XC Loop in Canaan Valley

[Ludovic]

There is a very fun loop (15 miles) in Canaan Valley that few people ever think about completing. While it's NOT a beginner's loop, it isn't an advanced loop either. In fact, it's a lot easier than you think (at first glance).



Start & Finish at Timberline Ski Resort.

Destinations include: Salamander, Forest Road 80, Stonecoal Flats, Bald Knob, back down to Whitegrass for LUNCH, across the flats to Boneyard (Timberline), and then more flats back to Timberline Lodge.



Highlights:

Quiet, peaceful; basically in touch with nature.

Take your time, enjoy the gorgeous surrounding.

This loop only gets easier as you go.

Lunch at Whitegrass makes it all worth it.

Views - wow, the views!



Level:

Intermediate is plenty "good enough"



Picture:

Look at the photo for a visualization.



Questions?

Feel free to contact me.

I may even start guiding people to make it even more enjoyable.

[pagamony]

That is very cool and thanks for the offer. should i get the chance to get up there I'll send you a msg. are you doing this route on xc gear or something else?

[daddygrace]

What???? How can this be????

[Ludovic]

Light cross country gear, no metal edge.

I started thinking that I would want a fat and aggressive ski, but after numerous hours on the snow, I have preferred lighter gear - even while breaking trail for 20+ miles.

I have NOT always thought this way, and in fact started thinking about long distance with a versatile ski like "Alpine Touring" style.

Then went to a tele setup and skins, later a fat ski with scales, and finally moving to even lighter gear.

Fast and light; even though I am not that fast.

[davidski]

Ludovic -- very interesting report. I've never tried XC but was in the CV during the great snow early in the month (that's my new avatar) and planned to at least get lunch and a feel for Whitegrass but never made it.



The proximity of TL to those runs is interesting, can you tie into them from salamander or other runs? I think you had mentioned downhill BC runs in another thread once upon a time.



Although a camera can break the feeling of solitude I wish there were some pics it must have been spectacular deep into that circuit

[Ludovic]

Glad you made it out here. The snow was indeed fantastic.

I have a much clearer image of a smaller loop. This one is from Timberline to White Grass to Timberline. About 8 miles.

http://www.visitcanaan.com/tline-wg-tline.jpg



As you can see, WG isn't far at all!

What you can't see: it's mainly flat or downhill - after a 750 feet ascent to the Governor's turn.



Here's a link to pictures taken during my training - taking place just a few days before the larger 25+ mile loop:

http://www.akaflash.com/coverage/snow-2 ... ard/photos

Picture #61 should give you a doze of "good memories"

[pagamony]

now thats badazz. i have trouble on a moderately steep downhill turn with no edges and no heel piece. but i agree, lighter is so much better. nice pics, looks like some hippie freeheel convention at tline

[davidski]

those pictures are great --



The two nights I was staying at the Purple Fiddle one of the guys worked at Whitegrass but these XC types are a shy and elusive lot

[skipanther]

I was up there a week ago and was wondering if there were any bc trails I can access from TL using downhill skis,trails that would lead back down to the road,close to the ski area?

[EastCoaster]

If I bring a heavy *** AT setup out there, will you put up with me being really slow



I really want to figure out some loops on that mountain that are straightforward up-->down, rather than rolling hills the whole time.