Ah, winter. Now that it’s officially here, our thoughts turn to cozy, snow-filled family vacations. In our minds-eye, we picture ourselves schussing down the slopes and then sipping hot cocoa by the fire. But making those dreams a reality is sometimes not so simple. ‘Where to go?’ is the first question, and it’s not easily answered. In fact, you might be surprised to know there are more than two dozen snow sports resorts within a four-hour drive of Fairfax County, VA. Who would’ve thought?
To make the choice easier, here’s a quick run-down of the resorts that are closest to our area, as well as a few great spots that are a bit further but worth the drive if you have time for a longer trip.
Let’s start with the resorts that are perfect for a day trip or a weekend– distances are calculated from Vienna, VA:
Liberty Mountain, PA: It’s the closest at 1.17 hours, so it’s a great option for a quick day trip. It’s got 620 vertical feet from top to bottom, 16 trails and 8 lifts. They offer skiing, snowboarding, tubing, night skiing, and ice skating. They have a beautiful new lodge with restaurants, a pub and a spa, which is a nice extra. With a firepit and full service pub, the Liberty Village base area is a great spot to hang out after a long day on the slopes.
Whitetail Resort, PA: It’s also super close at 1.26 hours. Their ski and snowboard school is impressive; they employ some of the most highly-trained instructors in the country, and they do an incredible job of making sure people learn and have a great time as well. Whitetail’s adaptive ski program is also top-notch. Whitetail is the largest of the close-in resorts, with 935 vertical feet, 23 trails and 9 lifts. They have skiing, snowboarding, night skiing and tubing. One drawback is the lodging is very limited, so it’s best for a day trip, or good advance planning to get a condo for the weekend.
Bryce Four Seasons Resort, VA: At 1 hour, 45 minutes away, it’s the closest VA resort. They have skiing, snowboarding and tubing. It has 500 vertical feet, 8 trails, and 7 lifts. It’s a bit smaller than the PA resorts, but has a nice family friendly atmosphere and is one of those rare places you can let your kids roam on their own for the day and know they’re safe.
Roundtop Resort, PA: It’s just under 2 hours away, so it might be pushing it for a day trip. They have skiing, snowboarding, night skiing and tubing. They also have year-round paintball and a ropes course! Similar size to Liberty with 600 vertical feet, 16 trails and 8 lifts.
If you have more than a day to spend, the following resorts are further afield but absolutely worth the trip. They tend to be a bit larger, less crowded, and offer more amenities than the closer-in resorts. Listed in order of distance from Vienna:
Massanutten, VA: Massanutten, close by Charlottesville, is home to wide groomed trails, a dedicated learner’s area, terrain parks and night skiing. Skiers and riders who visit Massanutten will have access to 14 runs serviced by 7 lifts. 2 hours, 11 minutes drive.
Wisp Resort, MD: Wisp is conveniently located just 14 miles off of I-68 in the mountains of Maryland, and it is Maryland’s only ski resort. It has 34 trails, 5 lifts and 2 terrain parks; drive time is 2 hours 45 minutes. Activities include the Wisp Nordic Center for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, as well as snow tubing and a year-round Mountain Coaster. Slope-side lodging is available at the newly renovated Lodge at Wisp, and there are a variety of shopping and dining outlets around the mountain. Wisp Escape Games offers 2 escape rooms for all-ages off-mountain fun.
“My top three favorite features of Wisp Resort are: first, it’s the mini-Lake Tahoe of the East with views of Deep Creek Lake from the slopes on the East Ridge,” said Wisp Marketing Director Lori Zaloga. “Second, the ever-popular Mountain Coaster is a must-try at Wisp during any season, including winter; and third, staying slope-side at the newly renovated Lodge at Wisp to enjoy Aprés ski at the Courtyard firepits at the base of the slopes.”
Wintergreen Resort: Wintergreen, home to the UVA ski team, is impressive in its size for a Virginia resort; featuring 1003’ of vertical drop and nine lifts, including two high-speed 6-person lifts. It’s got 24 trails, 14 of which are lit for night skiing, and two terrain parks. Wintergreen’s attractions also include tubing, and lodging with spa, pool, hot tubs, tennis facility and dining to suit every taste. Wintergreen Adaptive Skiing offers lessons seven days a week at the resort throughout the winter season. 2 hours, 50 minutes drive time.
“Wintergreen is just a short, easy drive, but a world away. We’re 12-15 degrees colder than other ski areas, and 3000 feet higher. It makes a huge difference,” said Betsy Dunkerton, Wintergreen Marketing Director. “A unique feature is the snow tubing; you’ll start at 10 stories high and traverse 3 football fields – it’s fun for the whole family. The resort is very family friendly, and is a great place to unplug and spend time together.”
Timberline Resort, WV: Timberline features 41 trails including the South’s longest run, Salamander, which stretches 2 miles down the mountain. 1000 vertical feet, 5 lifts and two terrain parks. A unique feature at Timberline is the addition of gladed tree skiing, which is unusual in the Mid-Atlantic region since so much of the snow in the area is man-made. 2 hours 51 minutes away.
Canaan Valley Resort, WV: Canaan Valley has downhill skiing & snowboarding, x country skiing, snow tubing, ice skating & snowshoeing which makes it a destination for all ages. In addition, the resort also offers indoor activities, workshops, spa and more throughout the year. Our adaptive ski program continues to grow and offers families with special needs a unique bonding experience. Vertical drop is 850’, 5 lifts, 47 trails, 1 terrain park. The summit is an impressive 4280’. 2 hours, 53 minutes drive.
Snowshoe Mountain, WV: At 4 hours away, Snowshoe is quite a bit further than the others in the area, but it’s worth the drive. “It boasts an impressive vertical drop of 1,500’, which is half-again as much as every other resort in the region,” said Snowshoe PR Manager Shawn Cassell. “On top of that, the resort receives an average of 180 inches of snow annually, making it the go-to mountain in the area for those hoping to score a powder day. Snowshoe is a little upside-down as far as ski areas go: Rather than ride a lift up for your first run, you head right down from the beautiful mountaintop village and catch the chairlift back up to do it again. The vibrant Snowshoe nightlife, luxury spa, and wide variety of dining and shopping options complete the Snowshoe experience.”
With so many great options, it’s hard to go wrong when you’re choosing a resort for your perfect winter getaway. Once that decision is made, just head to the resort’s website for lift tickets, lodging and lessons and you’ll be set for lots of snow-filled family fun. Next stop, hot cocoa by the fire – cheers!
