Best Skiing In Virginia: Guide For Best Mountains and Dates for Prime Snow Conditions

The thrill of skiing down the mountain is unmatchable, especially in the beautiful state of Virginia. 

Do you want to save time on a subpar mountain? Do you want to hit the slopes at the best spots for snow conditions in the state?

This guide will take you through the best ski resorts in Virginia. 

You will get information on each resort’s amenities and average annual snowfall to help you plan out your trip before you get there. Also, if you’re still experiencing trouble deciding where to go, worry not — we’ve got some tips on how to pick out which resort would be best for your needs.

1. The Wintergreen Resort

The Wintergreen Resort lies in the Blue Ridge Mountains of central Virginia, about 90 minutes from Richmond. It offers an unmatched winter playground in the region. The resort covers 11,000 acres of land with magnificent mountain views, making it a perfect place for a weekend getaway or family vacation.

The Wintergreen Resort features 26 runs, 11 of which boast a black diamond rating. However, you do not have to worry about getting on top of the runs because the resort has two six-passenger high-speed lifts and six other lifts.

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For extra fun, the resort’s terrain park offers around 40 features which include:

• Rails 
• Table tops
• Boxes
• Spines and hips

The Wintergreen Resort’s terrain park has a dedicated lift to allow you to lap fast. Additionally, it has won an award from the Blue Ridge Outdoor Magazine as the best in the area.

Wintergreen Resort has plenty of snow. Its highly specialized snowmaking system ensures the temperature is correct while you enjoy the snow on the slopes. 

Wintergreen experiences the highest average snowfall in February, making it a perfect month for skiers to visit.

If you are new to skiing or want to improve your skills, the resort offers lessons through the Discover Skiing and Riding programs for everyone from eight years and above. The program has the following packages: 

• 75-minute lesson
• 8-hours equipment rental
• A lift ticket

You can take advantage of the courses’ beginner deals or weekend offers.

After a long skiing day, enjoy a relaxing massage at Wintergreen Spa. Plus, you can get salon services, including manicures and pedicures, at the salon before heading out for a date.

Additionally, Wintergreen offers two golf courses, both of which feature breathtaking mountain views throughout the year:

• The Mountains Green Golf. With steeply contoured fairways, this course is ideal for testing your skills.
• Woodstone Meadows. An excellent course for flat terrains.

2. The Massanutten Resort

The Massanutten Resort is an excellent place to ski. It covers 6,000 acres of mountains, 70 of which are used for skiing and snowboarding. The resort also has 14 runs that range from beginner to advanced levels, two terrain parks, and state-of-the-art lifts.

The Massanutten Resort has skiing lessons for beginners and intermediate clinics for skiers who want to scale their skills. When you enroll in these programs, you will get a lift ticket and equipment rental services.

Enjoy endless entertainment at the Massanutten Resort’s 16-lane tubing hill. The tube measures 900 feet long and is 120 feet deep. Lifts will take you up fast to allow you to zip down again. Try the zip park at night for the most unique and fantastic experience. You will enjoy the cranking tunes, especially if you turn on the beautiful neon lights.

In winter, mainly in January and March, when the average snowfall is seven inches, visit the 84 degrees Fahrenheit waterpark. You will have fun floating on the river, sliding down the gigantic water slides, or relaxing in the hot air tubes.

The Massanutten Resort’s location, at the center of Shenandoah Valley, offers easy accessibility from many big cities. The resort offers many other fantastic amenities, such as:

• Powerful golf courses
• Lodging 
• Spa for complete massage and relaxation
• Shopping options

3. The Bryce Resort

The Bryce Resort is a perfect place to ski, especially if you live in Washington, D.C., which is a two-hour drive away. The resort has eight runs and four powerful lifts, making it an excellent destination for family vacations and skiers. 

The Bryce Resort offers a friendly skiing environment for beginners and experts. The ski trails are short and wide enough to accommodate beginner and advanced skiers. In addition, they are well-groomed to ensure you do not get stuck in deep snow during your skiing trip. 

You can never get bored skiing because the powdery snow during winter months ensures you get fresh snow whenever you go. 

The resort offers ski training for adults and children. The trainers are well-experienced and will guide you in every step to ensure you understand everything from controlling your speed to performing basic maneuvers. 

The classes take 75 minutes and feature the following:

• Indoor activities
• Equipment 
• Lift tickets

Get a world-class experience by tubing for 90 minutes as you drop down 800-foot tubing lanes. The conveyor belt is available to take you back to the hill’s top to ensure you enjoy it to the maximum.

The Bryce Resort boasts a spring-fed Lake Laura, where you can enjoy the following:

• Snack bar
• Beaches
• Excellent canoeing opportunities
• Picnic areas

The best time to visit The Bryce Resort is February, when the snow conditions are at their best. Usually, during this month, the average snowfall is eight inches. During this time, temperatures are around 30 degrees Fahrenheit, but in summer, they can go up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. The Omni Homestead Resort

Get combined history and luxury in your next Virginia ski vacation at the magnificent Omni Homestead Resort. This unique resort has been around since the 1900s and has offered unforgettable skiing experiences for over 60 years. 

The various terrain parks are perfect for all abilities and night skiing. However, the Omni Homestead Resort has steeps and moguls for advanced skiers and borders if you want something more challenging. 

The resort also has lessons for those who want to start skiing. The lesson programs are divided into two categories:

• The Little Penguins Program. This takes children aged between five and 11 years.
• Sepp Kobar Ski School. This program takes children aged four years and above

The Omni Homestead Resort is located in southwest Virginia, four hours from Washington, D.C. The resort has breathtaking views where you can watch skiers descending the slopes from the comfort of your room.

Besides skiing, the resort offers many indoor and outdoor activities all year round, from relaxing in the hotel’s world-class spa to watching a beautiful movie at the theater. Additionally, you can have fun snowboarding, cycling, or tubing with your family.

The snow at Omni Homestead Resort is excellent. The average annual snowfall is 11 inches, whereas the peak is in January and February, which boasts five and six inches, respectively.

If you want to spend a few days at the Omni Homestead Resort, you can never go wrong with their accommodation facilities. Their luxurious rooms and suites have:

• King and double feather beds 
• On-demand movies
• Wifi internet service
• Coffee maker, among other things 

After you are done with the day’s activities, treat yourself to a meal or snack from either of the following Omni Homestead Resort’s restaurants:

• Jefferson’s restaurant and bar
• Woody’s 
• The Dining Room

Here are other services you will find at the Omni Homestead Resort:

• Golf courses. The resort offers championship courses to enable you to perfect your golf skills. It also has a clubhouse and excellent short-game practice facilities.
• Worldclass fitness facilities. The resort has personal aerobics, body sculpting, and body shape-up classes.
• Meetings and weddings. The Omnibus Homestead Resort offers conference rooms, wedding grounds, and equipment such as LCD projectors and microphones.

Tips on Choosing the Right Ski Resort in Virginia

The first step towards finding a great ski resort is knowing what you want and can afford. After that, your budget will determine where you can go, whether for a weekend getaway or an extended stay.

Here are some tips on how to pick out the best skiing resort in Virginia:

Family Program and Activities

You want a resort that has various programs and activities for all ages. For example, the best resort will provide skiing or snowboarding lessons for different ages and babysitting services. As such, you won’t have to worry about your children while skiing. 

Additionally, you have plenty of options if you want to ski with your children or take them along on vacation so that they can learn at their pace.

Snow Quality

There are three types of snow quality:

• Powder 
• Packed powder
• Groomed 

Powdered snow is the softest type of snow, providing the best glide for skiers. The packed powder is more complex than ordinary powder, but it’s still easy to ski on it. On the other hand, groomed snow is hard-packed and provides the least amount of slide to skiers.

Terrain

When comparing the various ski resorts, check the size of each mountain. A large mountain will have more trails and different slopes compared to a smaller one.

The type of terrain in each resort will vary depending on where it sits within Virginia and the kind of skier you are (beginner, intermediate, or expert). Additionally, the snowfall and weather patterns also affect terrain.

The Type of Skiing You Want To Do

The different types of skiing include:

• Alpine
• Nordic
• Freestyle skiing

Each of the above types offers the skier a different and unique experience. For example, alpine skiing is done on a mountain slope with various trails marked by poles and flags. It is the simplest and requires fewer skills than the rest.

Nordic skiing involves traveling over snow-covered terrain on skis rather than downhill slopes like alpine does. Freestyle skiing involves doing tricks like spins, jumps, rolls, and flips while on top of the snow.

Your Interests

Choose a resort that matches your interests. If you want to learn how to ski or improve your skills, select a hotel with professional instructors and equipment for beginners. If you are going to have fun and enjoy the beauty of nature, choose a resort with exciting activities other than skiing, such as snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.

When deciding on your ideal winter wonderland, it is essential to consider the whole package. First, the mountains have a favorable snow record, but they also have to offer skiing and snowboarding instructors to begin your lessons with. 

They should be close enough to drive to or offer an easy way for you to take public transportation (plane, train, or bus). The mountains also need cozy lodges with restaurants or bars for après-ski fun. In other words, the best ski trips are not just about the snow — plenty of planning goes into that.

Final Thoughts

Skiing and snowboarding are a fantastic way to bond with family and friends. They also help burn calories, strengthen lower body muscles, improve flexibility, boost mood, and engage core muscles.

Virginia State is endowed with excellent resorts that accommodate both beginner and skilled skiers. Most offer skiing training — from beginner through intermediate to expert skiers. Be sure to choose one that offers other fun activities besides skiing. You also want a facility that can accommodate the entire family.

Finally, find out the best time to visit the facility before you plan for it.

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