Snowshoe Mountain Resort in Pocahontas County West Virginia has long been considered one of the Southeast’s premier skiing destinations, but have you ever wondered what goes on up there at 4,848 feet above sea level— after the snow melts?
Turns out, thanks to all things mountain biking, summer and fall are almost as exciting as winter. If you like racing down the slopes spraying snow, just wait until you’re racing down on two wheels, slinging dirt. 
Snowshoe Bike Park is recognized as one of the best in the US. With nearly 40 trails and 1,500 vertical feet of decent, it’s challenging enough for the most experienced downhill biker, yet still accommodating to beginning riders.
If you’re new to the sport, you can always learn the fundamentals of terrain and technique through an introductory mountain biking lesson with one of the Resort’s experienced instructors. You’ll start on Easy Street and before you know it you’ll be ready to cruise down green and blue flow trails like Dream Weaver and Skyline right along with the pros.
If braving the steeps on a downhill bike isn’t your thing, don’t worry; there are plenty of cross-country biking and hiking opportunities for the more laid-back adventurer. There are actually more than 11,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness in Snowshoe’s backcountry, so whether you’re looking for scenic overlooks and abundant wildlife or a cardio workout and challenging rock scrambles, you’ll find it on this mountain.
And imagine what all those miles of Appalachian forest look like when the leaves are turning into a rainbow of fall colors. Right now may just be the best time of year for backcountry exploring, whether it be on bike, foot or something a little faster…
If you’re really ready to cover some ground and experience the whole mountain, you can take a guided off-road tour in a Polaris RZR or ACE all-terrain vehicle. Just mix a little adrenaline with cool mountain air, amazing landscapes and a splash of mud, and you’ve got the perfect farewell-to-summer adventure.
When you’re done with all that sweat and dirt, you can relax in the mountaintop Village at the restaurant of your choice, the spa, or by taking a scenic lift ride to the beach at Shaver’s Lake. That’s right, Snowshoe has a lake with a beach, along with stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, canoes and more.
With all the amenities of a typical resort, it really is adventure by day, relaxation by night. And what makes it even better? How about one pass –an affordable pass—that gets you access to all of it? The Mountain Adventure Pass does that and more. Even the Mountain Biking 101 course is included, plus golf, sporting clays and other activities.
So whether you need one last summer adventure, want to take in some amazing fall vistas, or you’re just ready to try something new, check out Snowshoe Mountain. It will not disappoint.
