According to legend, in 1948, two airplanes that flew regularly from Pittsburgh to Washington were overheard talking about a small valley in West Virginia. To the startled ear of members of the Ski Club of Washington, D.C., the pilots reported snow in April where there was none elsewhere. They finally found a spot in Canaan Valley called Cabin Mountain and built two rope tows on a drift where snow depths would reach 30 feet by mid-January.

In 1954, the ski club of Washington, D.C. held their first Winter Carnival. Five years later, West Virginia Department of Commerce members started the Alpine Festival to replace the old winter carnival, which had outgrown its club status. The Alpine Festival Committee has survived the years that followed its inception in 1959 and they host three events in Tucker County each year. Those events are the Governor’s Cup Ski Race in March, the Celebration of the Arts at Canaan Valley Resort State Park in July, and The Leaf Peepers Festival in September.

The Governor’s Cup is the oldest Ski Race in the Southeast and a remnant event from the years of the committee’s beginning. For over sixty years, this race has been attended by ski enthusiasts from all over the East Coast and Mid-Atlantic area. It is one of the culminating events of each ski season in Canaan Valley and gives the local ski community a chance to test their skills against some of the best skiers in the region.

The Leaf Peepers Festival, based in Davis, marks the changing of the season and is a celebration of spectacular fall colors throughout the landscape of majestic mountains and foggy valleys. Each year, this event draws more attendees than any other Tucker County event. The Festival hosts a craft show, classic car show, golf tournament, talent contest, live music and other activities for all ages. Joining the weekend of events, the Tucker Community Foundation (TCF) hosts a 5k, 2k Race/Walk for it. T his is the premier fundraising event for the TCF and other local chapter organizations wanting to showcase their accomplishments throughout the year. The Alpine Festival Board members are proud of our work and happy to volunteer our time and efforts to ensure these events continue in Tucker County. With fundraising generating some revenue at each event, we have needed to leverage funds with grant money to be sure that these events are always done well. In previous years, grants received from the West Virginia Department of Tourism and West Virginia Arts Council combined with funds raised locally have covered the expense of holding these events. However, we have been experiencing a consistent reduction in funds from the state. We are concerned that we will not receive enough financial support to continue these events that showcase our beautiful region. With this in mind, we are reaching out to our local community to aid our efforts by making donations to the Alpine Festival, Inc. so that we can continue to host the events that we enjoy planning and many enjoy attending. The Alpine Festival, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible. It is our hope to grow these events so that they may become more sustainable, though, with rising costs and reduced financial assistance, we may need to rely on your generosity. Any amount is greatly appreciated! Checks should be made out to Alpine Festival. Our address is: P.O. Box 565, Davis, WV 26260. We would like to thank you for taking the time to read this letter and hope you find yourself able to support the local events that help draw visitors to our beautiful county. By giving, you help support the local economy, which in turn, supports many businesses, organizations, and agencies that work together in building a stronger community. Sincerely, Alpine Festival Board Members Jessica Waldo Angie Shockley Pam Frye David Cooper Keith Bishop Bobby Judy Robert McClung