By Damian Phillips, The Exponent Telegram
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Rain, snow or sunshine: No matter.
Ski resort towns in West Virginia bustle during the winter season, but a new wave of four-season tourism has invigorated these locales with increased occupancy year-round.
Some ski resort towns welcome the bulk of their visitors during winter. But there has been a statewide push to emphasize all that the state has to offer.
Following a decision by the Pocahontas County Convention and Visitors Bureau to bolster other attractions around the county, it has seen an increase in tourism across all four seasons.
“Historically, winter has given us the bulk of our hotel/motel tax collections. But over the last few years, spring, summer and fall have been really healthy seasons for us,” said Pocahontas County CVB Executive Director Chelsea Faulknier.
In the past, 80-90% of the tax collections for the county occurred during the winter season. But in recent years, the cold season is only responsible for 60-75% of tax collections, she said.
This increase in spring, summer and fall tourism has been particularly facilitated by the CVB’s efforts to increase the quality of its biking trails.