that will cover the rental of its facilities and catering for banquets, weddings, and other large gatherings.Roundtop Mountain Resort is also investing over the summer. The Skytrac Quad is replacing an old double chair; new footings have been poured. It also added the Canopy Crawl to its Mountain Adventures package activities. It is a log structure that extends over a pond and incorporates nets, swinging bridges and log crossings. Roundtop has also added a new component at its ropes course. The challenge structure has four high elements, a “Pamper pole” and a 402-foot zip line that goes over a pond.

VERMONT, NEW HAMPSHIRE REPORT STRONG SEASON RESULTS: In what was the third snowiest season on record, Vermont ski resorts saw a substantial rebound in snowfall and consumer confidence. The Vermont Ski Areas Association announced last week that the state's ski resorts recorded 4,365,906 visits for the 2010-11 season, marking the best year since 2004-05 and maintaining Vermont’s ranking as the third-largest ski state in the country, behind only Colorado and California. “Amid the lingering effects of the recession, the ski and ride industry once again proved its resilience as a cornerstone of Vermont’s economy, bringing rooms & meals tax revenues 5% ahead of last season’s expenditures and generating 6.5% more in sales tax revenues for the winter months,” said Parker Riehle, VSAA president. Neighboring New Hampshire also had a good winter with abundant snowfall and favorable weather. The state’s alpine and cross-country ski areas hosted more than 2.6 million skier, snowboarder and snowtubing visits, according to numbers released last week by Ski New Hampshire. Alpine ski areas recorded a total of 2,355,100 skier and snowboarder visits, up 5.6% from the winter of 2009-10, making it the third best on record for skier visits, just missing the state's all-time record of 2,366,706 in 2007/08. Cross-country areas also had a successful winter, hosting 167,161 visits, up 14.8% from the 2009-10 winter. Areas with snowtubing parks reported 118,448 snowtubing visits, up 12.4% from previous season.

Colorado was a great family vacation. Good hiking and camping. I'm here in Texas at this time on a fire assignment. It's only 103 degrees. I miss winter. Stay cool, Kevin ( a week's worth above 80 this summer with 83 the hottest here along with 46" rain so far in can rain valley, wet virginia)

Nate @ Rocky Mtn Nat'l Park and the Wasatch of Utah. Hope all Is Well. Richard Peterson-Cremer Legislative Director Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance

Our pal Scott made it up/downDenali www.climbalaska.org

14 days up, and 3 days down. About -20 F on the summit, plus 20-30 kt winds for a windchill of about -50 F. Here are some photos from the journey, and the top. Thanks to all of you for your well wishes before, during, and after the expedition. It was amazing! Slide show @ WG?  You got it.  I was planning to put one together anyway.  I have to tell you, those mountain snowshoe treks with heavy pack, after skiing all day, and then camping up on the mountain were the perfect training for this.  (Along with the self-arrest practice over at Timberline.)  It was an incredible experience...My only regret is that I missed the Highland Sky race.....!!I'll be in touch again soon.....as soon as I get the pictures downloaded and such.  I even had my Whitegrass headband at the summit, but I had removed it on the football field at 19,500, and replaced it with a thick balaclava.  My plan was to get a shot with the word 'Whitegrass' at the summit, but it was too gnarly up there to mess around.....we were on top less than 5 minutes, and there was a lot of traffic coming up behind us, so the guide (Nate) wanted to get us out of there quick. But it was out of this world!  About the coolest thing I have ever done!  Thanks so much for following along, I love you guys!  I'll be in touch very soon, Scott

TCT

We were in Canaan Valley for the weekend and hung a gift for you on the inner door in the XC ski center. A small thanks for good skiing conditions and nice atmosphere this season (and also the 2007 season). We are moving back to Norway in a couple of weeks, but we all hope to be back some time. We wish you good luck with the coming season. Best regards, Lars-Erik Borge

Scotty Butz

thanks for being an awesome ride leader again chippy! good times for sure and good trail work on the new "heart of the highlands" trail system. the awesome glenda hooked up everyone on the big ride with lunch, it was so cool and people were so stoked. sirrianis with pizza for the trailworkers, hellbender's helped sell glasses, hypno gathering, mtnstatebrewco, etc. seems to be all about the give here. team tucker! some photos i took * other cool ones from a rider in gaithersburg * a neat gps track of the adventure ride: Todd

Hi Chipper... great to hear from you. Just got back from teaching on Hood for a long weekend. Huge snow still there and some great skiing 2 days with one day of rain. We had a guy there from WV too!  Maurice (I think). Just learning but really keen. Nils Short New Concept ALTAI Skis Here's a few photo's from a pre, Mammut meeting trip to the Trentino region of Italy. Got on some very nice via feratta! Doug Reilly

My Mom just found these postcards sent to her by her father in 1956, and I thought you might be interested in seeing and sharing them.  He worked for the WVa Dept of Highways and was staying in Wordens Hotel in Davis (which is the subject of one of the cards)while working in the area.  I think that hotel burned, but am unsure.  The other card was captioned "Skiing at Cabin Mountain near Davis, W. Va."  Is this the old rope tow at WG?  I don't quite recognize the terrain. (rope tow is on the State Park near the present ski area) Bill Berlin

Harley Cahen

Omnitrak® Waxless Base The Omnitrak® waxless base is used on Madshus Cross Country Downhill skis. Engineered with five zones, the Omnitrak® base uses round, spaced scales in transition zones for a smoother, more efficient glide and sharp, tight scales underfoot for maximum grip. With its rounded transition shapes and positive edge setting, the Omnitrak® base provides optimal climbing versatility and a smooth turn on firmer snow. (our favorite @ WG)

s These rare amd unusual plants and animals can be found locally by those off the beaten track. Glade Spurge (Euphorbia Purpurea), an Endangered Species from the Eastern USA. Alder Leafed Buckthorn The stipules at the base of the petioles, which are a diagnostic feature of this plant. Jacob's Ladder, Polemonium reptans, Phlox family.The common name of Polemonium reptans refers to the pairs of opposite leaflets on the compound leaves, which supposedly resemble a series of steps on a ladder in a dream by the biblical Joseph * Largest Salamander is the Eastern Hellbender and I have heard they can be seen at night in the Dry Fork downstream of the Jenningston Bridge.

Thought you'd enjoy this comparison showing the HUGE late season snowpacks in the West....(Utah june '07, june '11 ) Richard Peterson-Cremer

I was up there bonkin' around the day after memorial day. Spent the night in the pine grove on Big Stonecoal. Been a favorite site for years. I'd like to ski there some day. Anyhoo - enjoy. I'll send more later. Bruce

Gini, Betsy, and Diana rode 328 miles thru WV in three weeks on the Allegheny Trail

Some times ground fog accomplishes what most painters would have great difficulty accomplishing. Joe Henry

Kurt and Sarah want to move closer to Canaan....

Well Chip, I think the season might finally be over...maybe. Linds and I headed up north to ski Tuck's with some friends two weeks ago and had quite a fun outing. Richard Peterson-Cremer (WG bandana makes it to the top)

Tom Allen, WV artist, passed away last August Skiing at Tuckerman's Ravine * Mt Wahington NH webcam

Hey Chipper, we are finally going to do it. We are on track for our departure for Bermuda Kent Island to Bermuda May 15-22 Bermuda to Kent Island June 10-17 Craig Holberger

one of my favorite Chapel Hill bands Southern Culture on the Skids and they aren't coming my way but they are coming yours! June 2 Mtn State Brewing Brian (WOW! SUPER GREAT!)

Cross country skiing and snowshoeing are the top forms of aerobic recreational activities. And aerobic activities have been found to promote mental health, boost energy, improve sleep, relieve tension and stress, and combat anxiety and depression. There is a real proven link between physical fitness and mental health and well-being. We should get moving on this! Roger Lohr

Just got back from a fantastic trip to the 10th Mountain and Uncle Buds Huts in Colorado. Here are a couple of pix, one from the top of Homestake Peak and the other a panorama from Uncle Bud's Hut. Remember .... go outside and play today! Beth Wild Wonderful Walks

My goal next year is to ski Whitegrass at least 5 weekends. The February NATO clinic was the highlight of my Winter and I have a placeholder on my calendar already for next year. Thanks for all you do up there in God's country. Steve Sanderford

Thanks for hooking my sister up with some skis. She really enjoyed meeting. She skied WG about 10 yrs ago but didn’t have the opportunity to meet you and it was a bright spot in her day. Being from Oregon, she was glad meet lots of like minded people. She’ll be back. Thanks and hopefully I’ll see you this weekend for some turns. Scott C. Williams

Hey Ski Daddy, Good see’n you and your posse, and what a posse it was. Thanks for the heads up about the tree in the river! Hope the rest of your float was awesome. Saw 2 eagles in hot pursuit of a duck just upstream of a Petersburg yesterday. Petty incredible. I’ve got a soft spot for the underdog so I hope the duck was able to dust them, even though I know the eagles we just doing what they’ve got to do. Be good and we’ll most likely see you when the days start getting shorter.pick of Elizabeth in ID this past winter. I’ll send you some Smokey Smokehole pics when I get my paws on’m. Kelly

Kevin Moore! Stories of folks finding these yummies all over the place these days! Margo Young for sending lost cell phone

Ken Mauck thanking us for letting him work for us yet it is the other way around * where'd it go?

We are looking for places where people can demo Altai Skis them and possibly buy them as well. Look at it and let me know if you are interested, your place would be great to have on our list. Nils

Howdy Whitegrassers! Chip, Todd and rest of the friendly WG peeps, I must apologize for sucking all your webcam bandwidth over the past few weeks. I'm addicted to watching Ullr's frosty grip clench down upon the valley, and must check that thing 30 times a day. So sorry to have missed Jack Frost, as we had so much fun in previous years, but we're heading West tonight to make up for lost time. Had to sort through my pics from last year to get the stoke started, and attached a few to share. Can't wait to start the season with you guys--it's amazing what a few special people with the right mindset, a valley seemingly transplanted out of Canada, and a bit of powder can do to a man. See you on the trails! Peace and powder, Eric

A great twist of fate – having wanted to learn how to telemark for many years as a novice cross country skier and learned from a telemarking maniac – my kids’ buddies Dad – Chuck Mann here in Baltimore- whom I knew was big into the sport told me about you guys when I asked (“you’ll love it - its owned by an old hippie”) – and each year for the last three my family extended family go to the Timberline area and rent a house around xmas and it appears you all are just around the corner-
So my long winded introduction to ask – is it possible to get a “gift certificate” from you all to give my mom and sis in law for a lesson and ticket for at least one of the days we are there? If not I’ll just come over when we get there and get tickets from you guys for all of us. Looking forward to the trip – especially now –Thanks David Blalock

My friends in Baltimore who haven"t yet made the trek keep asking what's so great...the scenery, the trails and the ambiance of the cafe/lodge. Peter, Myra and Paulina

Sounds like you had a rockin' season. After a Jan-Feb dry spell we are having a late la Niña and some lift-served areas will go through May and well into June. Backcountry easily past July 4th. I just got back from a trip to the Italian Alps... life dream but low snow-- better skiing here. My kids dug your place and I will bring them back sometime when things are more sane. Whenever that is! It's a ways ahead, but I just looked up one of my favorite Chapel Hill bands- Southern Culture on the Skids (www.scots.com) and they aren't coming my way but they are coming yours. June 2nd in Thomas at the Mtn State Brewing Co. Check 'em out if you you don;t already know 'em! As always, you & yours are most welcome here. I live right on Lake Washington so we could ski in the morning and boat/sail in the afternoon! Best to all, Brian

Thom Perkins (Jackson XC) touts that the most important factor to xc skiing is NOT snow…it is land!

Volunteer Tree Planting ... I serve. I do the dance I must. I plant trees, but I am not the doer of this work. I am the facilitator, the instrument. I am one part of the symphony. I know there is an overall scheme to this symphony that I cannot understand. In some way, we are each playing our own part. It is not for me to judge or criticize the life or work of another. All I know is that this is my dance. I would plant trees today even if I knew for a certainty that the world would end tomorrow.  -- Balbir Mathur

An old man [in ancient Israel] was planting a fig tree, when a Roman general happened to pass by. The general says to the man, "Don't you realize it will take twenty years before that tree will grow enough to give fruit, and you will be long dead by then?" The old man responded, "When I was a small child, I could eat fruit because those who came before me had planted trees. Am I not obliged to do the same for the next generation?"

Silver Lake, CO ( April 14-14 1921 Most intense U.S. snowfall. Silver Lake, near Boulder, CO, at an altitude of 10,220 feet had 75.8" in 24 hours, 87" in 27-1/2 hours; 95" total from storm (32-1/2 hours).

I had originally planned the trip to coincide with the corn cycle so we could get high up on some peaks, but we had to settle with 3 feet of fresh POW and skiing late into the evening. Richard Peterson Cremer near Aspen, CO

  I reckon those will be my last turns of the season for me in Canaan, but what a way to end, with a backcountry tour on Sunday in the red oak bowl led by Stro, eating grape leaves, nori, and smoked oysters - then to have an entire ski area to ourselves for the descent!  Livin.  Until the smokehole (April 30/May 1) Michael Clark ( mid March natural snow skiing offered to all and taken advantage by few...)

booowwww...from Tahoe Jamie Mulligan VT & WG Parallel Universes Dickie Hall

Laurie: The food was out of this world. Nothing but praise for your culinary creations. Whitegrass has just become my most favorite eatery. Thank you thank you and thank you so much. It was perfect. Here is hoping to spring comes to the twin cities (Thomas/Davis) and Canaan Valley very soon. My Best, Bill

I saw a whole trainload of snow headed somewhere! Chris Gay

motion camera nearby with Red Fox/Raccoon/Raven and pair of Coyotes, and Golden Eagle baited with deer carcass

We made a day trip over to WG yesterday...great snow, great weather (in the 40s!) & sun! I described the snow conditions as a consistency somewhere between cream cheese and a Slurpee.....Not only did we have chickadees, but the elusive red-breasted nuthatch visited the "Roundtop Feeding Station". After we had a little rest & OUR snack, I attempted to do a watercolor of that beautiful bird! Hope to see you again before all the snow goes! Betty & Mark Gatewood

Just thought I'd send these along to you from this past Saturday. My husband , Robert, and son (shown in pictures) had a great time skiing up top all day. The skiis aren't put away yet! There's always hope! Thanks for a great time skiing there this year. Cindi Hawfield

XC skiers are known to quit skiing earlier than alpine skiers. Resorts shut down for reasons other than a lack of snow.XC Resorts.com

It shows snow depth observations for the country, including the Southern Appalachians. This is a potential tool for die hard spring corn junkies. Not as detailed as the "acres open for skiing" idea you talked about, but definitely a good start for the destination skiier in all of us! Rush

Photos Went to stonecoal flats, cabin mtn trail to stonecoal ridge trail to asram rocks to shenandoah and back to powderline and 3 mile trail to the lodge. Matt

What Whitegrassers do when not skiing. Thanks for the great Tuesday! Mark

With Love From Colorado... I hope you're well! Here are our promised pics from Colorado. Tarn, Christen, and I explored lots of terrain around Crested Butte and had our WG bandana in tow! Christen and I were on our newly purchased WG skis (Karhu guides and Madshus Annums). We had a blast ripping around on our scales! Everyone kept referring to our "skinny skis" but we showed them how it's done! Good times! Even though the mountains are a little bit taller out west - there is no place like WG. It's the best (people, terrain, and food) and keeps us happy! I have my fingers crossed for one more gigantic dump this season.Thanks again! Linds

Jill, Charlie, Anne, and Karen US Birkie Race 2/19

Bill Love, Montana

Trip turned out better than I dared dream. As you might expect, the slopes were empty. What I didn't expect was snow the first day, and the second, and the thrid ... right through to the end. By the end, I was praying for it to stop snowing, as I needed some clear days to do some summiting. Chip, this was real deep "Sierra-type" snow. Only it was as light as it gets in Utah!!! I saw then digging out one of the chair lift towers, and the snow was deeper than two men standing on their shoulders (helps that they were Japanese). Ged Smith

Among the many reasons why we love Japan and wish the people of that great country a speedy and complete recovery. Photo by Evans Parent. Location: Hokkaido Island, last January. TeleTips.com

Madshus Skis / Go Harry!

just wanted to say we so enjoy reading of your late season skiing exuberance! Just a lot of fun to read about your hunts for skiable snow, especially as we're into the weekend soccer season here in the DC area. We had a great time skiing Whitegrass about 4-5 times this winter - thanks for the warm vibe you are your crew create. It's kind of amazing what you create for a brief four months of each year. And it's infectious - our kids used to grumble about having to go XC skiing with us versus downhilling - but now they describe themselves first as XC skiiers. Nice work, Whitegrass!...Thanks for your note, and keep skiing 'till it's mud! FYI - we had the idea (too late in the season) to do a ski circuit of the Valley - from our house off Canaan Loop road all the way around to the Timberline Lodge. Did not have enough snow Presidents' Day and later to do it, but maybe next season! Anyway - here's a rough map of the 17 mile route. Maybe next season! Cheers- Chris

Up to T'line and found the snow going fast. You can see Ann just getting through the top of the Drop and Jess doing the "April Boot Serve" approach Off the Wall. Salamander is gone for the ski up and we just did it Saturday all the way with out taking skis off. Please remember to put a link to WildGingerSpice.com sometime. Thanks, Ann Mealey

We hiked in from Forest Road 80 on Blackbird Wing at the end of March after the snow had melted ( and before the April snowstorm ). Hand feeding the Chickadees was the highlight of our friend’s weekend. We’ll make a donation to your bird seed & granola bar fund next time we’re by the lodge. Anne Smith & Ron Ulle

Trapp April XC

Great to see you guys are sucking the marrow from life out there and enjoying every last flake of snow. My last run of the season was on day 8 of a trip to the Tetons with my brothers in March. Already looking forward to next year. By the way, great name on the new trail. Bridger will be stoked to hear you named it after him, even though you probably didn’t. You’ll have to show me where it is sometime. Enjoy the off season and all the wonders it brings. Attached is a recent picture of Bridger at granpa’s house. Hilarious! Pura vida, Andrew

Last weekend marked my two year anniversary of ownership at Pendletonheim in Davis. I came up by myself for the HOA meeting and it ended up being the best pow turns of the year! 5 surreal magic carpet rides to free refills on Sat. at T-line followed by 4 creamy T-line powder runs on Sun! I caught up with Robbie on Sat night. It's great to hear about all the hard work and trail improvements up top! Sorry I missed the WG ski fest as I should have brought up more skis. Thanks to the WG crew for sticking around and praise Ullr for making it happen!-tom b

Thom Perkins touts that the most important factor to xc skiing is NOT snow…it is land! As the director of the JSTF, he has helped to secure the 150 kilometers of trails in the village that connect the village with lodges, nature, and area destinations by working with 82 private landowners for the privilege of crossing their properties. The development of the nonprofit JSTF as an organization of landowners, businesses, and a local ski club has been duplicated in many other states across the nation.

Good times were had in the fresh snow at the WG Ski Party. Hooray for Skiing in April! Our dogs, Leo and Ramona, send an xtra special thank you as they loved charging up and down the mountain with us! ~ Annie, Kyle

Thanks for an amazing season. From April 3 - Best spring skiing in years; skied 3 Mile, Roundtop, Bald Knob, Sawmill; then Gandalf's, Springer Orchard, Springer Forest, Sawmill back to Gandalf's. Not a bare spot anywhere. Last picture is Snowy Range, Wyoming a week ago. Mark Thomas

We met in passing at the Purple Fiddle with Furnace Mtn. Band and we talked about skiing in the mountains around Boone, NC. Chris Lubic

A picture of you playing in the band taken by my new-backcountry-skier grandson.We had a great time and will be back often.- Michael Gross (Crystal Lake neighbor)

Good Night White Grass / See You Next Winter

Retro Robbie backscratcher on xc skis - oliver grossman

Love Winter! chip chase Birkie- subzero temps and hills were easier to endure training at WG! Ray

Can't believe the photos of all the new pow today. We left around 12:30 and I sensed the shift from rain to snow was happening earlier than predicted and you might get a good accumulation, but 8" high? - who knew? Anywho, we had a great weekend skiing the Natty Nord on Friday, dinner at the WG cafe on Fri night, and you setting up my son James with the tellie gear for a great day of free heel downhill skiing on Sat. Thanks fo all of that, and for a great season Just wish we had stayed for some turn in the freshies, but alas homework, etc. called us home. Attached are some pix from Fri skiing in the National Nordic and Weiss Knob. Hope for some more spring snow and we'll be back for some more skiing this season. Bill Berlin

Mountain Laurel Learning Coop raised $500 which puts us on track to get our official non-profit status and to keep growing. We look forward to beginning our preschool Spanish program this Monday as well as more expanded programs coming this summer. Special thanks to Whitegrass for the incredible food, atmosphere, and generosity.- Sandy

I wanted to send you a few pictures from a Colorado trip I just got back from. I hope that I brought back some snow with me. We spent last weekend in Ridgway Hut, which is part of the San Juan Hut Systems. There is some great skiing above that hut. We then skied some of the backcountry around Silverton. There we met up with my friend's friend Maria Kalman, who is a guide at Silverton Mountain. It turns out that Maria grew up in Cabin John, MD and skiing Whitegrass. She said that her parents (Tom and Kate) are still Whitegrass regulars. Small world. One of the pictures that I have attached is her ripping it up. Also, in the picture of me skiing, the blue thing in my right hand is a mop handle with a tin can lid as a pole-- we had to do some manufacturing because of equipment issues. Hope to be skiing again at Whitegrass this season. Take care, Bill Connelly

We just wanted to say a big thanks for all of your hospitality and all you do! We had an amazing vacation, and our time at White Grass was a big part of that. Loved talking cooking with Laurie and have already made that granola bar recipe many times! And we always look forward to hanging out with "Mr Chip". Big thanks to "Mr Curtis" too for Mia's ski lesson. It was awesome. Attached a few pictures... see you next year! Alan, Sarah and Mia

Hey Chippy, thanks for such great hospitality. It’s not hard to imagine the vibe you’ve created after knowing you for 20 years but it’s a whole different thing to see it in action. What’s so impressive is that you’ve put together both sides of a business, customers and staff. I’ve consulted with hundreds if not thousands of companies and I’ve never seen a customer walk in and say “isn’t this place awesome.” That’s a true confirmation that you’ve got both sides right. Congrats to you, Laurie and the whole crew for creating a business that didn’t just survive but thrived and showing the world how to really run a business. And thanks for the Dude honor! I’ve told all my friends. Dan

Our family has grown up at White Grass! We started out with two pulks in 2004 and now both girls are on their own their skis. LOVE your kids program! The Sawyers--Mark, Kathy, Maureen and Clare

John Regan Chris Gay (cg)

...to some of my friends and clients who are either interested in kiting or who give me a hard time when I rave about the snow in West Virginia...this is as good as it gets east of the Rockies. Thanks to well known paddler (and now fanatic kiter) John Regan for putting it all together. SKIP

Just got home last night from Alberta. A great visit and wonderful race! I skied 55 kilometers in 6 hr 14 min. I had a bit of energy remaining at the end of the race, so could have pushed a bit harder, but I'm pleased with how I did. The weather was warm, snow conditions were poor, but had a great time. It was the first time since around 1980 that I skied on klister instead of hard wax. The snow was so abrasive that I needed to re-wax 3 times during the race. Needless to say, I'm not very experienced with klister. Lester Lind

Andy and I have ventured into the "back country" as we call it quite a bit. Doing fall trail work in the National Nordic helped me become familiar with that area and we ski there often. Another favorite route we discovered is to go out Cabin Mtn trail to Stonecoal Ridge to Shenandoah to Bald Knob and back. The new skis make powder skiing a dream. Bruce Dalton

Took a ride up the chair lift and skied National Nordic for the first time. Crossed the stream and skied Cabin Mt trail. Lot of wet, bare spots on that south facing slope on Cabin mt trail-beautiful none the less. Climbed up Stone Coal Ridge to Ashram and Shenandoah then bush wacked back to pipeline and back down Canaan ski slope. Peace, Walter

The faces on the tree, we found in the National Nordic, couldn't resist the dad with the kid's backpack, and the windswept beauty we discovered after climbing up the (abandoned?) trail from the green shack to Bald Knob. All reflect the serendipitous charm and unexpected delights of White Grass! Looking forward to our return in late February. Chase away the warmup and bring back the snows. Chris Hong

Kate Preston (now in Australia)

Spring work...What's the deal with that 'foot steering' you were doing?  I need some instruction on that. Thanks to Laurie as well for the chocolate truffles. Ski ya later, Christa-not-so-fari

Powder Dreamin' Eric Henley

even the birds at WG are friendly. Good times, as always. martin

Rime Ice forms when the water droplets in fog freeze to the outer surfaces of objects. It is often seen on trees atop mountains and ridges in winter, when low-hanging clouds cause freezing fog. This fog freezes to the windward (wind-facing) side of tree branches usually with high wind velocities and air temperatures between 18-28.

Blue Ridge Outdoors Wolf Creek WV Printery Matt Clouse

Walter Haydel

Mary McHugh Harley Eric, Marcella, and Tenzin Robish

Skip Brown generous again with his fantastic photos. See you skating again soon buddy!

My husband discovered you prior to us moving out here from Salt Lake City. We were so happy to know that we at least had a place to explore when we moved out here last April. Our first visit to you was New Years 2011. Despite the rain and minimal snow we fell in love with White Grass, a most unexpected, delightful treasure!!!! We've been back twice already and plan to be back this coming weekend. I was born in Aspen and grew up in Mammoth Lakes, Ca., I come from a skiing family. What you have created at White Grass is what I love most (and miss in some places...) about the skiing experience. There is no pretense, just down to earth people who share a love of mountains and playing in them however they choose! The smiles and friendliness just kept coming! And last but certainly not the least..at all, the powder, the powder, the powder!!! It has been great! I should probably stop going on and on about how much I've fallen in love with your resort and let you get back to work!! Most sincerely, Quentin Lawrence-Grove

Women's Ski Clinic on Saturday was terrific Gabrielle Czaja if pigs could ski Kevin Moore

Pharis Knob,WV slide show by Vic * One of the best days of the season for sure. John Reagan * John Dalen skiing his WV Pharis Knob Powder Paradise in Blue Ridge Outdoors Mag

David Toman Todd

Thank you …for another terrific ski weekend for us! The White Grass food, the snow, the people together create some fantastic shared memories….couldn’t be better. Thanks for all you do! Facebook See you in Feb, Margaret Wohler

We had a great time Jane Nicoli just wanted to say we love your magical Whitegrass The Coffmans Black Bear Burritos,WV

I am never disappointed by the great folks we meet on the trails. marc

Betty Gatewood: Shenandoah Valley sunrise, Spruce Mountain vista, Seneca Rocks to Canaan and Blackbird's Wing

Thanks for another snowlicious White Grass experience. We came down off of Baldy with the snow falling so fast that I was skiing with my eyes closed. Jedi X-country. As we tunneled through the snow-laden pines on Beechlick and Powderline the kids kept saying "We're in Narnia!!" Thanks again for that little slice of paradise you have ready for us every year.- Dave Park School

amazing full moon tour – what a blast! You are a great guide, and WG truly shines in the moonlight. There are 3 or 4 full moon pics from our Whitegrass vacation. Hope to get out one more time for some spring skiing, Cheers, Mark, Dare, and Nina Wenzler

My 11 year old daughter Samantha wanted to send you this picture of the sign she made yesterday when we went skiing. We have been down to Whitegrass twice this season and I got her skis through your the kids ski exchange progarm. Since, we have been skiing alot this season and want to make it down again before the season is over. The first time she was at white grass we were in the lodge and she said to me "Daddy you finally found some people you belong with!" then later on that day when we were skiing up 3 mile she said to me "Daddy, when I first got here I felt out of place, now that I haved skied I feel like I belong here." Those our to quotes I will keep with me forever. You guys have a special place there and I want to thank you for all that you do. Hope to be back down there in March for some spring skiing. Thanks. Todd Wilson

What a great 4 days! Thanks again for covering the clinic with Randy – I think he is one of my new heroes. Sorry that Stro and I could not find you in the Nat Nord on Saturday – we had a great time. The skiing was some of the best that I remember there. See you the weekend of the 12th. Peace. Jeff

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Thanks for all you do at White Grass!  It is just a wonderful place filled with happy people, beautiful scenery, great staff and tasty food !! Erin and Barton (pics from last year)

Gisela taught a wonderful Women's Winter Day xc clinic all fresh with ideas from Randy's 4 days of amazing clinics

Thanks for turning me back into a two planker, it gets better with every step and turn. All the best, Kevin Keane (w/Marty Quinn in Colo)

Flag from Gotlands....part of Sweden from Paul and Torrie WG reports on PACCSA site

The Cheryl Denise poem took my breath away. Likewise the young lady with the Snow Forest drawing and flags. You and Laurie inspire us to poetry and art and help us to ski better than our modest abilities would predict. We'll make a few more day trips til the end. Maybe ski it down to the grass, have lunch in the Cafe and go home with muddy toes. Happy trails, Mark and Betty Gatewood

kinda like...For what it's worth, it's your own action. (mistake if you don't do something) or something like that. hope you got a better translation. Chip Mefford * spanish on the chalkboard:  "the only value of errors, is that they are lessons" thats how most of us learn! Todd

GRANDFATHER WON’T BE CHARGED FOR SKIING UPHILL : Officials at Jackson Hole Resort, WY, will not press charges against a 78-year-old retired doctor who was skinning up the mountain to watch his granddaughter’s ski race, according to published reports. Roland Fleck was reportedly handcuffed and hauled away on a toboggan when he refused ski patrol orders to stop as he headed into an area where grooming machines were operating and there was avalanche danger. The Jackson Hole News & Guide says Fleck was jailed on charges of trespass, interference, unsafe skiing and theft of services. Resort officials say they won't press charges because Fleck's removal resolved their complaint. Sheriff Jim Whalen says he sees no need for prosecution. Fleck's son, attorney Dan Fleck, says his father did nothing wrong and the resort should change policies.

Stowe / Camels Hump last week.  Hope to make it up your way soon.  Best Regards, Jon

...new pair of boot liners thermofitted at Black Diamond. I met a guy Bill who instantly recognized my White Grass hat. He sends his best to you and Mike. The nordic ski world is a small one with friendships everywhere. Denis Bogan

Green Shenandoah Valley - Rockingham County * Mark @ Germany Valley overlook * Seneca Rocks * Mark at "Corn Snow" Flats* Finished the day @ Freeland Run Trail beaver pond... Thanks for all your good vibes, the expert grooming, and hard work that make WG our designated destination in the winter. We had a good, if occasionally challenging, ski Saturday. If you're gonna ski, you have to love it in all forms. Late afternoon on Stonecoal Flat reminded us of Crane Flat in Yosemite, where we started learning to ski these many years ago. Appreciated the late grooming on upper Three Mile. Hope your Presidents Day weekend is filled with joyful skiers. Til next time, Mark & Betty Gatewood

love the back country skating conditions and Christopher wants to do all the bb-biathlons - SKIP

Kevin Jones Dropped off matted by the sweetest gal from VA that I will find out her name again and THANK YOU! cc The matted picture you received of the lodge at night was from the sweetest gal ever. She is our friend's daughter, Laura Sullivan, a high school senior from Charlottesville who loves snow, winter, and Whitegrass. Every winter, they come for a weekend of fun skiing and then we all had dinner together with every recipe coming from the Whitegrass cookbooks. I even still had blueberries in my freezer from summer picking and we had that wonderful crisp. I send you wishes for more snow! Susan Renda

Thanks to everyone for all of your chopping, shoveling, and grooming. The conditions were amazing, especially given the last few days. I skiked up to Heartland, then was able to ski up 3 Mile to Blackbirds Wing past the iron gate, up Forest Road 80 past the end to where it melts out. The return trip on Upper 3 Mile was perfect, and I was even able to come back on Upper Springer, Flatrock Bowl and Springer Bowl. The lady in the picture was so intent on feeding a chickadee at Roundtop that she forgot to smile for the camera. Thanks again, Mark

who sent this?

Can you add one of these jet pack skiers to your rental stash for next year? Just think what it would do for the snow farm loop...or three mile! Bruce

Thanks for your help in the making of a great day! I really enjoyed meeting you, your lesson, hospitality and Whitegrass! It was awesome! We had a great time over at T'line. I have found a challenge in the tele discipline and expect to continue toying with the freed heel! Hope you found the gift's we left. Have a great rest of the season! See you on snow! Cheers, Drew Miller/PSIA Snowshoe Teacher

Trying to make do with the little snow we had but couldn't help thinking of how nice it would be at that day at WG ...All the Best Samantha Lammie

Bridget My Family had a great time skiing at Whitegrass this past weekend. My friends in Baltimore (those who haven"t yet made the trek) keep asking what's so great? Since pictures speak a thousand words I just posted these three pictures, the scenery, the trails and the ambiance of the cafe/lodge. See ya soon, Peter, Myra and Paulina

... found this super-secret powder stash hiding behind a fence in an undisclosed location... Thanks for yet another great weekend! Mike Tabasco

missed the freeze-out last weekend, but finally uploaded pics from the Long MLK ... again, had such a blast! Perfect snow, light, conditions and friends. Whitegrass is a salvation. See you all soon.......dan berger

bald knob chillin' and we loved it up on bald knob. see you next weekend and forever, zack and john xoxo

Sending you some info about upcoming yoga classes in Thomas. Happy Winter! xoxoxo Anne

Colleen strikes again

I just wanted to say thank you for providing such a wonderful space to ski in, eat in and simply relax. I visited White Grass for the first time last weekend (MLK holiday weekend) and I have to say that I am very impressed with the grace and charm that you and your crew displayed during a very busy time. Your positive attitudes rubbed off on the rest of us stressed-out city dwellers, making the weekend even more wonderful! Lisa Hartjen

much O grassy ass...So last weekend (three day weekend) Wisp, my local ski slope was nuts, our plan was to escape the maddness... to Whitegrass we go.  When we pulled up the parking lot was packed...we went in, the cafe was jammed...Oh no our escape plan was back firing, and we had a boot issue to clear up before we could ski.  We geared down took things as they came got our boots exchanged, payed our fee and got out the door. then my boot broke in the parking lot..shit, back in the vortex of humanity we went. 10min. later we where on the trails. 1/2 later we where on top the hill. This is where I started realizing how your awesome facilities easily swallowed up that mass of people, everyone was dispersed, the people we did see where smiling and happy. Chrissy and I talked about how even though you guys where packed everyone busy as heck you all calmly smoothly "handled it" and made us as well as everyone there feel welcome and at home. It's not often that you have a room full of people like that where everyone seems satisfied. After an amazing day of skiing (the trails where perfect) we went back to the cafe stood in a line of happy folks for some excellent food and cold beer, we where waved over to share a table by complete strangers. Well I won't take to much of your time, I just want you to know that every time we make it to Whitegrass you and the crew makes us feel at home and welcome, I strongly believe that there are certain points all around this world where everything aligns to make perfect VIBES a crossroads if you will of good people, good times... goodness, I have been fortunate to experience a few of these places, and your place, Whitegrass is one of them. Lang King

I drove toward a dark snowstorm of sequins: spinkles of glittering stuff falling from the sky, making a big rainbow on the horizon. I'd never seen a winter rainbow....a snowbow....before. Mark Head in South Dakota

Great photo! (by Betty Gatewood) I am wondering if this is a fisher track. Do you have any straight down photos of individual prints? The belly drag makes it obvious the animal is low to the ground. The gait reminds me of a diagonal walker but it may be that it's a weasel family gait (pacer) with the front and hind foot registering almost together because it's running. It would be nice to have a measurement between prints (32 inches) for running gait on fisher....Ken Sturm Wildlife Biologist Canaan Valley NWR

I skied at Whitegrass this weekend and it was amazing - so much fun! I can downhill ski alright so I thought X-country would be no problem, but it's a whole different game. Start with the green (easier) trails, because Whitegrass has lots of downhills that are quite a challenge on your unbladed Xcountry skis! Definitely worth the drive - and the food at the lodge is really good too! Carolyn Wetzel ... I would love to connect with you, since I'm a huge Whitegrass Cross-Country fan, and look for any opportunities to go there, and always looking for company to go up there. Cheers, Ansu,,,DC Backpackers Unite

Thanks to all those at White Grass who groom and ski and cook and rent and fix and direct and are there from dawn 'til dark and keep smiling... Kelly

Mark and I wanted you to know that we had a super-sweet time at White Grass over the weekend! The soups/meals were scrumptious, the lodge atmosphere unrivaled and the trails were the absolute best! We ventured into new territory by going 3 Mile to Stone Coal Flats, then Cabin Mtn Trail to Forest Road 80, then down Blackbird Wing. OMG it was lovely. I'm sending a pic I snapped on Cabin Mtn Trail in another e-mail. We'll see you in a couple of weeks with 4 of our friends! Yay - wish I could be there for Dickie Hall's tele wkshp this upcoming weekend...I WILL take a tele lesson this season. I want to look that graceful! It just looks so effortless (but I know better!) Keep the snow for us! Thanks for such a great weekend. Give our best to Lester the Master Trail Groomer - the GroomMeister! Betty Gatewood

... our family's first visit and it definitely won't be the last Sean O'Malley

I just wanted to let you know that I had an awesome time skiing yesterday! It was the first time I got to go with friends and without a group of kids so I had a lot more freedom! I absolutely LOVE being there every time I come and yesterday I seriously felt like a guest in your families home. Morgan gave us a lesson, then went with us to the Bald Knob. We got a late start so we didn’t make it back until after the kitchen closed so Morgan also hooked us up with some chili before we got on the road home. Oh, AND him and bunch of other guys had to help push my car out of the parking spot! If I lived closer, I’d be there every weekend! Thanks so much! Carrie

Hi Amazing White Grass Cafe Staff and Chip -Here are a few of our many photos from the weekend. As promised, the first two are for Linnies (I apologize if I'm spelling your name wrong!), of one of the chocolate truffles on Baldy. So tasty! You can download any of these photos. We'll see you again this weekend! We actually have reservations at the Cafe for dinner Saturday night - finally! - too. Way to keep up with the crowds this weekend! It was intense in there! :) Bonnie

Triangulation of Whitegrass! Love it. Mark and Clare

I apologize for the entire verbal exchange in front of WG late Monday with one of our season pass holders and a friend that was walking in with their snowshoes in their hand. More important than ever putting foot prints in the trails for me is being polite, patient, thrifty, neat, and kind. You know, promise yourself never to bring out the worst in life and smile while shutting the hell up. Will do the next time. chip

Marc

I hear reports of all the magic in whitegrass! I will be in West Virginia in the summer. I will have to stop by JT in colo

Martin Radigan

We missed catching up with you (man was it busy!) but Chad, Tom and I had an epic weekend out there. Skied south off Weiss all day Saturday and then found some goods in the woods at WG on Sunday. The album name is a tongue in cheek reference to the common misperception of WV. Keep that snow machine turned on. We'll be back soon. cheers, Andrew

Saw the great pics of WG from this month. Boy, sure looks like you guys got slammed with snow. Wish we were there to help use it and get some of the great food from the Cafe. Winslow Ayer, founding father of WG now back in Vermont

Bill and Sandy high on Highland View - far from the maddening crowds. What do you mean your competition should take some of the load? You don't have any competition - you're in a class by yourselves! Skiing was great Saturday thank you for providing such a wonderful venue.

Just wanted to write a note to you guys and say how much i've enjoyed whitegrass this winter. It's really a special area you guys run, and the beauty of the area in winter is amazing with all the ice covering every surface up high (rime ice? freezing fog?). I got my brother out for his first time on snowshoes on saturday, and he really enjoyed it.We also built a 10 foot igloo on Canaan loop rd and stayed in it this weekend (picture attached). It is about 200 yards past the end of plowing on the Canaan Heights side. The igloo is on the left side, about 100 feet off the road. Feel free to spread the word if people want to stay in it/check it out. I'm interested to see how long it will last, and I live in Morgantown, so I'm normally only up there once or twice a month. I now have two reasons for hoping it stays cold. I'm dreaming of my triumphant return to the igloo, and another powder day at whitegrass. Cheers, Jack

Happy New Year dahling!  http://www.tuckerfoundation.net.  Our mission is to create opportunities for the communities we serve, and the best way to do that is to make sure our residents and visitors know we exist. Diane

the kids had fun Sid

WG in Southern Living Jan 2011/ best in winter! Congratulations! Andy Nichols shenandoahbreeze.blog

hey buddy. on way to slope thought i'd give you a shout. saw the website and glad to see you're still skiing. can't believe you let mike get 2000 hats. he's the Imelda Marcos of the hat industry. He's secretly wearing a different one home each day and replacing it the next. Hope he doesn't have head lice. Nasty stuff.... Miss you guys inexplicably... Jambers (in Tahoe,Ca for the winter)

Tele Bruce Wash Post Calendar White Grass's favorite trail worker skiers Chase Sutton

When I'm not there, I think about there, when I think about there, I think about maps of there HNY Larry

Sam Lammie

east by gawd...Yo Chip- Had about 8" of wet white stuff here in East VA yesterday. Got out the old reliable 215 cm nowax planks. Put a fine coat of WD-40 on the underside to prevent clumping in the damp spots. Hit the nearby golf course through the back gate. Hopefully will cool down enough tonight to crust it all up. Looks like december is good to ya'll in WV... the skilletlikker, edward

last ski season I had a great time at white grass. Janek

Still buzzin' from a few days with my Whitegrass Family! Thanks, and much Love, ter * http://wimp.com/amishskiing/, sent by our pals from Va Beach, Pam and Tom

our night ski to baldy last night! Snow baby snow ! Evan Supak

John Reagan flies the Sinks,WV

Bald Knob...the trees around the shelter were an awesome sight! Had a fantastic time, hope to come back this weekend! Bob MacWright

Skip Brown Nicki Burton

Sending Happy New Year wishes your way. Thank you so much for the remarkably sublime space you have created there on that little bit of ground in West Virginia. Once again, we left with sweet memories, full bellies and smiles on our faces. I think one of us had little bitty tears as she said, "Papa, go back..." We hope to be back in February, ready to be amazed again. Thanks to you, all of the wonderful cooks, servers, and gear guides for making us feel welcome and cared for and to Morgan for great kid rapport on skis. See you soon, Love, Teddy, Sarah, Theo and Izzy * Handmade wood skis. He sounds like a Backlund of wood skis. I got the Izzy's. Can't wait! JR

I just thought you would like to see what my dad and i skied today. My favorite is powderline! Emily Ramsey

We always have a great time @ White Grass! The Fenoffs - Elk Mountain,WV Doesn't get any better than this Eytan Byer

Todd

Had a great long weekend Susan-Marie Stedman P.S. How do I get the recipe for that Thai chicken soup? It was awesome! (in WG Flavor cookbook)

WG better than Alta past weekend!! From Alta to Whitegrass and we had more fun than the Alta packers did over the weekend. Alta got 1/4" of freezing rain, conditions sucked. The attached pictures tells our story. It all depended on the aspect @ WG... We found some delightful powder turns. Avalanche danger low, fence danger high. ;) The wife and I being 20+ year Alta skiers absolutely love what WG has to offer. Can't wait to get WG mid-week! By the way, took out an old rotten tree stump. I love my shin & knee guards!!! There's chunder down under. Cheers...Mike

couldn't have asked for better conditions or a better place to ski than White Grass on Thursday, 01/13/2011!! pristine snow on the way up to Baldy Barry Miller

Just happened to see your venue ski update on our website this morning....thanks for the kudos to PACCSA. Hope all is well with you...this winter weather so far has been spectacular! Let's keep our fingers crossed that mother nature will maintain this for the duration. Good health to you, and as xc guru Marty Hall says, "Keep 'em pointed straight ahead'! Rick Garstka

Great Utah jab!! I forwarded it back to Alta. Be taking pics tomorrow @ WG. Just moved to the area from Alta, Utah.. Be there early tomorrow with our big fat skis and skins. ;) Whitegrass is an Eastern gem. Lots of fun vertical, up and down. The people don't get much better either! Can't wait to get some of that wind blown, fresh pow.Alta packers just don't know what they don't know!! ;) ski ya later..Mike

Thanks for sharing this snowstorm with your northern friends. Vermont finally has powder skiing as tasty as West Virginia. I'm looking forward to coming down for the nato tele workshop at Whitegrass and getting my fill of sweet backcountry skiing West Virginia style !  Ski hard, Play fair, Have fun, Dickie/NATO (Jan 22-23 @ WG)

and when you consider that snow has recently fallen on the Mauna Kea volcano in Hawaii, 49 of our 50 states now have some snow cover! To the best of my knowledge, that hasn't happened since the late 70's, and it is highly unusual for a La Nina winter such as this one. Here's a look at that snow cover as of this morning...you can see that Florida is the only snow cover-free state...and that snow in south Georgia is pretty darn close! MID- ATLANTIC AND SOUTHEAST: This has been a wonderful snow season thus far in the southern Appalachians, where Ski Beech has recorded more than 7 feet of natural since December 1st. Colder than normal weather will hold in this region for the next couple of weeks, with some moderation a good bet as the month comes to a close. At that time, an upper level ridge will try and pop up over the Southeast, and although I am skeptical that the ridge will turn the pattern into a raging thaw, I do think that surfaces will turn more spring like as February gets underway. If you insist on packed powder to play on, hit the slopes in the next couple of weeks...conditions are simply outstanding in this part of the country. Herb Davis, The SKiing Weatherman , pic sent by Todd

no better way to start the weekend...tomimcmillar

Howdy All, I have attached this year's version of REAL SNOW, again taken at around 11,000 ft atop Grand Mesa, the largest flat mountain in the world. It's a little overcast this year, but that's the way it usually is at that altitude in Colorado - Ken (one of the first Va. WG skiers from Harrisonburg,Va...White Grass is name of a mountian in the GW Nat'l. Forest near Criders, Va where I started skiing for hire in '79)

Ruthie Melnick

Hey chip and laurie, guess what?? Nick and I finally learned how to do a real tele turn...we're ready for some more adventures with yall now that we are in some control. yehawwwww and elijah is awesome!
Think that we are going to try to come up on Sunday...want to go for a ski? jen and nick

Neptune Mtneering USA's finest

Still thinking about last weekend! Skiing through the woods the one of the few metaphysical constants I have left …This is the year for tout terrain, toute neige…and tout ski – I want to work the skinny skis in the backcountry. Jeff C.

In Argentina where summer is just beginning.We miss your skiing but are enjoying our visit. Ben & LE From the end of 1995 through 1997, I was spending a lot of time at Whitegrass (Cross-Country Ski Area) in Canaan Valley, WV. I had two photo panoramas, one from years before, the other current to that time. I used both to design the guide drawing on the block, which together added more skiers to the scene. I wanted to try and capture the exhilaration you feel after you ski to the top of Bald Knob and then look at this breathtaking view. Mike Gorrie

Fast skiing visit from the former editor of XC SKIER mag, Jim Chase...photos by Charles Collins-Chase

Chipper, Man, man oh man. I'm so diggin' that leather/3pin Eon combo, thanks for the swap, suckering me in to the dark side.. :) thanks for the inspiration, ya know? couple pics from the wknd attachedI think Abe's face says it all, don't you? see ya New Year's, or sooner...much peace, Tomi

Emma wants you to tell all the kids - "Come out and play! The skiing is great!"

Share on the WG ski report page if you want! I'd be honored. Jonathan

Jay Mallin Marc and Kara

Meredith Family

Despite the rain, it was a good weekend of skiing ar WG. Friday was my 20 month old daughter's first day on skis! I'm stoked for her first day to be at WG! Mike Hodge

Three people in the group hiked the Presidential Range in NH with me in September so we have some adventurous spirit. Can’t wait to get back to Canaan and White Grass! David H. Toman Delaware Nature Society

Hey, I'm trying to convince a friend to come to Whitegrass in February and I think a full moon ski will be just the right incentive. Will you be doing one on Feb 19? Susan-Marie Stedman

Keep Heels Free Snow Snow Fun * Chippy Chaga / Fern Gully Ski by Todd * Late Tele Timberline * Snowy Glades Chaga * Spring XC * Famous Amos Light Weight Extreme XC

Canaan record snowfall by Todd *Retro VT Tele Fest * Vermont Ski Museum * Mammoth Ski Museum * XC SKi April Fools * Chippie Season * Snowshoeing at WG Elkins Intermtn * A Great Day at WG Elkins Intermtn * Local Land Conservation Bank * Sledding at Blackwater * Hikes Drive Winter Visits to Refuge/Chas. Gazette * WV Road Conditions Mtns Uncovered WVU Multimedia Project * Local tv covers WG cafe * Mo jump crashing..avi * * Cafe Dance Jam by Brooke * nearby Del Fest best lineup * Cory Chase* Herb's Ski Forecast * Sue Haywood returns to WG * Osceola Tug Hill XC * Davis 70's- 80's * WG/Mtn Trail Runners Snowshoe Race * Mtn State Marathon XC Race Results *WV Red Spruce/ Canaan Fir Seedlings For Sale* White Grass did not disappoint Ian @ Trail Voice * Bluebird Weekend WG Skiing by Todd the Monster * JoMo almost 720 freeheel lite * The WG Report * Mo 360 on XC gear * Winter On The Refuge * WV Public Radio WG/snow * White Grass U Tube Remix catching mostly air thru Todd * MountainMade online store * Blue Ridge Outdoors * Local history Behold the Land of Canaan *MtnMAde.com/Local artist * Story of Skiing in W V * Nick Waite's Winter WG blog entry

We had a great time, it was Ingrid's birthday and she had never skied before.  She LOVED it.  Hopefully I'll see you again this Wednesday (this time with an experienced telemarker who's never been to Whitegrass!) Kimberly

Mark Anderson

Thanks for yet another great start to the winter snow sliding season. Mark Anderson

on another awesome start to another great season. You have good karma. Christopher will be bummed that you won't be around this weekend when we get out there. We'll survive... hard to believe that this is what we were doing only a week and a half ago - skip

White Grass Staff, After camping out two nights above your location, Joe and I hiked out and came directly to your cafe for a possible re-fuel. Super delighted we found it open and serving hot chili and soup. Thank you thank you thank you! Coming back with our sweet ladies very soon to enjoy your atmosphere and snow. Thanks again for the hospitality, and the best pumpkin cake recipe ever. xoxox Kristopher

I think your grand daughter had the biggest smile of anyone I saw at the party. Joe Henry

CHIPPERINO! - Greetings from the piles of Pocahontas drift-lands... Loving the white season and planning a holiday excursion north to the homeland - but not without a visit with my nordic family of snow-wandering thrill-seekers. I want to rally a crew for a Monday late-nite venture into the wilderness, to witness the moon-wink that is reported to coincide with the winter soulstice....Corey B
My wife is from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic ... that might be a new nationality to grace the beautiful landscape of Whitegrass? She confirmed today what we all know: "this is a really amazing place." Thanks for all you do. -Will

what can I say? Another weekend of getting dangerously stoked. Sadly my camera died on Sunday, but here are some pics of our tour to Weiss and skiing the first pitch of the pipeline on Saturday...it has blown in DEEP in places back there! Will return early in January, fresh from AK...sad to be missing the rest of this cycle. Love your pics from Fowler-Hillard - 10th mountain going upscale with that rebuild! Richard-- When the situation is desperate, it is too late to be serious. Be playful.

Be there for work on shelters, trail sweeps, painting, groveling, digging, nipping, sawing, trampling, traipsing, heaving, heaping, scraping, tossing, twirling, laughing, hammering, signing, loitering, or whatever else needs to be done. Marc

Denis Bogan is back! Oh yeah. See here; and here;

Jack Frost was amazing, as always. Thank you for that great party, and for all that you do. Really, thank you, thank you, thank you. Bought our season passes. Sweet! martin radigan

... although many of my Friends of Jay have made the Jack Frost celebration this year was my first. What a great year to get de-flowered! I posted some pics on Facebook…enjoy! I hope you finally found the Shot Ski… Billy Rice

This will be fun. He wants to do all the bb biathlons, and ski every Saturday/Sunday… he loves going uphill for some reason. I’m going to be exhausted! Talk soon David Collett Lot 7 Timberwood

"If you missed Jack Frost...oh well you missed it. Snowed all night. Could not believe the number of Partys from the Yurt, to Barry's World, to the grooming shed, to the sauna, to the lodge, to the pot bellied stove, to the bonfire. Good folks great food...awesome music, and serious pro style partying. Thanks Chip for hosting the bash of the year!" Crede
Garrett College Outdoor Program by Craig Kelly * Some cafe dancing with the Nature Conservancy last winter on Jason Ring's site

Just wanted to say hello and wish you guys the best on Jack Frost! Wish I could be there, but in the meantime I'm figuring out ways to escape work, come home, and ski amazing snow with you guys. Just before Thanksgiving I made it out for a nice little xc adventure and was able to mess with the camera and get some different angles. It was a nice little outing on a hiking trail across the street from my house here in Minturn, CO, I'm hoping to get alot of xc under my legs this year, it's just fun! Here's a link to check it out, hopefully much better stuff to come. Always missing White Grass! - Greg Berry http://vimeo.com/17391057

new addition by Dave Goodman

Noticed on you web cam there was no snow at Whitegrass so I'll see how much a couple of C17 Globemasters full of snow will cost to help kick-start your season.Hoping you are well and have a good season when it does start. Regards David Lucken (The UK Jerseyites) Isle of Jersey, England

SnowCat...gettin' stoked for the season and tunin' up my junks. Gracey often followed me around the farm last season, and even would ride short distances on the front of the boards. P. Sully

Thought you might enjoy the first man made Wintergreen Va. snow of the year. The sledding kids and moms were commenting that I HAD TO WALK BACK UP THE HILL! I didn't have the heart to tell them that is the best part of the trip, because they already think I have a couple of screws missing. Counting the days for the return of White Grass Winter, see you then!!! DM

Last view of summer, enjoy and see you in a few weeks. Bruce

Bill Love winter BIG TIME in Montana!

1/19/10 / LIARS! Their website says they have 30km of groomed trails. Hah! The day we were there they had about 1.3km! And the trails were icey...definitely needed grooming. When we complained, the woman who sold us the trail pass said she'd let us have snowshoes without paying for the rental. So, we ate lunch and when we tried to get the snow shoes, the guy behind the counter said we had to pay $12.00! LIARS! Even if they get 5' of snow, I'd never come back to this place. I'll try anywhere else. Found on Yahoo

Once again renting a ski house and looking for members. The location is in Dry Fork approx. 7 miles from WG proper. The rental is for 4 months (Dec thru end of March). Basic stuff applies, common courtesy to all, shared spaces, communal approach to the house, etc. The asking price is $500 per member which includes the monthly rental plus a good share of the utilities. We could use a couple more great individuals to share this wonderful rental. Please have them contact me by e-mail of phone for more info.Please share this will all you deem to be good prospects!!!Highest regards and looking forward to a great season, Cahil

came across this new backcountry ski/snowshoe combo that made me think of Whitegrass. http://www.marquette-backcountry.com/ I can just picture blasting through the WV trees on these things, hopefully during another 250" winter. I don't work for the company or know anything about them, so I can't speak to the quality/effectiveness, but they look pretty radical. Good luck on the pre-season prep. I'll push some Wisconsin snow your way. - Greg Madden, Cedarburg, WI

Melissa from Hellbenders won the first frost and snow pool! (Oct 24 and Nov 5) Hi Chip! Were visiting Ryan and Jocelyn Gaujot last weekend and took a drive out Canaan Loop Road off the the Pointy Knob Trail. Hope to see you all soon! Get the Whitegrass chili cookin'! Dan and I send our best regards. Betsy Elswick

My boyfriend Kyle and I spent as much time as possible during last seasons epic snows at White Grass, and loved every minute of it.  With killer snowfall and great company, the place is hard to beat!  I read on the website about plans for trail clean-up and think its a great way to enjoy the valley before the season starts.  We are planning on being in town this coming weekend Nov. 12-14th and wanted to know if you could use two volunteers for Saturday?  We are happy to work hard, just let us know what time to be there. Ii have attached a few pics from winter 09-10. Looking forward to another great season.  Annie Kilcoyne and Kyle Kranz

duct tape skiing at Mad River Dickie

Annie in Breakfast Bowl Mark Anderson / Seth

take a look...see you soon, Sarah

Because the only thing worse than a winter without White Grass is a winter without snow. Winters without both just ain't worth living! Ged Smith Manila, Philippines

It's getting to be the time of year that my toes are cold in the morning!! I LOVE IT!!!!!! That means winter is on the way. When winter is on the way I have a great excuse to pack up my jeep and head to Davis!!!
I was wondering if you're ready to book a couple of weekends for the winter yet, or if it's crossed your mind at all yet? I hope summer has been kind to you. Jason Ring

Recently I returned from a four-week business trip to Fairbanks, Alaska. One day while I was there, the local newspaper had a story about "Stupid Alaskan Tricks" that showed a team of sled dogs pulling a water skier on the Chena river, which flows through Fairbanks. Maybe they could try this at the Cheat River Festival next year, if there's a long enough stretch of river with flat water and an unobstructed shore. Attached is a scan of the article, and below is a link to it, with a video of the water skiing. Jack Kangas

Rebecca is in town this winter!

House For Sale in Thomas Great condition, 3 BR, 1.5 BA, sitting towards the top of the hill on Brown St. Beautiful original hardwood floors and oak trim, replacement windows, hot water baseboard heat, interior totally repainted three yrs ago. This is a solid 1920's home with a field stone foundation. Walk to the Purple Fiddle, Mountain State Brewing Co. and front row seat for
those amazing Thomas July 4th fireworks. Asking $109,000. Jon Yoder (jonathan_yoder@merck.com)

Martin Skip Brown Rodger Carter

Leadville, Co by Bob Livingston WG cafe cooking scholarship awarded to Lauren Birk Diane Hinkle

My daughter asked today what does Whitegrass do in the summer? I told her after this past winter, probably rest. Have a great summer see you when the snows come back. Robert Guynn Belize and Guatemala on vacation with the family. The White Grass hat made it to the top of of the Maya ruins. Kevin Moore

Send me any new events you have for July, Aug, or early Sept. Jane Birdsong, Coordinator,Community Arts Calendar * Winter is coming...The days are getting shorter Ed Phelps

Two labs sliding down snowy hillsides * Rick Wunderman * Nate Calhoun kayaks upper B * Hailey will update her blog periodically

WV Music Hall Of Fame bigger version pdf Todd

Tucker Trails Dave S. Canaan Planters/ Chas Gazette

Thanks for making Skiing fun again! Whatever deal you made with Ullr this year.....double it for next! Dan Fowler WG Splitboarder

George and I spent Easter Weekend in search of the last bits of snow for some skiing. With the help of Chip Chase, owner and proprietor of famed Whitegrass Cross Country Ski Resort and his sidekick Stro, we navigated the back woods of Canaan Valley atop Weiss Knob and had quite the adventure! We also managed to squeeze in a bit of mountain biking at both New Germany State Park and Deep Creek Lake State Park over some pretty crazy terrain, including snow, mud, and rocks. I have nicknamed this weekend "Keeping Up With George" and I have the cuts and bruised to prove it! And George considers this one of his tamer weekends! Had a blast and have the pics to prove it....enjoy :) Leah

sad to see the snow go! Todd Eardensohn

Marc * I was just looking back over some photos of this past winter and I cannot believe what a great season and what great times we had. I just want to thank you and everyone at White Grass for everything you do. Dutch

Stro

just checked in on the whitegrass site and got a lump in my throat when i saw yall closed up and all the happy photos. man, i learned a lot this winter! about skiing and about myself. i love whitegrass, and all the people there, and the great energy that surrounds the place...i will look forward to next season! much love, keri wondergem * * * "Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” – Melody Beattie

Ian / Falls Church Times Too bad there is not a summer WG Sue Haywood

skimuseum.org

Jack Frost Ski Shoppers, Jackson, NH with Mt. Washington * Steve Barnett early tele pioneer near Mazama, WA mid 70's * Dickie Hall woodie ski jumpin' knicker air

Thanks for the great weekend! HSon www.shullphoto.com / Appalachian Aerial Images

A mouse wanted to hitch a ride on Amy's ski. Kevin WG exactly to get my mind right William

feel like the luckiest person in the world beside you Chip * John Reagan Tom Johnson

it was pretty awesome, drifts were over 6-8' in places I would have imagined the pipeline facing the Sods N facing would have been an epic ski down Darin Crew, Baltimore

Whitegrass here are some cookies made with eggs butter and LOVE as a big thanks you for sending me my lost mittens Jen

Two Feet of Snow / After a couple years of going to WG the kids only want to take the fast way up and the fast way down Bob Amacker

Eddie's amazing Ullr art ski him back and forth up n down forever view that carries us through the week ~ Betty

do you want me to stop now TeleBruce Vic/VistCanaan.com

The Whitegrass Adventure Tour was over-the-top, thanks to the leadership of Stro and Adam, plus the remarkable February snows that we have been getting. If you can continue to arrange with the Telemark gods to have the same fine snow in future years, I will ski the Whitegrass Adventure Tour until I die! Yours, Patrick McGarey

best winter ever SKIP the kids had great fun Stephanie

Never been to whitegrass, heard about it, checked it out on the web, wow! you have some community of people down there! I think If I ever decided to open a cross-country ski area it would be modeled after your place. Whitegrass is an inspiration to the sport of skiing. I'm from the Catskill area of NY and we are a bit sparse on snow this year. It looks like you are being blessed with the white stuff. My friends and I have to get down to your neck of the woods! Kinaed.com

I skied Whitegrass Feb 2nd-4th with buddy Skip Coulter who has been talking up your place for years. Enjoyed it as best ski-touring experience I have had. Skip explained the "snow farming" system and it reminded me of a poem I wrote years ago in Limerick style (although not ribald): Snow fences on farms near the road Help a snow-burdened wind to unload; By sifting and sighing, Without even trying, They harvest what winter has sowed. Keep up the good work-play. (Ideally it's all the same) Namaste. Dave Opilo

Whitegrass is the home of West Virginia cross-country skiing and one of the best places for backcountry fun on the entire East Coast. Chip and Mikey will ensure you have the gear you need, and lessons are available all day for beginners and experts alike. Try your hand (and knees) at Telemark skiing, wind up through the trees to fabulous views from the top of Bald Knob, or stay low in the snow farm where the drifts are high and are guaranteed to last all season. Relax and warm up after your exertions with a bowl of Laurie’s fabulous chili at the cafe then go out and do it all again. A-Frame of Mind

Thank you for taking the time to meet with the New Germany crew. We enjoyed seeing your grooming equipment and getting tips on techniques and appropriate conditions. We also got some new ideas for snow reporting and website design. We even took a look at your signs and shelters while we enjoyed skiing that afternoon. Melissa New Germany State Park, MD & Allegany Expeditions, Cumberland, MD

"This was my first time at Whitegrass and it made quite a first impression! I walked into a building packed full of character…huge woodstove burning in the corner, live fiddle and banjo, room packed full of energetic outdoors folk, jovial staff, wonderful scents of soups infusing the scene---I’ll definitely be back." Dr. Steve Godshall

It's gonna be like Santa, but even better-a group of 7 WYEP-ers are coming to get our ski on! Kathi (our local npr station)

stro dave saville Todd

Smiles all thru the lodge and apres' celebrations and vibes of daily bounty are as much a reason as the playing in snow. Passing it on down & all around, ya know? What a special place,thanks for everything. peace, Tomi

Thanks for running such an awsome place, I never enjoy skiing more than when i'm at white grass! Jacob Lutz

Hansi's blog WG visit * ...and watch this video. Short and beautifully done. Elizabeth Gilespie

reasons to buy xc gear from us....we fit the boots and skis to your needs provide free advice buy new or used trade ups anytime and we have done the research on what works for this area and we are the long time small town local experts. We carry about every boot type to help custom fit your foot and have womens as well as mens specific fits. Plus we need your business! Rossi Evo Trail w/Alpina nnn bc and Leki Aluminum pole outfit slightly used for $385

Late 70's in Canaan Us sent by Mark Blumenstein

Nils Larsen mastering his Altai ski techniques Powder Creek BC Rare Merlin catch at Dolly Sods

Bob Jordan a great spirit * I edited a trailer  of "Sweet Joy" for You Tube---(Adam Chase skiing backwards for starters)...Cheers, Wendy

This is a wonderfully off the grid place where skiing (no matter how well or poorly), food, and friends are the whole thing. The terrain is amazing offering easy greens to well above my talent level blacks. There are some extraordinary telemarkers weaving patterns down the face and a whole lot more skinny skis and red cheeks just going with flow. The rustic lodge is really a shed with the most tantalizing smells in the world coming out from a modern, if crowded kitchen. It's hard to find a place to sit and the energy and buzz are just amazing. If you want to leave the mall and find the back country...or enjoy some set tracks through gorgeous countryside, come on out. Being how it is WV and conditions are subject to change check out the site. White Grass is an unparalled full on EXPERIENCE for all the senses.

After hearing people rave about the place for years, I finally enjoyed a meal at Canaan's White Grass Cafe earlier this month - and, wow, was it worth the wait. On the grounds of White Grass, a cross-country skiing center with a decidedly international vibe, the cafe offers one of the most unique dining experiences I've enjoyed in some time. Ted/WV Food Guy

Chip Chase founded White Grass in 1979. No one in the ski world before or since has had a better time on skis or doing anything related to snow (Ive been buzzin since I was born!). That zest is totally communicable. White Grass is a blast, in a lot of ways a throwback to the 1960s, with much more wool than lycra. You'll find easy trails and gnarly trails amidst a lot of snow, gentle streamsides, hardwoods, conifers, and a big meadow by the lodge. You'll see everyone from kids being pulled in pulks to folks in their 70s, all wearing huge smiles. Jonathan

"Chip, you are my hero!! You don't take life too seriously, you throw an excellent party, and we are facing youtube fame together!  I really love that video, Becky and I agreed that was a most organic jam in a beautiful place on a perfect day.  See you soon...yay! Rachel Eddy

Here's the link to the White Grass article in Get Out! michelle * Best food ever. Thanks for the recipes Laurie and Chip! Margaret and Hansi, Minnesota / Hansi's Blog

Take a walk down memory lane with ski writer Randy Johnson’s look at the history of cross country skiing in the Boone, NC area. Also check out his Web site for a video cross country ski lesson in Blowing Rock and a video look at Roan Mountain Nordic in the 1980s.

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