NEWS RELEASE

Dec. 8, 2006

35 Years of Skiing in WV Celebrated at Canaan Valley Resort
Governor Lauds Industry at Ceremony  

Download historical photos of Canaan Valley’s opening (1971)

Davis, W.Va. – Gov. Joe Manchin III today traveled to Canaan Valley Resort & State Park - the birthplace of West Virginia’s ski industry – to celebrate the 35th anniversary of skiing in the state. 

In a ceremony at Canaan’s ski area, the Governor said “Canaan Valley Resort and State Park, our state’s first major commercial ski area, was the base upon which the modern West Virginia ski industry was built.”  Manchin was joined by representatives from the West Virginia Division of Tourism, West Virginia State Parks, the West Virginia Ski Areas Association and Canaan Valley Resort. 

Governor Manchin noted that the resort and State Park’s growth over the years “is a testament to the vision of past and current state government leaders and the responsible management practices of our private sector partners, like the WV Ski Areas Association and Guest Services, Inc. – the company that manages the resort and State Park for the State. 

Other speakers recognized the extraordinary impact the ski industry has on West Virginia and showcased the industry’s tremendous growth since Canaan Valley Resort & State Park opened to the public in December 1971.    

“The creation of the Snowshoe, Timberline, Winterplace and Canaan Valley Resort & State Park ski areas have attracted tens of millions of visitors to West Virginia these last 35 years and has helped keep our economy vibrant and strong,” Manchin said.  “I encourage everyone to come out and experience the winter recreation we offer here in West Virginia.”

Troy Cardwell, General Manager for Canaan Valley Resort & State Park, said the resort was the first large-scale, modern ski destination to open in the state.  “The ski operation brought thousands of visitors to West Virginia and helped create interest for other warmer weather activities,” he added.

Ken Caplinger, Chief of the West Virginia State Park system noted that the state acquired approximately 6,000-acres of land in the Canaan Valley area during the1950s and 1960s through private donation and public purchase.

He noted that the ski area was constructed with both federal and state funds and was developed as a means to generate demand for other amenities at the State Park, including a lodge and golf course.  The effort proved successful and Canaan’s lodge opened in 1977.  Other amenities soon followed.

For additional information regarding Canaan Valley Resort & State Park, contact Bryan Brown at (304) 546-5500.  For more information on the West Virginia Ski Industry, contact Tony O’Leary, WV Commerce Communications, at 304-558-2286, ext. 318.

###