Now that the year’s second equinox has arrived, the team at Rt. 66 Snowboard and Ski Shop at Snowshoe Mountain is broadcasting high expectations for operating as normal this fall and winter. To date, there have been a reported 59 Covid-19 infections in Pocahontas County and no fatalities.

There are two Rt. 66 locations – Snowshoe and Cass.

Businesses everywhere in the county, as well as the United States, are operating in a state of unprecedented uncertainty yet the team at Rt. 66 is feeling optimistic for a successful season.  (If you perform an online search of Rt. 66 Snowboard and Ski Shop, you will find there are two Rt. 66 locations.

In Cass, there is a sister store called Rt. 66 Restaurant. It is located about 200 yards from Cass Scenic Railroad and 8 miles or 15 minutes from the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Green Bank. Read more about this restaurant at the end of this article)

We consider Rt 66 to be the best little ski shop at Snowshoe Mountain

Located in Spruce Village at the base of the mountain, the Rt 66 Snowboard and Ski Shop team tell us they are the perfect and most affordable stop when traveling to Snowshoe. We consider this the “Best Little Ski Shop at Snowshoe Mountain,” since you can enjoy a meal and shop for souvenirs all while gearing up for the mountain. The shop is located alongside a creek, which is a beautiful site while shopping and dining inside or on the deck. Patrons are welcome to bring their dogs for outdoor dining.

Large selection of high-performance ski and snowboard rentals.

The ski shop carries a large selection of high-performance ski and snowboard rentals that are regularly waxed and tuned. Youth ski and snowboard rentals start at $20; adult ski and snowboard rentals start at $24. Call 866-SKI-RT66 for rates (group rates available).

The team also says they sell the “best gear in the industry” at the “best prices” available. You will find an extensive line of name brand skis, boards, bindings, goggles, and apparel. Brands include Burton, Nitro, DC, Under Armour, Quicksilver, Roxy, Dakine, Smith, Dragon, Spy, and Anon, among others.

Snowshoe Mountain’s largest gift shop.

Beside the ski shop, it’s impossible to not get lost in their “Why Not Shop”. This is a two-story retail store and Snowshoe Mtn’s largest gift shop. You’ll find fudge, unique touristy knick-knacks and a large selection of Mountaineer gear. There’s local pottery, UGG Boots, Sorel, Columbia, Minnetonka fashion, West Virginia Christmas ornaments, t-shirts, sweatshirts, swimwear for the hot tub, jewelry, brand name candles, home décor, mugs, stickers, and furniture.

Locally recognized as serving the “best breakfast” on the mountain!

Locally recognized as serving the “best breakfast” on the mountain, this is the perfect place to enjoy a meal before or after your mountain adventures. Breakfast is served all day and it’s all under $9. There are Belgian waffles smothered in fresh fruit and topped with whipped cream, French toast, various pancakes (blueberries, chocolate chips, peanut butter, you name it!), breakfast sandwiches, bagels, omelets, and sizeable platters.

Related article to check out: Groomed Trails & Crisp Mountain Art at the Omni Homestead Resort

For lunch and dinner, all appetizers are under $6 and include hot or mild wings, onion rings, fried pickles, jalapeno poppers, fried green beans, and more. The menu is extensive and ranges from classic sandwiches, subs, paninis, fresh salads, homemade soup, hot dogs, specialty and traditional pizzas from hand-pressed dough, and their signature Philly Cheesesteak with sautéed onions, peppers, mushrooms and provolone. A few local favorites are the Big Bull, an 8oz build-your-own burger; The Mikey, a mild hickory smoked pork BBQ stacked mountain high with coleslaw; and the Boarder Bob, meatballs topped with mozzarella and provolone and smothered in marinara.

BONUS: All salads, paninis, subs, and sandwiches are under $10. A bowl of soup or chili is just $3.50. Save room for dessert! There’s ice cream on homemade waffle cones, apple crumb cobbler, and homemade pies, all under $4. Carry out is available and if you can’t make it to the restaurant, call for delivery: 304-572-2200. Full menu: route66snowshoe.com/restaurant.

Rt. 66 in Cass is situated alongside the Greenbrier River Trail

Rt. 66 Restaurant in Cass is situated alongside the Greenbrier River Trail, making it especially desirable in the warmer months. This restaurant offers the exact same menu as offered at the Snowshoe location. This restaurant also has a store and is called Rt. 66 Outpost. This is a sister store to Why Not Shop in Snowshoe. Kayakers, tubers, bikers, hikers, and bicyclists have made this restaurant/outpost a go-to spot for good eats and gifts.

Lodging is also offered here and it’s called Bear Creek Lodge. The staff tells us this past summer they experienced “a huge increase in travelers and it has been their best year yet.” Since April, overnight bookings have been full with travelers from all around the United States who come to relax in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. The lodge also offers outdoor rentals, overnight river trail camp reservations, and shuttle service from Cass to Caldwell (in Greenbrier County).

In the winter months, they are regularly booked since it’s just 10 miles from the slopes. Skiers and snowboarders enjoy the accommodations and competitive rates, which start at just $69/night and 10% discounts for Seniors and AARP members. If you are interested in booking an overnight stay at the lodge, call Rt. 66 Restaurant/Outpost/Lodge in Cass at 304-456-4288.

Both the Snowshoe and Cass locations are open year-round. In the summer, they are open Monday-Friday, 8a-8pm and Saturday-Sunday, 8a-9p. In the winter, they are open every day from 7a-11p. For more information, visit route66snowshoe.com.

– Gillian McGinn and Christina E. Hashtag Lewisburg City Paper #127. October 2020.