The Paris Mountain Alliance is a coalition of organizations dedicated to protecting the environmental, cultural, historical, and scenic integrity of the Blue Ridge between Ashby Gap and Snickers Gap and its neighboring communities in Loudoun, Clarke, and Fauquier counties.
The alliance opposes commercial development of Paris Mountain, including the proposed Eastwind Blue Ridge resort at its southeastern end, on the ridge overlooking the Crooked Run Valley. Fairfax-based Mountain Resort, LLC and New York-based Eastwind Hotels want to develop 146 acres in Loudoun, Clarke, and Fauquier counties into a hotel, restaurant, spa, and event facility with structures clustered on parcels in Loudoun County to avoid the more protective zoning in Clarke and Fauquier counties. The developers plan to use the narrow Mount Weather Road spur from westbound Route 50 for access and Route 601 in Clarke County for egress. For more information, please read the Friends of Blue Ridge Mountainsstatement of opposition, the position of the Blue Ridge Mountain Civic Association, and the Alliance press release.
The Paris Mountain Alliance supports responsible land use policies and conservation measures grounded in a long-term vision that prioritizes preservation of natural resources, protection of our historic rural communities, respect for the quality of life of local residents, and the lasting legacy of the mountain itself. Stand with us to Protect Paris Mountain.
Loudouners Don’t Want Development In Their Mountains Peter Weeks, president Friends of the Blue Ridge Mountains May 4, 2026 On May 4, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors debated the instructions to staff regarding changes in the zoning ordinance affecting the Mountain Overlay District. Comments by Peter Weeks appear below.…
Protect the Blue Ridge, Bill Waite Tells Loudoun Board of Supervisors Bill Waite Friends of Blue Ridge Mountains Board of Directors, May 4, 2026 On May 4, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors debated the instructions to staff regarding changes in the zoning ordinance affecting the Mountain Overlay District. Comments…
Malone to Loudoun BOS: Strengthen Zoning for the Mountains Larry Malone, executive director May 4, 2026 On May 4, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors debated the instructions to staff regarding changes in the zoning ordinance affecting the Mountain Overlay District. Comments by Larry Malone appear below. I speak on…
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) has joined our Protect Paris Mountain Alliance to oppose the development of a boutique resort complex near the intersection of Route 50 and Blue Ridge Mountain Road only a few hundred yards from the Appalachian Trail. ATC is joining 18 other organizations including Blue Ridge…
A New York-based developer is proposing to build a “boutique resort” complex near the intersection of Route 50 and Blue Ridge Mountain Road, within a few hundred yards of the Appalachian Trail. Preliminary plans call for 40 guest rooms across two buildings, an 88-seat full-service restaurant, and a spa. The…
Friends of the Blue Ridge Mountains is continuing to actively oppose the construction of the proposed Eastwind Resort Complex, near the intersection of Route 50 and Blue Ridge Mountain Road. Preliminary plans call for a “boutique” hotel with 40 guest rooms across two buildings, an 88-seat full- service restaurant, and…
Fauquier Times Article By Tate Hewitt Staff Writer Feb 3, 2026 Appalachian Trails hikers passing through the Ashby Gap are greeted with big skies, rolling hills and, at the trailhead, signs protesting a hotel resort planned on Paris Mountain. (more…)
Fox New Coverage 1-12-26 LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va – Some environmentalists are pushign back against potential plans for a resort and spa in Northern Virginia. https://www.fox5dc.com/news/lawmakers-residents-express-concern-over-plan-upscale-resort-spa-loudoun-county
12 Jan 2026 — The Winchester Star Clarke County Democrats on Saturday adopted a resolution opposing an upscale hotel complex proposed for western Loudoun County. Portions of the 147 acres the complex would occupy are within Clarke and Fauquier counties. But all construction, as the project is proposed, would be…
By Travis Shaw, Director of Education, Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area For centuries, Ashby’s Gap has been a vital conduit for travel and trade between the Shenandoah Valley and the eastern piedmont. Archaeological evidence across the lower Valley suggests that early Paleoindian people inhabited the…