How About Some SNOW: Spring Ski at White Grass

By IAN EDLIND
Falls Church Times Outdoors Writer

March 4, 2010

It’s tough to say goodbye. With warmer weather in the forecast our beloved four feet of snow could be gone in a matter of days. Snow — you will be missed.

Let’s get real — most of us can’t wait to say goodbye. But for the ski hounds among us, all is not lost. Four hours west of Falls Church, in a little valley known as “Canaan,” the endless winter continues.

Everything about White Grass, a Canaan Valley, West Virginia, ski mountain, oozes Appalachian charm: the southern hospitality of the ski instructors; the hearty vegetarian chili served up in the lodge; and the boundless enthusiasm of the owner, Chip Chase. Here, white-collar Washington DC professionals mingle with West Virginia country boys, all in the name of snow and smiles.

However, there is something noticeably absent from White Grass. There are no lifts. The motto here is, “Earn your turns.”

A White Grass cross-country skier glides along the trail.

Skiing Options

First, a primer:

Cross-County Skiing — Skiing on trails that are typically groomed with a set of tracks. The skis are long, thin, and lack metal edges (in most cases).

Backcountry Skiing — Backcountry skiers seek out technical, ungroomed terrain. White Grass rents beefier free-heel skis (with metal edges) for backcountry skiers.

Telemark Skiing — Similar to backcountry skiing, but the equipment supports a flexed-knee downhill skiing technique.

White Grass promotes and offers rentals for all three types. This article will focus on cross-country skiing, the most basic and beginner-friendly of the three, as well as snowshoeing, the snowy equivalent of hiking.

Trails & Terrain

Charm without substance breeds disappointment. Fortunately, White Grass backs up its good-natured personality with fantastic skiing — just look at these facts:

• 25-30 km of groomed trails
• 1196 feet vertical
• Trails reach Bald Knob (4308 feet) — Canaan Valley’s highest point (and best views)
• Varied terrain options include steep open slopes and black diamond tree skiing for experts

For those new to the sport of cross-country skiing, ascending Bald Knob is not a realistic goal. Not to worry — White Grass caters to beginners with easily accessible options like Gandalf’s Trail, Three Mile Trail, and the famous Snow Farm (used when snow coverage is lacking).

Snowshoers, meanwhile, can hike as far and high as time and fitness allow. Considering the learning curve (“if you can walk, you can snowshoe”), your White Grass trail options are pretty much limitless.

White Grass Lodge

Ski Instruction

Like any ski resort, the White Grass staff is heavily invested in your enjoyment. Simply put, they want you to come back. Customer relations come naturally to the enthusiastic and accessible instructional staff. Ski classes for groups and individuals of all levels are available — ask at the counter for the “Mini” (15 minute breakdown of the basics) or an hour-long group lesson.

When to Go

White Grass advertises an average of 160 inches of snow per year. This winter, however, White Grass boasts 250 inches and counting. According to Chip and team, conditions are officially “epic” and will likely remain so throughout March.
The final remnants of our record snow fall are melting into oblivion, but don’t be discouraged. Our Canaan Valley neighbors can help you get your snow sliding fix.

Location / Directions: Davis, WV; approximately 3.5 hours from DC
Note: I-270 > I-70 > I-68 route is recommended in hazardous weather conditions
Mountain Stats: 50+ km of trails (25-30 km groomed); 1196 ft. vertical
Difficulty: High; Beginner trails and instruction are available
Trail Map: White Grass Trail Map
Need a place to stay? Bluegrass-obsessed Purple Fiddle in Thomas is top-notch for value and atmosphere.

(Ian Edlind is a Falls Church resident with a passion for the outdoors. A version of this article appears on his website Trail Voice — dedicated to outdoor recreation and stewardship in the Washington DC area.)

FRIDAY 3/26: Deadline to Buy Mulch, Boost GMHS Athletics

The 17th annual George Mason High School Athletic Boosters Mulch Sale is under way; March 26 is the order deadline. Top-quality shredded hardwood mulch comes in 3 cubic ft. bags at $5 per bag. Delivery is free in Falls Church City and surrounding neighborhoods. Delivery date is Saturday, April 10.

Download an order form from the GMHS Athletics website (www.masonathletics.org) and mail it along with check payable to GMABA to Phil Duncan, 1069 W. Broad St., #776, Falls Church, VA 22046. Include your address, phone and e-mail. Paper copies of the order form are available at the Library and Community Center. More information: pduncan@civicatalyst.com, or call (703) 209-2005.

The mulch sale is the Athletic Boosters’ major annual fund-raiser to support a wide range of activities benefiting George Mason student-athletes and recognizing their accomplishments — including our scholarship program; awards dinners in the fall, winter and spring; equipment purchases; and trophy cases and championship banners.

George Mason HS Continues Winning Ways in Scholastic Bowl and Girls Basketball

February 28, 2010

Scholastic Bowl

Peggy Monahan reported that once again George Mason High School is the Scholastic Bowl State Champion in Division A.   She reports that the Mustangs were undefeated in 4 matches on Saturday to capture the trophy. Congratulations to Coach Jamie Scharff and his fantastic team!

Girls Basketball

Meanwhile, Craig Cheney reports that  George Mason High School Girls Basketball won the Region B Division 2 title for the 3rd year in a row. The Mustangs beat Strasburg on Friday 52-27 in semifinals at Eastern Mennonite and topped Buckingham Country 63-26 last night  in the finals.

Cheney reports that the quarterfinal playoff game of the state tournament will be next Friday night or Saturday at Robinson High School to earn a trip  back to Richmond for State Final 4 title the following week.

City Football Association Schedules Camp for July

The Falls Church City Football Association, in conjunction with the George Mason Mustangs, will host the organization’s first Summer Football Camp at George Mason High School July 26-30 from 6:00-8:00pm. 

All those youths who are interested in flag or full contact football are welcome.  The camp will be non-contact, and adequate water breaks will be given.  The camp will occur rain or shine. 

Registration fee will be $25 for non-FCCFA members and $15 for FCCFA members.  Fees will be collected on site via cash or check only.
 
This camp will feature football fundamentals, techniques, form, conditioning, and fun.  It will use classic speed and agility drills, instruction, observation and repetition. 

To register or pose inquiries, contact Brian Sulc or Steven Valley.
 
Come and get ready for the 2010 season with Coach Horn and GMHS Players, and learn from the most successful coaches in the Falls Church/McLean/Arlington area!  

See you on the field in July!

VIDEO: Fox 5 Reports on Soccer Team Trip to South Africa

February 24, 2010

Last month the Falls Church Times reported that a local U12 girls soccer team had won an international dance competition and an all-expense-paid trip to tour South Africa and see the World Cup. The story continues to be read and generate comments from soccer fans all over the world.

Now Fox 5 television has filmed a nice interview with the team, viewable below. However, Fox didn’t have time to show the full award-winning dance video as performed by the girls of Premier AC’s 97 Fusion. But we do! Click here to see our original story and the fantastic video.

Congratulations again to the girls of Premier AC’s 97 Fusion!

FRIDAY 2/26: Basketball Game Celebrating Black History Month

At 7 p.m. Friday, February 26,  at the Falls Church Community Center, the Falls Church City All-Star Team (made up of elected officials, business persons, parents, students and local community members) will play New York City’s finest, the Harlem MagicMasters. The game is geared to be fun, exciting and “edu-taining.”  If you love basketball, fun, laughter or history you won’t want to miss this!  A pre-game discussion, Girls Got Game, will begin at 5:30 p.m.  Its focus is early female basketball players and fashions and will feature a slide show of vintage “ladies” basketball fashions.  

Tickets can be purchased in advance for $8 for youth and $10 for adults by visiting instant seats. Tickets at the door cost $10 for youth and $12 for adults. Children under 5 are free.

Celebrating Black History: Basketball and Historical Tours

Special to the Falls Church Times

February 10, 2010

The 5^th Annual Black History Celebration and Basketball Game is scheduled for Friday, February 26 at the Falls Church Community Center.  The City of Falls Church and the Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation are sponsoring the evening of laughter, family fun and basketball in celebration of black history month.

Festivities get underway at 5:30 p.m. with a pre-game discussion, Girls Got Game, that takes an intriguing look at early female basketball players and fashions as well discusses the present and future of women in basketball and sports.

At 7:00 p.m., the Falls Church City All-Star Team (made up of elected officials, business persons, parents, students and local community members) will play New York City’s finest, the Harlem MagicMasters. The game is geared to be fun, exciting and “edu-taining.”  If you love basketball, fun, laughter or history you won’t want to miss this!

The pre-game discussion will take a look at women in the early days of basketball through a slide show of vintage “ladies” basketball fashions and a fun look at the early “ladies” basketball game rules.  Invited guest speakers will discuss the challenges, victories, experiences, “roles” and opportunities for women in basketball and sports today.  The hour-long Girls Got Game discussion is free.

The basketball game will tip off at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $8 for youth and $10 for adults by visiting instant seats. Tickets at the door cost $10 for youth and $12 for adults. Children under 5 are free.

Black Heritage Walking Tours

Celebrate Black History Month with a walking tour through Falls Church City’s historical African American community every Saturday in February. This mile and a half walk winds through the back streets of Falls Church, across the main thoroughfares and visits historic cemeteries and little known enclaves as it focuses on the 19^th and 20^th centuries.

The Step Back in Time: Black Heritage Walking Tour begins at 3 p.m. at the Creative Cauldron at 410 S. Maple Avenue.  Guides share points of interest, and historical highlights and facts of Falls Church, including that at one point African American residents made up nearly 40% of the population of the town of Falls Church.

The walk ends at the Henderson House, the 1913 home of educators and early civil rights advocates, Dr. Edwin and Mary Ellen Henderson, affectionately called “Miss Nellie,” for whom Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School was named.  Walkers will gather inside for music, light refreshments, hot drinks and enjoy, in the words of Miss Nellie “a bit of pound cake and a glass of wine to warm your bones after a long walk.”

Reservations are required. Tickets are $18 for adults and $10 for youth. The walk is not recommended for children under 10 years of age. There are special student group rates and individual group tours can be arranged.  Call 703-534-4627 or 703-534-4627 for tickets.

School Snow Days Are Used Up – What Happens Now?

The Falls Church City Public Schools have already used their four “snow days.”  What happens if the next dump of white stuff causes another cancellation? 

According to schools communication director Karen Acar, students will sit in the classroom on holiday and professional days.

“If we should have another snow day, Feb. 15 [Presidents’ Day Holiday] would be the make-up day,” Acar said.  “If we have two more snow days, the second make-up day would be Apr. 12, which is currently scheduled as a professional day.” 

And if there are three or more?  Falls Church parents can only tremble at the thought.

Calendar information regarding make-up days appears on the schools Web site.  The warning at the bottom of the page advises parents of the planned make-up days and requests them to “Please avoid making travel/vacation plans on these days.”

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