Club History
The Kanawha Ski Club started as a club for skiers in a state that had no skiing, and has evolved into an organization dedicated to the pursuit of sports that has helped WV become a vacation mecca for Eastern outdoor enthusiasts.
Founded by a group of Union Carbide engineers in the late 1950s, the Kanawha Ski Club began as a means of connecting Charleston area ski buffs to the nearest slopes, which for the most part were outside the state.
The club skied Flat Top Mountain, near the present site of Winterplace, when snow conditions prevailed, and used a rope tow powered by an old truck motor as an impromptu lift. The club was there for the openings of all the resorts in the state over the years.
The club went through a boom period during the 70s as skiing became more popular among West Virginians, and members of a Charleston singles club, The Singles Thing, took up the sport in a big way. The club began running bus trips to Snowshoe and Seven springs and in 1977 organized its first charter flight to a western ski resort. Charters to European ski spas followed.
The club usually offers 2-3 west trips per year.
Over the years, the club has become an organization for families as well as singles. Including a club ski race program, activities are geared for participants of ages 5 thru 70+ and all skill levels.