By Chase Hughart, WV News
DAVIS, W.Va. — Winter may seem quiet and slow in most places, but in West Virginia it is forming into a quiet powerhouse.
From skiing and snowboarding to snow tubing and snowmobile tours, winter sports have become a vital driver of economic activity in the Mountain State — and recent investments show just how seriously the industry takes sustainability, infrastructure and guest experience.
According to the West Virginia Department of Tourism, the state’s tourism industry generated more than $9 billion in economic impact in 2024, supporting roughly 61,000 jobs — about one out of every 15 jobs in the state. While that number spans all seasons and activities, winter sports alone have long been estimated to contribute around $250 million annually and support roughly 5,000 jobs in the five-month ski season.
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