Winter sports aren’t just for the big West Coast mountains. West Virginia is showing off its love of winter through skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling and more. We’ve partnered with Keryn Means of Walking On Travels to share some of the best spots to get your snow fix this winter.
Most people across the country, when asked, wouldn’t volunteer West Virginia as the place to enjoy snow sports. Heck, most people in the U.S. probably couldn’t tell you where West Virginia is on a map, but my friends, this state in the Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. (think PA, MD and VA) has more than you may think.
Let’s get this out of the way first for all the West Coasters and die-hard ski fans out there- yes, the East Coast has mountains. West Virginia has the Appalachian Mountains and the Allegheny Mountain range. It’s true that these two ranges aren’t the size of the Rockies, but they still show some respectable height and offer a lot of fun at a number of resorts in the state.
Photo credit: Wild, Wonderful West Virginia
Snowshoe Mountain
Snowshoe Mountain was one of the first resorts I ever heard of in West Virginia. I thought my friends were crazy to go, but then I started to dig in deeper. Snowshoe has a terrain park for newbies and skilled shredders to practice their skills, as well as lessons for the whole family. Snowmobile tours will get you around the mountain, keeping you warm as you wiz past trees and keep your adrenaline pumping. The Spa at Snowshoe is where you can relax all of your sore muscles after falling down the mountain. Do not miss a stop at the Split Rock Pools, even in winter. If you are traveling with kids, let them zip down the waterslide into the heated pool while you stay nice and warm in the hot tub.
Photo credit: Wild, Wonderful West Virginia
Winterplace
Snowtubing isn’t just for kids and Winterplace likes to show you why. Their two Super Carpet Lifts can take you up the hill over and over again so you don’t waste all of your time trudging through the snow. Don’t worry, if you have kids, they will love the tube runs too, and they even have a Kiddie Snowtubing Park for little ones who aren’t quite ready for the big hills, but want to get out and play. Not too far from Winterplace you will find the Resort at Glade Springs. This family-friendly resort is able to accommodate groups of all sizes in hotel rooms, suites and rentals, just in case you want to travel with friends or added family members. Best of all, the Resort at Glade Springs spa has a nice selection of spa treatments for mom to enjoy some downtime away from the family; something she may not even know she needs, but should definitely do.
Blackwater Falls State Park
Not every winter adventure has to have a vertical incline. Sometimes a quiet hike to a frozen waterfall can do the trick. Blackwater Falls State Park has a lodge, cabins and restaurant open year round, making it easy to get back to nature with family and friends. There are over 10 miles of cross-country trails for skiers of all levels to enjoy, as well as some fantastic sledding hills, but if you need some downhill action, Canaan Valley Resort is a quick drive from the park.
Photo credit: Wild, Wonderful West Virginia
Canaan Valley Resort State Park
Sometimes it feels like Canaan Valley has it all– snowboarding, skiing, XC skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, or even snow tubing. Better yet, it has a great lodge that can accommodate the whole family, or you can rent one of their cabins if you crave a little privacy. This valley is the highest mountain valley east of the Rockies with a base elevation of 3,100 feet. Downhill skiers and snowboards will love the 47 slopes, but don’t worry if you get tired. There are plenty of activities when you need downtime or for those in your group who aren’t as into winter sports as you. The Spa at Canaan and the Beech Club Pool can give you all the break you need after an exciting day in the snow.
Photo credit: Wild, Wonderful West Virginia
Timberline Resort
Located in Canaan Valley, Timberline is a four seasons resort that is family owned and operated. Thanks to its peak at 4,268 feet, there is plenty of natural snow falling for snow bunnies to enjoy. Timberline has the highest vertical drop south of New England, boast one of the longest trails in the Southeast (the two-mile long Salamander Run) and has two terrain parks to practice your skills on, when not enjoying a relaxing downhill ride. The ski school welcomes students of all ages, and with a slope front lodge, it is easy to get on and off the slopes each day, even with kids in tow that you have to bundle up.
Keryn Means
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