West Virginia Winter Wonderland
The wonder of winter in West Virginia is filled with untouched fallen snow, scrapes of skates along fresh ice and forest trails meandering to snow-capped mountain views you have to see to believe. Whether you prefer the adrenaline-charged excitement of the ski slopes, enjoying wine by a cozy fireplace with your significant other, or embarking on an evening train ride with the family to the North Pole, you’re sure to find the perfect winter day in West Virginia. Here are your must-stop places to see all the snowy splendor of the Mountain State.
Snowshoe Mountain
You could spend weeks at Snowshoe Mountain and never run out of things to do. The mountaintop village offers a wide range of options for lodging, dining, shopping and entertainment, and its outdoor recreation is just as diverse. Zip down the ski slopes and hit the terrain and tube parks, hop on a snowmobile ride through the backcountry or enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through softly falling snow. But the fun doesn’t stop there. Snowshoe’s heated Split Rock Pools lets you splash around in the great outdoors even on the coldest winter day. After you work up an appetite head out for some adventure dining and enjoy a decadent four course meal in Snowshoe Mountain iconic Sunrise Backcountry Hut. From exhilarating to relaxing, magical to refreshing, Snowshoe Mountain has endless ways to experience winter in West Virginia.
snowshoemtn.com
The Greenbrier
Located amid the breathtaking mountains of West Virginia, The Greenbrier is a National Historic Landmark and world-class resort that has been welcoming guests from around the world since 1778. Some notable visitors are the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Princess Grace of Monaco, Bob Hope, Elenor Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, and many more, including 25 other presidents of the United States. This luxurious stay with its immaculate interior design is the perfect winter retreat. During the winter seasons the Greenbrier captures the spirit of winters past with romantic horse-drawn sleigh rides over the resort’s snow-blanketed grounds and an outdoor ice skating rink the kids will love. If you get too chilly warm up by the rink-side fire pit or head inside for a dip in the indoor pool or a soothing massage at the Mineral Spa. There’s even a Christmas Shop, open year-round, where you can shop for old-fashioned holiday collectibles like hand-blown ornaments and nutcrackers.
greenbrier.com
Elkins Polar Express
For an unforgettable winter experience right out of a childhood story book, grab the family and board the Elkins Polar Express. Themed around Warner Bros movie The Polar Express and set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, pajama clad passengers relive the magic of the story as this nighttime train whisks families away for an unforgettable ride to the North Pole. During the journey, the Conductor will punch tickets and dancing Chefs serve hot chocolate, followed by a reading of Van Allsburg’s classic. Make sure to add the Railroad Restaurant Traditional Holiday Buffet to your ticket for a family meal at the Railyard Restaurant. After the dinner, you will board the Polar Express to go visit the North Pole. At the North Pole, Santa will board the train and greet the children and offer a gift for those who truly believe, giving the entire family memories they will cherish for a lifetime.
mountainrailwv.com/tour/polar-express/
Hillbrook Inn
While the outdoors offer incredible winter adventures, there is nothing better than snuggling up by a toasty fire and relaxing with your special someone. With all the best amenities, this rustic West Virginia bed and breakfast offers the perfect destination for a romantic getaway this winter. Enjoy inviting accommodations, romantic dinners for two, luxurious spa treatments, stunning winter landscapes and more. Stay in one of the romantic suites or cottages that offer a toasty fireplace to snuggle up near. For dinner experience delicious fine dining featuring gourmet cuisine at the on site restaurant and then get pampered at the luxurious top rated West Virginia spa. Cozy accommodations, romance and pampering all await your arrival at the Hillbrook Inn, one of West Virginias coziest winter getaways.
hillbrookinn.com/
Snowmobile/ATV the Hatfield McCoy Trail System
If you’re feeling stuck inside, kick your cabin fever by going on an unforgettable Snowmobile or ATV excursion this winter. The hilly terrain of the West Virginia’s Hatfield McCoy Trail Systems provides the perfect foundation for a one-of-a-kind off-road winter adventure. The Hatfield McCoy Trail System is some of the best trail riding in the world and is only taken up a notch when a fresh layer of snow blankets the trails. Head to BAC Country Rentals to rent your Snowmobile or ATV and then chose from numerous trails to explore. The Bearwallow trail offers a good mix of easy and difficult trails and makes for a good fit for new and experienced riders alike. This trail system also has direct access to gas, food and lodging. If your looking for a more rugged trail start at the nearby Rockhouse trailhead that encompasses over 100 miles of trails that offer stunning snow dusted Appalachian mountain vistas.
trailsheaven.com
baccountryatvrentals.com
Blackwater Falls State Park
Located in the Allegheny Mountains of Tucker County, Blackwater Falls State Park is named for the amber waters of Blackwater Falls, a 57-foot cascade tinted by the tannic acid of fallen hemlock and red spruce needles. The falls, along with a few of the park’s other features like Elakala Falls, Lindy Point and Pendleton Point Overlook, are some of the state’s most photographed spots. When the temperatures plummet, the magnificent 62-foot cascade and namesake of Blackwater Falls State Park freezes into a solid curtain of ice. Framed by snow-covered evergreens, the wondrous scene is a sight to behold. The park is a favorite winter retreat, with more than 10 miles of trails suitable for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing and beautiful overlooks of the Blackwater Canyon. The park also boasts the longest sled run on the East Coast. The quarter-mile groomed track has a conveyor belt to transport riders and their sleds to the top of the hill, while a warming hut nearby serves hot drinks and homemade soups to chilly sledders. If you can’t get enough of the park stay in it! Choose from 39 fully furnished cabins next to the falls that offer peace and quiet or stay in the Parks Lodge that overlooks the densely forested gorge below.
wvstateparks.com/park/blackwater-falls-state-park
Cross Country Skiing at the White Grass Country Touring Center
If your looking to explore the winter wonderland of West Virginia up close and personal, there isn’t a better way than on cross country skis. With an average of 180 inches of snowfall each year, Tucker County and Canaan Valley have become some of the best places to cross country ski in North America with White Grass Touring Center offering everything you will need. For over 30 years, the White Grass Touring Center has been offering cross country skiing and snowshoeing in Canaan Valley, West Virginia. Their well maintained 60-kilometer trail system ranges from 3,220 below the lodge to 4,463 feet at Tucker County’s high point atop Weiss Knob. The center offers equipment rentals, and machined groomed trails. If your new to cross country skiing don’t worry, they offer lessons for all levels and specialties. After a day of trekking make sure to stop in at the White Grass Cafe to warm up with some hot cocoa and treat yourself to a great selection of delicious natural foods such as Moroccan Shrimp tacos and vegetarian chili.
whitegrass.com
Autumn Breeze Stables
Near Snowshoe Mountain you will find Autumn Breeze Stables, a one of a kind way to experience West Virginias snow covered mountains. Saddle up on their horses and ride along pre-civil war roads, up and downhill forested trails, stream crossings, and get 360 panoramic mountain top views from an elevation of 4,848 feet, all while only hearing the creaking of saddle leather, and the crunch of freshly fallen snow.The trails here at Snowshoe take you off the beaten path. It’s no cow pasture ride— it’s mountain trails and rolling hills with wildlife all around. If you’re lucky, you’ll see a deer, coyote or even a bear enjoying the winter wonderland as well. Whether your experienced or not, you will be in great hands as all of the horses are eager, well trained, and suited for any skill level.
www.wvtrailrides.com/
