It’s that time of the year; when beautiful bluebird days and powder days beckon us to hit the slopes on a skiing adventure. Excitement and dread diverge as you swish down the slopes on a skiing vacation.
As any snow-ski aficionado will tell you, there’s nothing quite like the experience of zipping down a mountain hugged by a rugged, picturesque landscape with cool air sweeping across your face. It’s a thrill like none other. But first…
Skiing Safety Tips
Before shredding the snowy slopes, you must observe a few safety tips to alleviate some of the risks that come with the thrill.
- Use the Proper Equipment: From goggles/sunglasses to a helmet, don’t skimp on proper equipment.
- Be Mindful of Your Skill Level and the Slope Ratings: Don’t take on a gnarly slope if you’ve not trained for it—especially If you don’t have a guide.
- Ski Only in Designated Areas: There’s a reason some areas are marked as out of bounds.
- Dress for the Occasion: Typically, you’ll want to dress in layers—including a synthetic moisture-wicking layer and wind/waterproof layer.
- Get in Shape: Skiing engages several muscles—meaning physical fitness and cardiovascular health are important.
Best Ski Resorts in Virginia
Are you an adrenaline junkie craving the rush of plummeting down a mountain? Or perhaps you’re a family looking to spend some fun time on the bunny slopes? The rolling hills of Virginia are home to some excellent ski resorts. And most offer lodging and après-ski activities so you can continue your enjoyment once you’re done with the slopes—making for perfect getaways.
Read on for some of the best places to go skiing and lodging in Virginia:
1. Massanutten Ski Resort
A list of the best ski and lodging resorts in Virginia isn’t complete without the renowned Massanutten Ski Resort. It’s the epitome of a skiing wonderland.
Self-dubbed “The Mid-Atlantic’s Premier Four-Season Resort Destination,” the Virginia ski resort located west of Shenandoah National Park (only an hour’s drive from Charlottesville) ticks nearly all the boxes.
Looking for an awe-inspiring panoramic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains? Massanutten got it. Maybe you’re itching to put your skiing skills to the test? Well, the ski resort has great runs catering for all skill levels—including a towering 1,100-feet vertical drop.
And if you want a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of modern life, there are tons of attractions to make the mountain your playground, all 6,000 acres of it. This includes an award-winning indoor/outdoor waterpark, tubing, ice skating, zip-lining, and spas, among other recreational facilities. To cap it all off, Massanutten Ski Resort offers multiple lodging options
Check out the Snow/Slope Report for the latest weather and slope conditions.
Website: https://www.massresort.com/
Address: 1822 Resort Dr, Massanutten, VA 22840
2. Wintergreen Resort
Nestled on the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Wintergreen Resort is one of Virginia’s favorite ski destinations
In addition to over 20 skiing slopes with different difficulty levels, the four-season, 11,000-acre hideaway offers a plethora of fun activities for the entire family. This includes snow tubing, ice skating, and a winter zip line. And if on the off-chance winter sports are not your cuppa tea, you can explore hiking trails, pamper yourself in a full spa, or practice your swing in an indoor tennis court.
When you work up an appetite after an exhilarating day of skiing, you have a couple of upscale dining and lodging options to recharge or ‘cool down’ with loved ones. But as with any family-friendly and accessible getaway with tons of activities and accommodation options, Wintergreen Resort tends to get crowded.
Check out the Snow/Slope Report for the latest weather and slope conditions.
Website: https://www.wintergreenresort.com/
Address: Route 664, Wintergreen, VA 22958
3. The Omni Homestead
Ritzy, historic ambiance, charming, an endless array of activities…there’s more to The Omni Homestead than words can capture. The luxury resort captures the very essence of Southern hospitality.
With a vertical drop of around 700 feet, The Omni Homestead is neither the biggest nor the baddest skiing destination. But as their Liftopia “Best in Snow Awards” proves, what Omni lacks in size, it more than makes for in a rich, tailored experience. Indulge in timeless comforts and an exciting array of activities such as snowboarding, ice skating, tubing, and mini snowmobiles.
After a day of fun, kick back in one of the luxurious suites that offer excellent accommodation, oozing with elegant charm and a generous dose of the famed Southern hospitality. The Omni Homestead is a must-visit if you’re after a memorable time in the snow with loved ones.
Check out the Snow/Slope Report for the latest weather and slope conditions
Website: https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/homestead-virginia
Address: 7696 Sam Snead Highway, Hot Springs, Virginia, 24445
4. Bryce Resort
You can’t go wrong with Bryce Resort. Burrowed at the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains, the resort has nurtured an enviable reputation over the years as the premier destination for family-friendly skiing and recreational activities.
Bryce doubles as a peaceful retreat and an adventure-filled escape. The ski runs are a treat, with varying degrees of difficulty. You’ll also enjoy speeding down the 800-foot tubing lanes. All this makes for a fulfilling trip overflowing with winter fun for the whole family. And if you’re a little rusty, you can polish your skiing skill in their renowned ski school. While the resort does not offer lodging facilities, there are several accommodation options nearby.
Check out the Snow/Slope Report for the latest weather and slope conditions.
Website: https://bryceresort.com/
Address: 1982 Fairway Dr, Basye, VA 22810
Have Fun!
The skiing and lodging havens highlighted above offer a plethora of winter activities. While each resort has its own unique aura and selling point, you really can’t go wrong with any of them. Plan a trip to some of these winter oases for a grand skiing and lodging experience in Virginia.
