5 Must-Try Winter Activities in West Virginia

Winter adventures in Almost Heaven will get your heart pumping no matter where you are in West Virginia. Take advantage of the variety of elevations in a destination within a day’s drive of two-thirds of the U.S. population. From world-class ski resorts in the Potomac Highlands to more than 1,000 miles of ATV trails in the Hatfield-McCoy Mountains, West Virginia has a thrilling adventure waiting for you.

So put on some extra layers, bring your friends and give these five chilly and thrilling winter activities a try.

Tubing

West Virginia is plentiful in rolling hills, which makes it a perfect destination to hop on a snow tube. Canaan Valley Resort State Park is one of the most popular attractions because of its 1,200-foot-long snow tube stretch. This is one of the longest multi-lane parks in the Mid-Atlantic, and the “magic carpet” lift feature makes it easy for you to return to the top for more hills and thrills.

Snowshoe Mountain’s six-story, eight-lane tubing hill at Silver Creek makes for another phenomenal tubing experience. You can also head to the hill at night for their Galactic Snow Tubing sessions.

Winterplace Ski Resort in Raleigh County is the Mountain State’s largest snow tubing park. After you’re done hitting the hills, you can warm up at one of the resort’s restaurants or kick back in one of the cabins.

River Riders in Harpers Ferry is another great option for gliding across some powdery white snow.

Sled Run

Want to relive those epic backyard sled rides from your childhood? West Virginia will take you back in time with its mountain magic. Blackwater Falls State Park is home to the longest Sled Run on the East Coast. You can race down a quarter-mile run at up to 25 miles per hour via sled. The convenient “wonder carpet” takes you back to the top in only five minutes. The season begins on Dec. 23, 2023 and runs until March 3, 2024. Session times are Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Iconic West Virginia state destinations like Canaan Valley Resort State Park and Pipestem Resort State Park also have some stunning slopes. No matter where you go to glide over some snow, you’ll be sure to make more sledding memories.

Skiing and Snow Boarding

Almost Heaven is a prime destination for skiing and snowboarding. Timberline Mountain in Davis will have you in hill heaven with 1,000 feet of vertical drops within the Monongahela National Forest. Timberline is also home to West Virginia’s only six-person chairlift, and you can even ski until 8 p.m. To extend your stay, book a room at the Timberline Hotel and head to the quaint town of Davis for a local made-from-scratch meal.

Snowshoe Mountain’s Silver Creek Ski Area is a destination known for its nighttime slope hours, which are open daily until 9 p.m. Six available ski lifts allow you to get as many runs in as you wish. You will also enjoy the on-site restaurants and shops, and the view from the top if the mountain will have you at loss for words.

Nutting Winter Sports Complex at Oglebay is famous for its recreational activities, and it only gets better in the winter. Bring your crew for the ultimate time hitting the slopes on your skis or snowboard. If you’re a beginner who needs a few pointers, you can also take lessons here from seasoned professionals. Oglebay is a must-visit snow sports destination when you’re in Wheeling.

Winterplace Ski Resort in Ghent has 27 different slopes for you to unleash your adrenaline. You can blaze down the hills until 9 p.m., and Winterplace specializes in teaching beginners tips and tricks. After a day of hitting the slopes, warm yourself up in one of the cozy cabins – which includes free breakfast at Mountain Mama’s Cafe.

Ice Skating

Find a slice of ice with ease this winter in Almost Heaven. Skate on the 70′ by 140′ ice skating rink at the The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs. You will get to see the resort all decked out for Christmas along with music playing for all to hear. Two-hour sessions for registered overnight guests and members before 7 p.m. cost $34 and $55 for non-registered guests and guests of members.

Canaan Valley Resort State Park may be famous for its 47 ski slopes and a snow tube park, but there is also a scenic ice skating rink just below the resort lodge. The rink is open every week throughout the winter season. Glide away with your friends or your special someone with a backdrop of mountains and rolling hills.

Your winter adventures in Almost Heaven are just beginning. Find more inspiration in our new West Virginia Vacation Guide for your next snowy getaway!

This post was last updated on February 16, 2024