Virginia is widely known as a southern coastal state with a balmy climate. But guess what? Its Allegheny and Blue Ridge Mountains are high enough for extended winter snowfall. Passionate skiers and snowboarders who reside in or visit the state can choose from at least three best winter resorts in Virginia. Citizens of large cities in adjacent states can reach Virginia’s snowboarding areas within a couple of hours by car.
The best time to visit Virginia for skiing or snowboarding runs from early December through March, so choose the resort and the time from the above-mentioned period that suits you perfectly and go on an adventure!
Massanutten Ski Resort
Massanutten is a year-round resort located west of Shenandoah National Park, a 45-min drive from Staunton and 30 min from Harrisonburg. This is definitely a place where the beautiful Shenandoah Valley will take your breath away by panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Boasting the highest vertical of all the ski hills in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, the resort provides all kinds of activities from downhill skiing and ice skating to an indoor/outdoor WaterPark, yoga, tie-dye, and spa. Massanutten is also known as the first resort in Virginia to open and the last to close.
vertical: 1,110 feet (340 m) area: 70 acres (30 ha) runs: beginner: 30%, intermediate: 35%, advanced: 35% lifts: 1 triple, 3 quads, 1 J-Bar, 2 teaching conveyors, 1 tubing conveyor season: early December–March
Wintergreen Resort
Located around a 1.5-hour drive west of Richmond, Wintergreen Resort provides an opportunity to examine freestyle skills both for skiers and snowboarders. Here you will discover numerous rails, s-rails, rainbows, battleships, down-kinks, and fun boxes.
Wintergreen Resort is known as the home of Virginia's largest tubing park, and it gets reshaped regularly to offer a diversity of activities for those who visit this place often. For those who are not interested in winter sports, Wintergreen Resort delivers hiking trails around the mountain, indoor tennis courts, a full spa, and a salon.
vertical: 1,003 feet (306 m) area: 129 acres (52 ha) runs: beginner: 20%, intermediate: 40%, advanced: 40% lifts: 1 double, 2 triples, 1 quad, 1 high speed six chairs season: mid-December–late March
Bryce Resort
Located in the Allegheny Mountains, just a 2-hour drive west of Washington, D.C., Bryce Resort is a fantastic place for skiers and snowboarders alike. The resort provides an 800-foot (244-m) snow tubing run for snowboarding, full-service ski rental, and a ski shop. A day lodge with a grill restaurant will pleasantly warm your heart and stomach after an active day of skiing. Summer activities include golf, ziplining, and the artificial Lake Laura. The resort is extremely popular, both with the tourists and the residents of the valley.
vertical: 500 feet (150 m) area: 25 acres (10 ha) runs: beginner: 34%, intermediate: 33%, advanced: 33% lifts: 1 quad, 3 surface lifts season: mid-December–March
Practical info
What are some facilities available at Virginia ski resorts?
Virginia features three great ski resorts that cater to passionate snowboarders and skiers. Massanutten boasts a breathtaking terrain, year-round services, and a water park. Wintergreen Resort, meanwhile, offers a tubing area, freestyle terrain, spa services, and hiking trails. Lastly, Bryce Resort delivers a snow tubing run, rental services, and a ski shop. Show more
When should one visit Virginia for skiing and snowboarding?
Late November to March is the winter season in Virginia, and visitors can go skiing and snowboarding during this period. The best time to experience the snow sports in Virginia is from early December to March. Skiers and snowboarders can choose from three resorts and timetable their trip accordingly. The peak season is from mid-December until January, and temperatures are colder, with an abundance of snow. Show more
What activities are available besides skiing at Massanutten Resort?
For thrill-seekers, Massanutten Resort offers several indoor and outdoor water parks, tie-dye, yoga, and spa services. A ski shop, snow tubing run, triple, J-Bar, and a tubing conveyor are some of the skiing and snowboarding facilities available. The resort is located in the Shenandoah Valley, which offers beautiful panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Show more
Are hiking trails present at Wintergreen Resort?
Hiking trails are available at Wintergreen Resort, and there are many trails to hike around the mountain. Though the mountain region is snowy and relatively cold, visitors can enjoy hiking along the trails during summer. The resort offers facilities such as a freestyle terrain, tennis court, tubing park, spa, and a salon. Wintergreen Resort is a great location for nature lovers and hikers who want to enjoy marvelous views. Show more
What summer activities can one experience at Bryce resort?
Apart from winter activities like skiing and snowboarding, Bryce Resort also offers summer activities. Golf, zip-lining, and artificial Lake Laura are some of the activities available for thrill-seekers during summer. Visitors can enjoy an 800-foot snow tubing run available at the resort in summer. As a result, individuals, family, and friends can plan fun-filled days in the great outdoors during summer at Bryce Resort. Show more
