Even in winter, Fairhaven is open. In fact, winter is one of the best times to be here. Bare trees reveal rock formations and a clearer outline of the landscape. Winter also brings the chance for southern snow which blankets the forest with a frozen white covering and then gradually uncovers the land while it melts. Bit by bit the snow piles up or disappears repeatedly through the season.
Snow comes more often and in larger quantities than lower elevations, but it doesn’t stick around too long. The drive up is sometimes a bit slippery, but the county crews keep it well maintained making travel manageable most of the time. In fact even from December through February the average highs are in the upper 40’s. Located in Tennessee, the winters are considered mild unless you are from Florida. If you want consistent white ski-able terrain you can drive 30 minutes higher up to the Roan, Beech or Sugar mountains.
Average Annual Snow- 37 inches (over 100 inches on the Roan). Record Snow- over two feet in the blizzard of 1993. Snow shoes?- Yes, occasionally the snow is deep enough. Cross country skiing - not easily, the rocky terrain makes it difficult.
Snow Storm of 1993 During the blizzard of ‘93 our guests were stuck on the mountain buried under a couple feet of snow. With limited resources and a power outage, what could have been a disaster turned out to be a blessed time of fellowship in the lodge around the fireplace. Some of our returning guests fondly recount the adventure.
Sledding at Fairhaven The terrain drops 200 feet on our 100 acres of property so you can imagine that we have a couple of places for sledding. The “main run” is from the Main Lodge down past our Gazebo. Mostly free of trees and close to the fireplace in the main lodge it is the most popular place to slip and slide. It is steep enough that kids have even sledded part way down the hill in July; No snow, of course, but with just a bit of rain to decrease friction.
The Record Sled Run The record sled run from the Lodge has stood for twenty years. The daughter of a former staff member slid down the hill, past the gazebo, and down the trail all the way to Roaring Creek. This spectacular feat may never be duplicated. The perfect storm of snow depth, slickness, and skill combined at the right time to make that harrowing trip possible. All are welcome to try.
Impressive but not Recommended. Snow at Fairhaven
One of the most extreme sledding experiences at Fairhaven involved a long term staff member. Seizing the opportunity of an unplowed road. He attempted a daring night trip from Apple Tree Lane to Evergreen Drive on the Ripshin Mountain Road! Belly down head forward over his sled, he raced down on the steel runners. Whizzing past the lodge and the Moyer house and coming into the S curve he hit a hard patch which whirled him into a snow bank. He admitted in a later reflection of this event that he might have been knocked out. Commenting “I don’t remember all the details after I went off the road.”
The Winter Special Besides the serene beauty of Fairhaven in the winter and the possibility of fun in the snow there is another reason to come away and rest during the dormant season. The Fairhaven Winter Special is a three night stay at the regular price and the fourth night is free.