Thanks to the state’s lofty elevation and terrain, West Virginia’s winter sports activities are unparalleled in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast and generally offer the longest season in the region for downhill and cross-country skiers, snowboarders and snowtubing fans. And as the sun sets over the mountains, you can kick back and relax with a great meal and a warm fireplace in rustic cabins, cozy lodges or luxurious resorts.
Whether you like double black-diamond slopes that seem impossibly steep or gently pitched bunny slopes for a more soothing ride, there’s a trail in West Virginia just for you. Trained ski instructors can help get you down the mountain like an expert in no time and if you can’t get enough skiing during the day, all four major resorts – Snowshoe, Canaan Valley, Timberline and Winterplace – offer night skiing too. Even if Mother Nature hasn’t provided the most ideal conditions, each resort is also able to make its own snow to ensure a more reliable ski season.
And for those skiers and snowboarders who would prefer not to start off on a big mountain, Oglebay Resort in Wheeling has a ski slope complete with a ski lift and snow machines.
While this extreme sport certainly takes some getting used to, it is no longer solely in the realm of daredevil teenagers. Older generations have embraced the sport like never before, and you can rent everything you need right from the ski shop. If tricks and stunts are your thing, Winterplace, Timberline, and Snowshoe all have terrain parks built with challenging obstacles galore.
Headfirst, feet first or spinning in circles, snow tubing is truly an activity the whole family can enjoy. You don’t even have to worry about trudging back up the hill, either. Winterplace, Canaan Valley, and Snowshoe all have lifts just for tubers.
Heavy snows turn pastures and woodlands into endless trails for Nordic enthusiasts at Canaan Valley, Timberline and Snowshoe resorts. Snowshoeing and cross-country trails, lessons and equipment sales and rental are also available at Elk River Touring Center near Snowshoe and White Grass Ski Touring Center and Blackwater Outdoor Adventures in Canaan. For a really unique experience, rent a pair of snowshoes – also available at all three – and go trekking through the wilderness without worrying about sinking into the fluffy blanket of snow.
From exhilarating snow sports to winter festivals, horse-drawn sleigh rides, hockey, ice skating and more, there’s no better time to come see what makes a trip to West Virginia so wild and wonderful!
