SNOWSHOE MOUNTAIN RESORT
Where: Snowshoe, WV (228 miles from Washington)
The lowdown: West Virginia’s largest winter resort occupies 11,000
acres (257 of them skiable) on two mountains. Three distinct areas,
Snowshoe Basin, Silver Creek and Western Territory, offer a total of 14
lifts and 60 trails. Its most challenging area boasts a 1,500-foot vertical
drop and 1.5 miles of downhill. Snowboarders can do their thing in five
terrain parks. For non-skiers there’s an eight-lane tube park. Adult lift
tickets: $59-$105.
Don’t miss: The Ridiculous Pass Sale. Each spring, for $249 you can buy
a ski pass for the remainder of the season, which is also good for the
entire following season.
The latest: A $4 million investment in new snowmaking and grooming
equipment will get more trails up and running earlier in the season.
Lodging: The Inn at Snowshoe sits at the base of the mountain.
Numerous on-mountain private homes and condo units are available
for rent through the resort.
Information: www.snowshoemnt.com; 877-441-4386
If you’d rather fly to Showshoe, United Airlines offers nonstop flights
from Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Greenbrier Valley Airport
(LWB). Snowshoe Mountain Resort is 65 miles from the airport.
WINTERPLACE SKI RESORT
Where: Ghent, WV (off I-77, 312 miles from Washington)
The lowdown: With 41% of its runs designated for beginners and a
relatively modest 603-foot vertical drop, the resort touts itself as
a great place to learn to ski. It has 27 slopes on 90-plus acres, nine
chairlifts and three magic carpet conveyors in the learning area. The
entire resort has snowmaking capability. Adult lift tickets: $37 – $72.
The latest: The resort offers terrain-based learning, in which the
slopes are shaped to help beginners “get to the fun faster.” Thanks to
groomed bank curves, among other innovations, newbies can master
the basics in as little as 30 minutes.
Don’t miss: The 18-lane snow tubing park — the state’s largest —
accessible via two magic carpet lifts.
Lodging: Winterplace partners with the Resort at Glade Springs and
major nearby chain hotels.
Information: Winterplace.com; 800-607-7669
If you’d rather fly than drive, United Airlines offers nonstop flights to
Greenbrier Valley Airport (LWB) from IAD. Winterplace is 57 miles from
the airport.
WINTER 2018/19 51 FLYWASHINGTON.COM