Snowboarding and Other Winter Activities in West Virginia

The first line of John Denver's song "Take Me Home, Country Roads" depicts West Virginia as "Almost Heaven," and it may feel quite real when you're up in the mountains of this state. Due to its abundant precipitation and mountainous terrain, the state is an ideal destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing — these are some of the winter activities popular in West Virginia. Let’s dig a bit deeper and talk about the best 5 snowboarding and other winter activities in West Virginia that you should definitely give a try.

A Posh Retreat to The Greenbrier Resort

Since its opening in 1778, the Greenbrier has served as an American resort. Among its prominent guests are Eleanor Roosevelt, Princess Grace of Monaco, Bob Hope, John F. Kennedy, and many others.

Dorothy Draper, the renowned interior designer, is responsible for the breathtaking interior of the Greenbrier, which is the finest feature of this spot. 

The hotel's interior is today recognized as a perfect example of the Hollywood Regency Style, with its rococo scrollwork, baroque plasterwork, black-and-white tiles, and walls covered in vibrant, exuberant colors and huge pictures. It will take you a moment or two to settle down and take it all in when you step foot inside the resort. Bold colors and patterns fill every inch of the walls, flooring, and furnishings.

The Greenbrier not only has wonderful decor but also over 55 indoor and outdoor activities spread out across 11,000 acres.

Tennis, golf, off-road driving, skeet shooting, segway excursions, carriage rides, falconry, horseback riding, and more are all part of the list. Additionally, there are bunker tours, afternoon tea, a private casino that is an offline alternative for wv online casinos, an indoor pool, a bowling alley, the Mineral Spa, and thirteen or more restaurants on-site.

Snowshoe Mountain Skiing or Snowboarding

If you're a ski or snowboard fan, you have to hit the slopes at Snowshoe Mountain. There are 244 acres of skiable terrain and 60 varying-grade slopes to explore. What distinguishes Snowshoe Mountain is that the peak is placed at the mountain's apex rather than at its base. As a result, most people who stay at the top of the mountain will begin their day with a run and conclude their day by riding up the lift. If you need to rent equipment, Expedition Rentals in the Village is the place to go. The majority of guests have noted that there is just everything and that the staff is really helpful.

Skiing at the White Grass Country Cross-Country Center

Tucker County and Canaan Valley have gained a reputation as top North American cross-country skiing destinations due to their annual snowfall average of 180 inches. Visit the White Grass Touring Center to give it a go if you're into it or just curious.

The White Grass Touring Center in Canaan Valley, West Virginia, has been providing cross-country skiing and snowshoeing for more than 30 years. From 3,220 feet below the lodge to 4,463 feet at Tucker County's highest point atop Weiss Knob, their well-maintained 40-mile trail system spans a wide range. Dining, equipment rentals, and machine-groomed trails are some of the other attractions offered at the center. On top of that, they provide classes for people of different skill levels and areas of expertise.

Hikes in Blackwater Falls State Park During the Winter

Blackwater Falls State Park, in Tucker County's Allegheny Mountains, is one of the most picturesque spots in West Virginia to visit in the winter. The 57-foot Blackwater Falls, whose waters are amber in color, inspired the park's name. Contrary to popular belief, the watercolor is caused by the tannic acid of fallen hemlock and red spruce needles, not dirt.

Only around three and a half miles separate you from the falls on a simple trek. For the first viewing platform of the waterfall, you'll have to descend a flight of wooden stairs for around five minutes. The walk ends on a platform next to Blackwater Falls. And from here, you may go down more steps to reach it. If you’re interested in other close scenic hikes, Lindy Point, Elakala Falls, and Pendleton Point Overlook are three other beautiful walks in the area.

Mountain Snowshoe Snowmobiling

Would you want to go on a real winter adventure? If that's the case, Snowshoe Mountain Resort offers snowmobile tours that might be interesting to you! A snowmobile excursion in the evening, a backcountry adventure tour during the day, and a backcountry family tour during the day are the three options available at the resort. At sunset, you may embark on a snowmobile excursion in the snowshoe basin that lasts an hour. If you want to enjoy a beautiful sunset as well as incredible views of Shavers Lake and the surrounding mountains, it's recommended to take the tour when there is no sleet.

Final Words

Explore winter wonders in West Virginia — from luxurious retreats at The Greenbrier with its historic charm to thrilling snowboarding at Snowshoe Mountain. Discover the beauty of cross-country skiing at the White Grass Touring Center and scenic hikes in Blackwater Falls State Park. For a real winter adventure, try snowmobiling at Snowshoe Mountain Resort. West Virginia offers a diverse range of winter activities amidst stunning landscapes.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Olivia Poglianich          

Content Strategist

Olivia Poglianich is a nomadic brand strategist and copywriter in the ski and snowboard space who has worked with brands such as Visa, Disney and Grey Goose. Her writing has taken her all over the world, from a Serbian music festival to a Malaysian art and culture event. Olivia is a graduate of Cornell University and is often writing or reading about travel, hospitality, the start-up ecosystem or career coaching. Her latest interests are at the intersection of web3 and communal living, both on and offline.