Adventures Await You On Our 2026 West Virginia Winter Bucket List

When winter arrives in Almost Heaven, so do opportunities for adventurers to make new memories. West Virginia is a legitimate four-season destination with credit belonging to its rolling hills, friendly locals and incredible scenery.

This season, try out our top picks for the 2026 West Virginia Winter Bucket List and get a feel for the chill, yet thrilling activities of the Mountain State.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Hit the Slopes ⛷️

Tucker County

What makes West Virginia’s ski slopes and resorts stand out is their perfect blend of world-class challenges (and beginner-friendly ones). Winterplace in Ghent is the ideal location to learn and refine your skills. Lessons are available here, and the resort also features night skiing on 26 different slopes, allowing the fun to extend well after the sun sets.

Tucker County averages 150 inches of snowfall per year at an elevation of over 4,000 feet, making this high-mountain destination a must-visit for skiing and snowboarding. Explore some of Almost Heaven’s best resorts, including Canaan Valley Resort State Park, Timberline Mountain and White Grass.
    Bridge Walk

    New River Gorge Bridge Walk 🌁

    New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

    Southern West Virginia boasts the ultimate catwalk, and yes, you can certainly do this in the winter. Take a stroll on the Bridge Walk tour at the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Enjoy close-up views of the structural beams under the famous New River Gorge Bridge, 851 feet above the New River. You’ll be amazed by the exceptional sights of the frosty gorge below. Tours last approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
      Pocahontas County, winter, sleigh ride, Snowshoe Mountain

      Magical Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride 🐎

      Snowshoe

      Want to experience an authentic dose of West Virginia winter magic? Pocahontas County has a special treat for you. Ride through the sparkling snow bundled up in a horse-drawn carriage or sleigh with Autumn Breeze Stables on Snowshoe Mountain. This is one of the highest points in West Virginia and is also a playground for other activities like snowboarding and skiing. A wintery wonderland sleigh ride is perfect for a family activity or romantic date, so act fast before the season comes to a close!
        Sled Run

        Sled Run🛷

        Davis

        Want to feel like a kid again? Look no further than the sled run at Blackwater Falls State Park. This is the longest sled run on the entire East Coast, and sledders can reach speeds up to 30 miles per hour downhill! The sled run operates from late December through early March, and tickets are valid for two-hour sessions. Turn your day trip into an overnight getaway at the Blackwater Falls Lodge or cozy up in a rustic cabin nestled in the wilderness.
          ATV, winter

          Kicking Up Snow off the Beaten Path 🛞

          Blaze through the winter wonderland and explore more than a thousand miles off the beaten path at Hatfield-McCoy Trail Systems. The rideable terrain varies in difficulty, making for an enjoyable trip for all first-timers, while also providing a significant challenge for experienced thrill-seekers. Open 365 days a year, the weather has no say over this one-of-a-kind experience. Find ATV-friendly towns, delicious restaurants and quaint lodging options dotted along the way.
            Blackwater Falls, Winter

            Waterfall Wandering 🌊

            Who said waterfall chasing is only for warm weather? The waterfalls never flow south for the winter, so expect some epic views of cascades surrounded by blankets of snow. Tucked away in the mountains of West Virginia lie rugged landscapes with a multitude of cascading falls waiting to be explored. Set out on the West Virginia Waterfall Trail to discover jaw-dropping falls turned into impressive ice formations this winter.

            Explore the state’s natural stunners, including the 57-foot Blackwater Falls in Davis, the expansive Kanawha Falls in Fayette County, Glade Creek Grill Mill Falls at Babcock State Park and 40 other beautiful waterfalls on the trail.

              Winters are always better in Almost Heaven. Pre-order our brand new FREE West Virginia Vacation Guide for more incredible experiences to add to your winter bucket list!

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              This post was last updated on January 8, 2026