Winter sports like skiing and snowboarding are an excellent antidote to cold-weather cabin fever, and we’ve rounded up some convenient options for you to enjoy an invigorating day on the slopes. So hop in the car and wave goodbye to the wintertime blues at one of these close-to-home ski resorts.
Bryce Resort
Drive time from Dulles: About 1.5 hours
Located in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains, this well-groomed resort is full of winter adventures and 12 unique runs for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. Daredevils can test their skills on more difficult trails like Bootlegger and Hangover, while beginners can take their time on Redeye. The resort also offers snow tubing and ice skating for additional rates, and private and group lessons for ages 4.5 and up.
Grab a beer from the resort’s new outdoor bar and grill Carter’s Hütte, or sit down for breakfast and lunch at the Shenandoah Center cafeteria. Make a reservation at Copper Kettle Restaurant after a long day of winter fun for flatbread pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, and entrees like brown butter sweet potato risotto. 1982 Fairway Dr., Basye, lift tickets start at $55 for 12 and older, $50 for 12 to six years old and 65 and over
Liberty Mountain Resort
Drive time from Dulles: About 1.5 hours
Located a hop, skip, and a jump from NoVA, Liberty Mountain’s thrilling trails offer ample options for skiers of any proficiency. Trails on the resort’s south side — like Upper Strata and Upper Ultra — are geared toward advanced downhillers, while the northern side consists primarily of easy slopes ideal for beginners. Ski and snowboard lessons are available for adults and children as young as 3.
It’s easy to take a break from skiing at the Bubly snow tubing park. A two-hour tubing pass costs an additional $48, and it’s recommended that tubers book online before the trip. Grab a bite to eat at one of six restaurants throughout the resort, with options ranging from grab-and-go fare at Alpine Market to craft beer and pub sandwiches at Eagle & The Owl. 78 Country Club Trl., Fairfield, Pennsylvania, lift tickets start at $125 for 13 and older, $113 for 12 and younger
Massanutten Resort
Drive time from Dulles: About 2 hours
Massanutten Resort sits a few miles west of Shenandoah National Park and offers a wide range of entertainment beyond skiing. Beginners can learn the ropes on Southern Comfort, a trail featuring a slow zone, before trying their luck on intermediate slopes like Lower Makattack and Pacesetter. Daredevils can try advanced trails like No Hessitation and Diamond Jim.
The entire resort includes an indoor and outdoor waterpark, a golf course that operates in the summer, and a spacious lodge for accommodations. Premium dining is available at every resort location, with options at the Lodge and Base Camp ranging from sandwiches and salads to upscale cocktails and craft beer. 1822 Resort Dr., Massanutten, lift tickets start at $79 for 13 and older, $74 for 12 to seven years old, free for 5 and younger
Whitetail Resort
Drive time from Dulles: About 2 hours
Long straightaways and bite-sized treks meet at this resort on Two Top Mountain. Whitetail is a great spot to work on technique, and trails are thoughtfully grouped by difficulty. Take the long way home on Sidewinder, a beginner trail, or satisfy a need for speed with trails like Angle Drop and Far Side.
While condo-style lodging is available at Whitetail and can be booked online, the region has several hotels and B&Bs within driving distance. Ski and snowboard lessons are available for all ages and typically last around two hours, and allow newcomers to ski for the rest of the day after their lesson. Snacks are available at The Marketplace, while Solstice Bar and Mountain Heart Pizzeria offer heartier fare and craft beer options. 13805 Blairs Valley Rd., Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, lift tickets start at $125 for 13 and older, $113 for 12 and younger
Wintergreen Resort
Drive time from Dulles: About 3 hours
Make for higher ground and push the limits at this Blue Ridge Mountain resort. The slopes at Wintergreen are made for speed, finesse, and showing off on the freestyle terrain. Upper Dobie and Potato Patch are great trails to brush up on maneuvering before heading to more challenging options like Devils Elbow and The Gap.
At Wintergreen, snow tubing is just as exhilarating as skiing. The Plunge snow tubing park plummets 10 stories for maximum adrenaline; passes start at $44 on Saturday and Sunday. After the fun, book a spa day at Wintergreen to unwind before doing it all over again tomorrow. And don’t miss the breathtaking winter sunset on the mountain. 39 Mountain Inn Loop, Nellysford, lift tickets start at $89 for 13 and older, $69 for 12 and younger
Wisp Resort
Drive time from Dulles: About 3 hours
Skiing the panhandle of Maryland is something everyone should experience at least once, and Wisp Resort is the perfect location for making those winter memories. With 132 acres of skiable terrain, it’s best to arrive with a strategy for which trails to hit. A more easy-going experience can be found on trails like Backbone Pass and Big Dipper, while more technically challenging routes lie on slopes like Main Street and Odin’s Chute.
Numerous dining options, lodging, and other entertainment are available throughout the property. Grab last-minute gifts at the Mountain Park Shop, or purchase skis, snowboards, and other gear from Outdoor Elements. Wisp operates year-round and offers summertime activities, including the Mountain Coaster and disc golf. 296 Marsh Hill Rd., McHenry, Maryland, lift tickets start at $89 for 13 and older, $69 for 12 and younger
Snowshoe Mountain Resort
Drive time from Dulles: About 4 hours
Retreat to the rugged beauty of Cheat Mountain at Snowshoe Mountain Resort. From slope difficulty to dining, Snowshoe is all about options. Winter sports enthusiasts can find refuge at Arbuckle’s Cabin, a bar and grill accessible only by braving the expert trails on the resort’s Western Territory. For a less challenging trek, The Boathouse serves quick American fare lunch combos at the base of Snowshoe Basin.
Ski and snowboarding lessons are available throughout the season for those 13 and older. In addition to downhill thrills, Snowshoe offers snow tubing, snowmobile tours, and off-road adventures that can be catered on-site. Ski-on and ski-off lodging is also available throughout the property, as well as night skiing and myriad dining options. 10 Snowshoe Dr., Snowshoe, West Virginia, lift tickets start at $79 for 23 and older, $72 for ages 13 to 22, $68 for 12 and younger
Feature image of Liberty Mountain Resort courtesy Vail Resorts
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