Rolling hills and valleys. Towering mountains. West Virginia is filled with marvel and wonder, and the winter season is no different. Whether you’re looking for adventure in the wilderness or want to tuck away for some restful relaxation, all roads lead to West Virginia.
Canaan Valley Resort
Plateaued on the Allegheny Mountains sits Canaan Valley Resort, one of the state’s most beloved and traveled destinations. The resort boasts a summit of 4,280 feet and over 45 skiing and snowboarding trails with runs ranging from beginner to expert, ensuring thrill seekers get their fill of excitement. Ice skaters need only venture behind the main lodge to visit the resort’s very own covered ice rink and outdoor fireplace with a backdrop featuring the mountain range’s unmatched views.
The resort itself features 160 rooms along with two-, three-, and four-bedroom cabins and cottages just a half-mile from the main lodge. Inside, guests can enjoy a hearty meal after a day on the slopes at any of the lodge’s on-site restaurants and cafes and kick back with a dip in the indoor pool or hit up the arcade for family-friendly fun and games.
Snowshoe Mountain
Wedged on Cheat Mountain in the Allegheny Mountains is one of West Virginia’s premier winter weather destinations. Snowshoe Mountain and its beautiful alpine village accommodations sit 4,848 feet up, welcoming fresh air, snowflakes, and new visitors annually. Among its 244 skiable acres are bountiful runs for all experience levels, including lessons for those new to the slopes.
But skiing isn’t all that Snowshoe is known for. On and off the mountain, tourists can access some of the region’s best snowmobile tours, RZR tours, tubing, and adventure dining. Even a stroll through the alpine village checks off must-have experiences on anyone’s list, as there are more than enough shops, restaurants, and spas in the area to fill off-slope time with.
Timberline Mountain Hotel
A northeast neighbor to Canaan Valley, Timberline Mountain is one of the area’s newly refurbished winter getaways. After receiving an investment of over $10 million, the resort introduced two new lifts, purchased snowmaking upgrades, and remodeled its 20-room lodge. Skiers and snowboarders of all experience levels can enjoy peak elevations of nearly 4,300 feet, 39 different runs, and two terrain parks.
Outside of its accommodations, the lodge’s top level offers patrons the most complete ski and snowboard tuning shop in the area. While getting their gear fixed up for the next round on the slopes, lodge guests can hit up the Slippery Slope Bar & Grill for a filling meal or refreshing beverage.
Winterplace Ski Resort
Voted the South East’s top place to learn to ski and snowboard, Winterplace Ski Resort is home to 27 mountainous trails across 90 acres. Better yet, the resort includes West Virginia’s largest snowtubing park. It’s the perfect place for families to improve their technique, show off their skills together, or just enjoy quality time together, as larger-sized groups can earn a big discount at the resort’s cabins.
Along with the Cabins at Winterplace accommodations, the resort includes a rental shop to hook up guests with all the equipment they need to hit the mountain without having to worry about owning their own. There are also three restaurants around the resort, so guests are never far from a warm meal and good company.
White Sulphur Springs
Flying down slopes not your ideal winter outing? How about a trip to one of West Virginia’s most charming small towns? White Sulphur Springs and the surrounding areas offer a home-away-from-home feeling with unforgettable attractions and accommodations. The Greenbrier is White Sulphur Springs’ crown jewel, a sprawling luxury resort nestled along the Allegheny Mountains. The property is truly a sight to behold in winter, as it transforms into a true winter wonderland worthy of the big screen (where it was featured in “Christmas at The Greenbrier”).
Outside The Greenbrier is the quaint downtown area, lined with local shops and restaurants. Among them is Big Draft Brewing, one of the locals’ favorite watering holes. An afternoon in the taproom is sure to be well spent eating great food and sipping carefully crafted lagers, pilsners, or IPAs. And if that’s not enough relaxation, tourists will only need to take a 10-minute drive north. There sits POMONA Salt Cave & Spa, the area’s premier location for rejuvenation.
This featured itinerary is brought to you by the West Virginia Black Bears. As owners of three minor league baseball teams, Rich Entertainment Group (REG) is proud to support America’s pastime.
