Hit the Slopes
Now that the temperatures are more typical of winter, it’s time to think about snowboarding and skiing.
Within about a 3½ hour drive from Washington, DC, are close to a dozen ski resorts. All offer traditional skiing and snowboarding, others include snowmobiling, snow-tubing and ice skating options. For relaxation and to comfort tired bodies, spa services and night clubs are available at a couple. And at Massanutten, non-skiers can enjoy the 85-degree water park.
Lift tickets prices listed are for adult weekend full-day tickets during prime times/days. Discounts may be available for off-peak days and times.
A recent check shows that all have at least a 30-inch base.
Virginia
- Bryce Mountain in Basye. Drive time - 2 hours. Lift tickets - $52 - $62.
- Massanutten Resorts in Harrisonburg. Drive time - 2 hours. Lift tickets on weekends are $64 and $70. Massanutten also offers an indoor WaterPark with 250 feet of slides. Snow tubing also available.
- Wintergreen in Wintergreen, VA. Drive time - 3 hours. Lift tickets - $64. Also has a large snow tubing park.
Pennsylvania
- Ski Liberty in Carroll Valley, is the closest ski resort to DC with a 1½ hour drive time. Lift tickets - $59.
Check out their up-to-the-minute cameras.
- Ski Roundtop in Lewisberry. Drive time - 2¼ hours. Lift tickets - $58.
- Whitetail Mountain, Mercersburg. Drive time - under 2 hours. Lift tickets - $59. It’s 900+ foot vertical drop is one of the steepest of the resorts within 2½ hours. Live cam photos here.
- Blue Knob Ski Resort in Claysburg. Drive time - 2¼ hours. Lift tickets - $58. Check out or compete in their Big Air Contest on Saturday, Feb. 23rd.
Maryland
- Wisp Ski Resort in McHenry. Wisp is the area’s only resort in Maryland. Drive time - 3 hours. Lift tickets - $57. For snowboarders, it offers a 400-
foot half pipe.
West Virginia
- Canaan Valley in Davis. Drive time - 3¾ hours. Lift tickets - $53 - $61. If you are not into skiing or boarding, try snowshoeing over the 30 km of trails.
- Timberline Four Seasons also in Davis. Drive time - 3¾ hours. Lift tickets - $57.
One last resort, Snowshoe Mountain in Snowshoe, WV offers probably the most serious skiing in the area, with its 1,500-foot vertical drop on its expert runs. It’s also the furthest from DC, at 5 hours. Lift tickets - $70. Accommodations include from single rooms to 5-bedroom single family homes. and on March 9-10, visit for their 8th annual Mountaintop Beach Party, but bring your thermals.
Images - Flickr
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Reagan Nat Arpt, VA
February 7th, 2008 at 7:40 am
Very handy roundup, Jon. I’m always looking for this information. Thanks!
February 7th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Marilyn: While the recent 70 degree temps probably aren’t good news for skiers, I appreciate your comment.
Thanks!!
February 8th, 2008 at 12:54 am
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