Updated on December 22, 2022. There’s nothing quite like the rush of going down a mountain, seeing the eye-opening views and feeling the cold air sweep across your face. It’s that time of year where we strap different kinds of funny equipment to our feet and balance our way down black diamond trails and bunny hills. All within a five-hour drive of Northern Virginia, here are 10 places worth the drive this season.
Bryce Resort
Est. 110 miles; Two hours from Northern Virginia
Located in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains, Bryce Resort boasts eight trails, ranging in intensity and ready to excite even the most novice skiers and snowboarders. As of mid-December, the resort has four trails open for those itching to get on the mountain, and will continue to open more as snow production (both natural and machine-made) ramps up into the season. Bryce Resort: 1982 Fairway Dr., Basye; Day passes start at $42
Massanutten Resort
Est. 115 miles, Two-and-a-half hours from Northern Virginia
The winter season has offically opened at Massanutten. Visitors can tube, ski, or snowboard their way through a variety of trails at the 2,922-foot elevation resort, from “Easy Street” and “Southern Comfort” to the most difficult “ParaDice” and “Diamond Jim.” Don’t miss a single acre of the 70 available for your chosen winter sport. Massanutten Resort: 1822 Resort Dr., Massanutten; Day passes start at $59
Roundtop Mountain Resort
Est. 125 miles, Two-and-a-half hours from Northern Virginia
Snow, snow, and more snow. Although Mother Nature doesn’t send much snow to Roundtop Mountain Resort, the location still pumps out machine-made snow with the capacity to turn 35 million gallons of water into white caps and maintained trails throughout the area, every year. Enjoy a ride down the mountain on an inflatable tube, or get the trails a test by strapping on your skis or snowboard. Roundtop Mountain Resort: 925 Roundtop Rd., Lewisberry, Pennsylvania; Day passes start at $73
Wintergreen Resort
Est. 150 miles, Three hours from Northern Virginia
“Thrills and chills without the spills,” could be exactly what you’re looking for from Virginia’s largest tubing park (as well as ski and snowboard resort). The Plunge is perfect for getting up to 30 miles per hour downhill on a tube, and the 24 slopes and trails leave much to be explored for even the area’s most proficient winter athletes. Plus, don’t miss the terrain park for flips and tricks, and Ridgely’s Fun Park for a family-friendly setting that kids can simply play in the snow and ride on the mini-tubing carousel. Wintergreen Resort: 39 Mountain Inn Loop, Nellysford; Day passes start at $119
Whitetail Resort
Est. 170 miles, Three-and-a-half hours from Northern Virginia
Looking to ski or snowboard at Whitetail this year? You’ll find a lengthy list of trails, including seven for beginners, such as “Launching Pad,” and “Almost Home,” 11 medium-intensity hills and five black diamonds trails, much more ominously named as “Drop In” and “Bold Decision.” Visitors can also try out their flips and tricks on rails, boxes, features, and half-pipes in the Jib Junction Park. Whitetail Resort: 13805 Blairs Valley Rd., Mercersburg, Pennsylvania; Day passes starting at $100
Canaan Valley Resort & Conference Center
Est. 175 miles, Three-and-a-half hours from Northern Virginia
Over 45 slopes and trails to enjoy are at Canaan Valley, a place to spend the day or take a staycation during the cooler months, which boasts on-site cabins, indoor and outdoor pools, and more. The 2021-2022 ski season is still waiting for an opening date to be announce, but guests can anticipatew trails ranging from beginners slopes to advanced trails and drops. Tubing, ice skating, and cross-country skiing and snowboarding are also available. For those interested in turning the winter sports outing into a full weekend, find bed and breakfast packages, stay-and-play packages, and more at the resort. Canaan Valley Resort & Conference Center: 230 Main Lodge Rd., Davis, West Virginia; Day passes start at $65
Liberty University SnowFlex Centre
Est. 180 miles, Three-and-a-half hours from Northern Virginia
The year-round fun destination is a bit different from your average winter resort. All visitors are encouraged to try the beginner slope immediately after check-in, regardless of skill level, in order to get the feel for Snowflex, rather than actual snow. Families love to head down the tubing hills, while others are welcome to take advantage of all-day skiing and snowboarding, a freestyle area, and an Olympic trampoline. // Liberty University Snowflex Centre: 4000 Candlers Mountain Rd., Lynchburg; Day passes start at $25
Seven Springs Mountain Resort
Est. 200 miles, Three-and-a-half hours from Northern Virginia
Seven Springs can be broken down by the numbers when it comes to the 2021-2022 winter season: The mountain’s highest elevation is 2,994 feet, with a vertical drop of 750 feet. The average snowfall in the area tops 135 inches (about 11.5 feet), and the park offers 285 acres of terrain to ski, snowboard, and enjoy. Make your mountain memories here and you’ll surely want to head back soon. Seven Springs Mountain Resort: 777 Water Wheel Dr., Champion; Day passes start at $80
The Omni Homestead Resort
Est. 200 miles, Three-and-a-half hours from Northern Virginia
The Allegheny Mountains spend much of the winter months covered in snow, and the Omni Homestead Resort could be the perfect place to get those picturesque views and outdoor experiences you’ve been looking for. There are nine trails for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy, mini snowmobiles to ride, an outdoor ice skating rink, and the Penguin Slides Tubing Park. Get yourself a lesson on how to go down the mountain, or enjoy more than 45 acres of maintained trails when the slopes open this winter. The Omni Homestead Resort: 7696 Sam Snead Hwy., Hot Springs; Day passes start at $35
Snowshoe Mountain
Est. 215 miles, Four-and-a-half hours from Northern Virginia
If the mountains are calling, Snowshoe says, mountain more, because the possibilities are endless. The mountain resort, tapping out at 4,848 feet above sea level, boasts over 60 trails and glades, five terrain parks, night skiing, and several other winter-inspired activities such as snowmobiling, tubing, swimming, and back-country adventuring. It’s definitely a place to explore winter, if you’re up for the challenge. Snowshoe Mountain Resort: 10 Snowshoe Dr., Snowshoe, West Virginia; Day passes start at $70
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