The DC Traveler

Hit the Slopes

by Jon on February 7th, 2008

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 
______________________________________________

Share This

Related Stories

Another Great Travel Round-up
Get Ready for Ski Season

POSTED IN: Family Fun, Great Activities for a Date, Lodging, Scenic & Short Trips, Sports & Recreation