Winter in West Virginia
Set to a backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains, West Virginia has aptly received the nickname, “The Mountain State.” The state plays home to a variety of recreational activities year-round, from hiking to mountain biking to white water rafting.
As the days get shorter and the temperatures lower, West Virginia comes alive as a premier destination for winter travel. Due to its high elevation, the Mountain State is one of the first to receive snowfall, blanketing the mountains in sheets of powder ready to be enjoyed. From laid-back getaways to thrilling slopes, a West Virginia getaway is just what you need this winter.
Ski Resorts
Experience the splendor of the glistening mountain snow while skiing at any of West Virginia’s fun-filled resorts. In Davis, Timberland Mountain offers 20 ski trails ranging from beginner to experts only, equipped with the only high-speed chair lift in the state and an on-site hotel.
More skiing can be found nearby at Canaan Valley Resort State Park, which features four lifts, 47 runs, and 850 feet of elevation change. In addition to the beloved slopes, guests can also participate in cross-country skiing amongst the untouched beauty of the Allegheny Mountains. This resort prides itself in being a family-friendly destination, also offering tubing and ice skating.
For an immersive winter wonderland escape, retreat to Snowshoe Mountain to find an entire village filled with wintertime activities. Ski the mountain and its variety of terrain, with over 60 trails and glades within three unique parks. Feel the magic with a sleighride or take the rugged route with an offroad RZR tour. Browse the many shops and refuel at the countless, delicious restaurants.
Beginner skier? Winterplace Ski Resort in Ghent is the perfect place to learn. This spot is home to 27 mountainous ski trails as well as West Virginia’s largest tube park.
Advanced & Adaptive Skiing
For alternative ski options, the West Virginia mountains offer options for more experienced skiers. For more solitude and fewer crowds, leave the perfectly groomed trails behind and trek through the natural beauty of West Virginia with cross-country skiing. Located in the heart of the Monongahela National Forest, the Elk River Touring Center offers exclusive information and personal lessons on cross-country skiing, with equipment available for rent to explore the vast forest on your own.
Cross country skiing is also available at Pipestem Resort State Park, where you can rent skies, poles and boots for the day. Get aquitenced with the sport as you glide through the park’s trails and golf course. A wonder to behold, Pipestem’s 15 miles of trails overlook the Bluestone National Scenic River below.
For the more experienced skiers, the backcountry possibilities are limitless in West Virginia, as long as there’s a good snowpack. Plan a trip to Monongahela National Forest, where skiers can travel on unplowed, forest service roads ranging from easy, gentle rolling trails to more difficult and steeper slopes. Venture through sections of Dolly Sods Wilderness or take trails through the Cranberry Wilderness, the entire forest is a top-tier backcountry destination.
When snow levels are at their peak, Coopers Rock State Forest turns into one of the most popular places for cross-country adventure in the state. Although there are no facilities onsite, the park is home to easy roadside trails that lead to more adventurous and rocky terrain.
Skiing is for everyone, and West Virginia works to make it accessible for all through partnerships with Challenged Athletes of West Virginia, which can be found at many ski sites. Canaan Valley Resort provides adaptive ski lessons with specialized equipment and certified instructors. The same partnership is available at the Silver Creek Ski area located within Snowshoe Mountain with one-on-one lessons for Track Skiing, Mono Skiing and Bi-Skiing. At Timberline Mountain, adaptive ski lessons provide two and a half hours of private instruction and are uniquely designed for each individual’s personal needs.
Hiking Trails
Swapping skis for hiking boots, the West Virginia mountains have excellent hiking trails ready to explore this winter. The Cranberry Glades Botanical Area’s half-mile boardwalk through bogs and glades is an easy, yet beautiful, walk, made even more charming when blanketed in snow each winter. Enjoy the snow-covered meadows on the Red Creek Trail, discover stunning winter views along the Overlook Rock Trail in Kanawha State Forest, the lakeshore trail at Pipestem Resort State Park or the icicle-laden views at Twin Falls Resort State Park.
Beautiful year-round, Blackwater Falls State Park’s iconic falls freeze in the winter, creating stunning scenery covered in glittering snow. The Blackwater Falls Boardwalk Trail includes more than 200 steps that lead to an observation deck beside Blackwater Falls, guiding guests to enjoy a beautiful wintertime view.
Adventure Beyond the Slopes
West Virginia’s snowy scenery offers plenty of family-friendly adventure beyond skiing and snowboarding. Throughout the state, enjoy the timeless tradition of a sleigh ride, where a horse-drawn sleigh guides travelers through snow-covered landscapes for a truly immersive winter wonderland adventure. Experience impressive twinkling holiday lights by attending one of West Virginia’s winter festivals or joining a stunning walk- or drive-through light tour. Climb aboard one of the state’s two rail journeys – one a Polar Express experience and the other providing a Journey to the North Pole. Whatever the adventure, West Virginia’s festive warmth that accompanies the chilly season is sure to have visitors returning year after year.
Rest and Relaxation
Throughout the state, world-class ski resorts stand ready to welcome visitors looking for total relaxation or a rest après-ski, each offering their own taste of Almost Heaven.
The town of Wheeling’s Oglebay Resort has expanded to 2,000 acres of year-round recreational activities, outstanding overnight accommodations and flexible space for meetings and events. Canaan Valley Resort, Timberline Mountain, Winterplace Resort and Snowshoe Mountain offer lodging, including hotels, cabins, and campsites to accompany their dozens of ski slopes and trails.
West Virginia’s snow capped mountains are also home to several charming bed and breakfasts ready to welcome guests with warm southern hospitality. A night at a bed and breakfast in West Virginia is more than just a cozy night’s sleep – it’s an entire experience. For visitors looking to enjoy must-see sites and discovering quaint towns just off the beaten path, consider one of these B&B retreats.
Step back in time at A Governor’s Inn, an exquisitely detailed, 19th-century Victorian mansion in the heart of Buckhannon. Breakfasts are hearty, after which guests can enjoy a short walk to nearby restaurants, antique and gift shops, and many other attractions in the area. Take a drive through the breathtaking Monongahela National Forest for a stay at North Fork Mountain Inn, where the award-winning chef serves dishes with delicious locally sourced farm-to-table ingredients.
For a truly unique West Virginia experience, The Historic Matewan House Bed and Breakfast is located in one of Almost Heaven’s smallest, yet most famous towns. The B&B features West Virginia-themed suites such as the “coal room,” and “almost heaven room.”
When the winter blues start to creep in, it’s time to schedule a trip to an Almost Heaven bed and breakfast. Here, friendly hosts will welcome you and make you feel right at home.
Considering a getaway to West Virginia’s winter wonderland? Whether looking for a relaxing mountain retreat, an adventure-filled ski trip, a train journey to the North Pole or a getaway at a small town bed and breakfast, West Virginia has a perfect option for every traveler.
