Winterplace Ski Resort shares tips for winter enthusiasts as they gear up for busy MLK weekend

Ghent, WV (WOAY) MLK weekend officially begins on saturday and ski resorts such as Winterplace are preparing for a busy weekend.

The resort has kicked up its snowmaking efforts, along with some help from Mother Nature, as meteorologists forecast more winter weather to come.

Winterplace will open 23 of its 28 trails, including the Heaven Holler Terrain Park, which has some new features for winter enthusiasts to enjoy.

The resort opens for skiing and snowboarding Saturday, January 17-19, from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.

As MLK weekend is one of the busiest times of the season, Winterplace has some tips for guests to offer them a smooth transition to the slopes.

If you have passes and rentals for Saturday, the resort recommends picking them up by 5:00 pm this evening to speed up the ticketing and rental process.

Next, Winterplace suggests planning and allowing yourself ample time for activities.

To avoid lunch crowds, plan meals early or later than noon.

And if you have a lesson, be sure to get there early to give yourself enough time to set up.

And of course, most importantly, stay safe on the slopes.

Be sure to dress appropriately to avoid discomfort and /or injury.

When it comes to staying comfortable on the slopes, what you wear matters.  

Make sure foot warmers don’t interfere with toe grip or boot comfort.  

Avoid cotton T-shirts, jeans, and hoodies that absorb sweat, dry slowly, and lose insulation, increasing your risk of getting cold and developing blisters.  

Experts warn that once cotton gets wet, your day can go downhill fast.  

Skip lifestyle sunglasses and opt for proper ski goggles as they offer better protection.

Sunglasses can shatter and cause injury in a fall.  

If price is a concern, borrowing a pair or choosing a budget-friendly option can still provide solid protection.  

Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to all exposed skin.

Sun exposure is stronger at higher elevations, and snow reflects UV rays, increasing the risk of sunburn.

Winterplace has a safety video available on its website and urges all guests to watch it before coming to the resort to ensure everyone has a safe and fun experience.