Compiled by Paige Kocourek
Mountaineers take their winter sports seriously. Although West Virginia is no stranger to the blazing heat and humidity of summer, this four-season state knows how to indulge in the winter activities coinciding with cooler temperatures and snowfall, which is why six West Virginia organizations have made it their mission to provide access to the great outdoors when the weather is frosty. From snowboarding and skiing to snowmobiling, tubing and ice skating, locals and visitors alike will never find themselves at a loss for fun, snowy adventures.
Canaan Valley Resort
Canaan Valley Resort, the first commercial ski operation in West Virginia, is situated in the highest mountain valley east of the Rocky Mountains. The ski resort has a summit elevation of 4,280 feet, 91 skiable acres, five lifts—one quad, two triples and two magic carpets—and a terrain park. With 47 trails and slopes, the Critters Crawl beginner’s area and a ski school for private and group lessons, Canaan Valley Resort offers a memorable winter adventure for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The resort also offers one of the most expansive tube parks in the region, an ice-skating rink and cross-country skiing trails.
Oglebay
The Nutting Winter Sports Complex at Oglebay in Wheeling offers skiing and snowboarding for area skiers and guests staying at Wilson Lodge. The snow basin-designed slope is an excellent introductory hill for beginner and advanced skiers alike, featuring a well-maintained, state-of-the art snowmaking system and triple chair lift. The Nutting Winter Sports Complex also offers in-depth, affordable ski instruction for those just starting out along with rental gear if needed.
Not a skier? The J.B. Chambers Memorial Ice Rink at Wheeling Park, Oglebay’s sister park, is the perfect place to spend an afternoon. Each year the newly renovated ice complex hosts hockey tournaments, figure skating classes, programs and clinics for all ages and skill levels.
Snowshoe Mountain
Perched atop the second highest peak in the state, Snowshoe Mountain is the go-to winter destination for snow lovers in the mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions. With the most skiable acreage in the region, there are trails suitable for every ability level, from first timers to seasoned pros.
However, you don’t have to ski or snowboard to enjoy your time at The ‘Shoe. The resort’s mountaintop village features shopping, dining, a full-service spa and popular adventure activities like off-roading, tubing, horse-drawn sleigh rides and even snowmobile tours.
The Greenbrier
Dating back to 1778, the Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs embraces the winter season with activities and events throughout the expansive 11,000-acre property. In 2020, a new ice skating rink was installed on the Rhododendron Patio. Skaters of all levels can enjoy time on the ice. Music and fire pits complete the experience for guests of every age.
Other wintertime favorites around the resort include horse-drawn sleigh rides, an indoor pool, off-road driving adventures, escape rooms, fishing, bowling, an indoor golf simulator with top-notch instruction, indoor tennis and pickleball, a world-renowned mineral spa and America’s only private casino.
Timberline Mountain
Timberline Mountain is a ski area in Canaan Valley with over 20 trails for skiing and snowboarding. Timberline Mountain offers a variety of terrain for all skill levels. Under its new ownership, Timberline Mountain has undergone over $15 million in capital improvements over the past two years, including the replacement of the mountain’s chairlifts.
The new summit chairlift is the first high-speed, six-person chairlift in West Virginia, carrying passengers to the summit in under five minutes. The mountain’s snowmaking systems have been completely overhauled, more than tripling the snowmaking capacity. Beyond skiing and snowboarding, visitors can relax in the renovated and expanded base lodge.
Winterplace Ski Resort
Winterplace Ski Resort might just be the most accessible and affordable ski resort in the Southeast. The Winterplace team is focused on providing a fun and safe family experience for all guests. Currently in its 40th season of operation, plans are in place to make this a year to remember with fun-filled events.
Located just five minutes off I-77, Winterplace Ski Resort boasts 27 trails ranging from easy to expert terrain, two new terrain parks and West Virginia’s largest snowtubing park. Winterplace Ski Resort has the largest teaching area in the Southeast and was voted the number one resort to learn to ski and snowboard at by Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine.
