Canaan Valley State Park Lodge, perfect for a getaway
Now that winter is here (sort of, it’s 60 degrees where I am in Ohio), Adventures on the Gorge, West Virginia, with its rafting, zip lining and lodging combination seems ages ago. Here’s another West Virginia location for adventure and fun. Canaan Valley Resort State Park, another West Virginia scenic beauty is about three hours from Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C., and 2¾ hours from Charleston, WV. In the winter, the resort pairs lodging with winter activities. Like Adventures on the Gorge, Canaan Valley Resort offers a possibility for a great time for all ages.
A lodge room in a new wing
Thanks to a $34 million-dollar renovation, the lodge has been transformed. Included in the updated digs are: two wings with 160 guest rooms, renovated public areas, a gift shop and Seasons Cafe with grab-and-go dining. The lodge’s Hickory Dining Room serves up sit down meals of breakfast, lunch and dinner. For pub-style fare and a full service bar, head to the lodge’s Laurel Lounge.
All rooms and suites have the aura of brand new with updated bathrooms and decor. Room features include: a flat-screen television, a refrigerator, coffee maker and a microwave. Suites have a separate bedroom and a fireplace.
The resort also 2 bedrooms to 4 bedroom cabins and cottages that are fully equipped with kitchenware and linens. Each also have wood-burning fireplaces.
An arcade, indoor swimming pool, a fitness center and a spa are lodge amenities but like Adventures on the Gorge, take advantage of the surroundings and head outdoors. Canaan Valley, in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains, is a four season playground. Because of the mountain’s altitude, snow fall in these parts is enough for 47 ski trails for beginning to advanced skiers. Snow making equipment helps Mother Nature along.
In addition to downhill ski slopes, there are cross-country ski trails and a tubing hill. There is also a covered outdoor ice-rink to mix up winter sports action. If you don’t know how to skate or ski, lessons are available.
Bear Paw Ski Lodge is part of the resort
Currently there are two winter packages that pair winter activities with a hotel room. These package rates are good through March 20th. Even if Mother Nature continues to fizzle in the snow department, there’s enough to do for a few days getaway. Currently some ski trails are open. Check the website for snow and activities updates. If you have younger children, take advantage of Kidz Corner. This is a drop off place for children ages 2-6. They can play while older children and adults hit the slopes. You do have to reserve a spot.
Here are the package details:
Lift and Lodging includes: one night in a standard queen or king room, two one-day lift tickets, and Beech Club Pool and fitness center access. Rates start at $128 per night weekdays. Weekend rates start at $20 more.
Snow tubing lanes are the most extensive in the Mid-Atlantic
Family Escape Tubing includes: one night in a standard queen or king room, a large pepperoni pizza from Seasons Cafe, two two-hour snow tubing tickets, and Beech Club pool and fitness center access. Rates start at $123 during the week. Weekend rates are $20 more.
For those not interested in an overnight, there are day rates for all activities. Along with the dining and hanging out places in the lodge, Canaan Valley Resort has the Quenchers Pub, Bald Knob Haus near the tubing hill, and Bear Paw Lodge at the base of the hill. Dining and libations are available at each.
Package rates are based on double occupancy. If you are interested in forgoing the skiing and tubing, room rates start at $99 per night for a double occupancy. Cabins and cottages run between $114 and $329 depending upon the size and the dates. Room and cabin rates do not include taxes and a nominal resort fee.
Canaan Valley Resort does have a campground with hook-up facilities. There are 34 paved, wooded sites. The campground has laundry and shower facilities.
You can book through Canaan Valley Resort’s New Canaan Resort’s accommodations page. You can also compare rates and book through any one fo the online hotel booking sites such as Booking.com.
Post courtesy of Jamie Rhein. Photos courtesy of Canaan Valley Resort State Park
