You know West Virginia’s rolling hills are a winter-venture wonderland, but did you know about this?
Here are a few things hidden in the Mountain State slopes you probably didn’t know about (but want to):
- Expert-only tree skiing
If your glade skiing game is getting stale, gear up for a new challenge this year. Snowshoe Mountain Resort’s new Sunset Glades area is the all-expert forested terrain you’ve been itching for.
- Remote exploring in Dolly Sods
Dolly Sods is a remote, almost untouched wilderness as diverse as it is vast. This solemn world may seem secluded, but you can reach it by ski and snowshoe with a trek from Timberline Resort.
Just be careful— the wild terrain can be hard to navigate in the snow, and you may not have cell phone service.
- Bridge Walk
Brave the chill for a glimpse over the frozen mountaintops from atop true West Virginia icon. Take a Bridge Walk along the catwalk of the New River Gorge Bridge for a view of the winter beauty from more than 800 feet above.
And once you’ve taken in West Virginia’s slopes, take them on at nearby Winterplace Resort. Their night skiing, snowboarding and tubing are open latest in the region, so you can keep sliding till the stars come out.
- White Grass
This little cross-country skiing gem is a well-kept secret, but a destination for seasoned skiers.
Every trail is intricately groomed and covered with all-natural snow. It’s “snow farming,” so says the owner, who you’ll probably run into on your trip. He’ll be the guy with all the crazy stories. Ask him where to explore— he’s been at this a long time, and he knows every inch of that wilderness, including the trails less-traveled.
- Brew Hop
Take a beer-venture with a tight pocket of breweries all in close proximity to one of the region’s best winter skiing and snowboarding areas. Brother towns Thomas and Davis are tucked right between Canaan Valley and Blackwater Falls, meaning their 3 microbreweries are within a few minutes of all the fun.
Try the West-Coast tang of the hoppy Stumptown Ales, then the European session-style sips at Blackwater Brewing, and the diverse drafts at Mountain State Brewing. Then end the evening at the legendary Purple Fiddle, with a big brew menu and a bigger reputation for mountain music.
It’s not an outdoor adventure quite like the other stops… but trust us, you can make this one some wild fun (responsibly).
- Winter Wheeling
Get off the beaten path and into the backcountry with the help of a highly trained Greenbrier Off-Road Adventure Guide. No need to bring your own rig— unless you want to, of course. You’ll be driving a modified Jeep Wrangler Rubicon across The Greenbrier’s private mountain preserve, traversing rocks, ruts, creek crossings, steep hills and (quite possibly) some of the most extreme terrain on the East Coast.
- Split Rock
This is one for the kids— unless you want to jump in, too. And we wouldn’t blame you! How often do you get to say you went swimming in the snow?
It’s no polar plunge; Split Rock’s outdoor pool at Snowshoe Mountain Resort is actually heated, and did we mention there’s a winter waterslide?
Of course, if you really want to relax, lounge in the hot tubs or sauna!
Want more winter fun in West Virginia? Find all the season’s best at gotowv.com/winter.
