SNOWSHOE, West Virginia — The countdown is over, and Snowshoe Mountain will host its 34th annual rope drop tomorrow morning at 9a.m., signaling the start of another wild and wonderful ski season. Seven trails and three lifts, as well as four terrain garden features are expected to be open tomorrow morning in the main Snowshoe basin area. Complete snow report and slope conditions can be found beginning at 7a.m. at www.snowshoemtn.com/mountain/win-mountain/snowreport.htm.

Over a foot of snow covers the slopes at Snowshoe, and conditions were enhanced by the 6″ of natural snow that fell on the mountain late last week. With a season total of 10″ of natural snow, the resort is well ahead of its snowfall this time last year. Cold temperatures had the snowmaking crew at Snowshoe busy early and often leading up to Opening Day. Crews turned on the guns for the first time on November 2nd, and have made snow on almost 30 acres of skiable terrain, allowing a tremendous base to coat the slopes. Mother Nature is expected to once again cooperate Thursday evening, as temperatures are projected to drop below the freezing mark. Mountain operations hopes to make snow for up to 60 hours between Thanksgiving night and the beginning of next week.

Tomorrow morning will include the annual rope drop ceremony atop Heisler Way. Skiers and snowboarders will anxiously await the moment when the rope is removed and they can make their first turns of the season. The Skiing Turkey will also make his annual appearance, bringing a little holiday flare to a great day on the slopes. The Village at Snowshoe has been decorated for the season and will be bustling with energy. There are plenty of family activities planned throughout the weekend, including the first annual Turkey Olympics on Thursday, followed by the tree lighting in the Village Plaza and Santa??в„ўs arrival on Friday.