Options for skiing and snowboarding in Virginia are
somewhat limited, with just four resorts operating within
the state’s borders: Bryce
Resort, the Homestead, Massanutten
Mountain, and Wintergreen Ski Resort. Of this small
group, Wintergreen Ski Resort is by far the largest and
most varied, offering terrain suitable for all levels.
Situated in the picturesque George Washington National
Forest, Wintergreen Ski Resort Virginia provides spectacular
views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. In the
summer, hikers on the Georgia
to Maine Appalachian
Trail pass within miles of Wintergreen; other local hiking
trails wind through the nearby mountains.
Unusually, the “base” at Wintergreen Ski Resort is located at the top of the ski area, on a plateau 3,800 feet above sea level. The total vertical drop is 1,003 feet; the longest trail is an impressive 1.4 miles long. Five chairlifts and two surface lifts service 25 trails (14 of which are open for night skiing) over 125 skiable acres.
The runs at Wintergreen Ski Resort Virginia are nicely balanced between beginner (25%), intermediate (35%), and advanced (40%). Looking down from the Wintergreen ski lodge, the blue runs are to the right, the green runs are in the center, and most of blacks are to the left. There are several introductory areas beneath the Wintergreen ski lodge, each serviced by its own lift. The Blue Ridge Express lift runs parallel to the longest green runs, Diamond Hill and Dobie. Snowboarders should head to this lift and try the terrain park Wintergreen Ski Resort Virginia, which features the state’s only halfpipe.
Wintergreen Ski Resort Virginia only has four designated blue runs, but they include two nice long cruisers great for intermediates: Eagle Swoop and the more challenging Tyro run. All the blue runs are served by Lift A.
Wintergreen Ski VA has by far the most challenging terrain of any Virginia ski area. Wild Turkey run, beneath the Highland’s Express lift, is one of the best black diamond trails in the mid-Atlantic, with several steep drops and a tough mogul area. Neighboring Cliffhanger run is even more challenging. Both are over one mile long. Several other black diamond runs also run to the bottom of the Highland’s Express. Unfortunately, this advanced area is not open for night skiing. In the evening, advanced skiers and snowboarders should try Big Acorn run, beneath Lift A.
Like other Virginia ski area, Wintergreen Ski VA relies heavily on state-of-the-art snowmaking equipment to maintain a snow base; only 40 inches of natural powder falls in the average year. Tickets to Wintergreen Ski Resort are not inexpensive: over $60 on weekends and holidays. Cheaper tickets are available at nights, for half-day passes, and in the late season. Spring skiers could even combine a trip to the slopes with a round of golf in the warmer valley below.
