After 50 years, if this mountain could talk, what would it say? The mountain has seen many a powder day, first tries, first times, engagements, celebrations, and so much more. Read on to learn about these special moments from the folks that lived them. If you’ve got a story, we want to know it! Submit your story below!
Pow and Forever “Snowshoe definitely holds a special place in our hearts from the very beginning. We both grew up coming as kids; however, the first time we saw each other was actually at the top of Western Territory where Josh started talking to my dad about his skis. Later that evening we officially met at The Connection and realized we actually both lived in Hampton Roads, VA, about 30 minutes from each other! The rest was history with many trips to Snowshoe together over the next year. My family owned at Seneca and we would make the 5 hour trip multiple times a month during the winter and even a summer trip for my brother’s wedding at St. Bernard. That winter, 11 months after meeting, Josh planned to propose at the top of Shay’s Revenge. He says it was the perfect spot because of the amazing view. Mother nature had a different set of plans. Instead of the blue bird day he was planning on…. It instead dumped 23 inches on us. It was one of the deepest powder days I have ever skied! A crowd of us headed off at rope drop to get first tracks. I was having the time of my life with snow flying up and hitting above the knees. Amazing. Little did I know, Josh was probably having the most terrifying run of his life as he held onto my ring to not lose it in the incredible snow! He made it successfully to the headwall where we always wait for everyone to catch up. Just before finishing the run down the headwall, Josh proposed with the most massive snowflakes falling down all around us. We couldn’t see 2 feet in front of us, much less the “beautiful view” he was going for, but it was perfect. After I said yes, my sister skied down with a bottle of champagne and we all celebrated for a minute in the freezing temps while our poles literally were getting lost in the piled up snow. It would have been one of the most memorable ski days due to the ridiculous conditions, but the proposal topped it off. Snowshoe has remained an incredibly special place for our family as it continues to be the meeting place for my entire immediate family. Now our favorite ski days are ones spent with our children who have been skiing since day one (now 6 years old and 4 years old). We are quite a pack meandering down the slopes with my siblings, their children, and my parents. (My father volunteers as a Mountain guide). As our families grew, my parents built the first house in Retreats at Red Spruce to fit us all which remains one of our favorite places to go….right across the street from the very place we met.” Katelynn and Josh Carpenter, Smithfield VA. 30 Years at Snowshoe, skiers. Favorite Trail: All of Western Territory
Married in Mud “Our engagement story is one that always brings a smile to my face. It was our 2021 summer mountain biking trip to Snowshoe Mountain, a tradition that we both love. The day had been very muddy, and we were covered from head to toe in it. After the ride, we were hosing off our bikes behind the Junction. That’s when my husband casually walked up to me and said, “Are you clean enough to wear this?” He held up a ring. I didn’t think twice—I just took it and assumed he was asking me to marry him!”
-Stephanie Dunn, Norfolk VA. 6 Years at Snowshoe, Snowboarder and Mountain Biker. Favorite Trail: Skyline.
Family Affair “It was the winter of 2004, I fell in love for the first time thanks to my late Grandma and a surprise trip to Snowshoe. She enrolled me in ski school and there was no turning back. She knew I was hooked, just like her son (my dad) when I finally came off the mountain. We lost her unexpectedly in May of 2012. I retuned to the mountain in December of ‘12 with a new appreciation for the magic and beauty of Snowshoe. Each winter I come back to this place, breathe in the cold air, and know she’s right there with me.” Abbi Pritchard, Kannapolis NC. 19 Years at Snowshoe, Skier. Favorite Trail: Moonshine.
Saving Grace “My Dad followed me down a jump back in 1999 only to fall, bruise excessively, which triggered some doctor visits that caused us to figure out he had Leukemia. 25 years later he is still with us in remission. I credit skiing and Snowshoe with saving his life. This year, my family and I bought a condo in Seneca and hope to get my dad back to the mountain soon (he has not been to snowshoe or skiing since). I have always credited skiing with saving my Dad’s life, although my Dad has never gotten “back on the horse” as they say. I hope to get him back to Snowshoe sometime soon.” Chris Lewis, Charlottesville, VA. 25 Years at Snowshoe, Skier. Favorite Trail: Lower Shay’s.