Winter creates the scenery for some of the most memorable getaways out there, and Almost Heaven has them all. From world-class skiing resorts to cozy cabin getaways, West Virginia has a way to warm you up to the cold.
This winter, explore our 2024 West Virginia Winter Bucket List and get a feel for the snowy rolling hills of the Mountain State.
Snowshoe Mountain
Snowshoe, West Virginia
With an elevation of 4,848 feet, Snowshoe Mountain in Pocahontas County is one of the highest points in West Virginia. Hit the slopes in a pair of skis or bust some moves on a snowboard. You can also go off-roading with RZR tours or even take a sleigh ride through the picturesque forest. Afterward, grab a hot dinner at Cheat Mountain Pizza or Hoots Bar and Grill. Take a piece of Snowshoe with you by stopping at 4848′ for premium activewear or candies and snacks at Signatures & Sweets of Snowshoe.
Timberline Mountain
Davis, West Virginia
Discover more world-class slopes on Timberline Mountain this winter. Here you will find 1,000 feet of vertical drops tucked within the Monongahela National Forest. Enjoy the snowy slopes by skiing and snowboarding as well as two natural snow glades. Ski lessons are also available if you need some pointers. Rest and recharge at the warm hotel with rooms that host up to eight guests.
Ski The Valley
Davis, West Virginia
Ski the Valley in Tucker County – where snow-covered slopes boast some of the best skiing, snowboarding, tubing and sledding you’ll ever experience. With an average snowfall of 150 inches per year and an elevation of over 4,000 feet, winters here are perfect for powdery snow to thrive and coat the mountain. Premier ski resorts in the region include Canaan Valley Resort State Park, Timberline Mountain and White Grass.
Hatfield-McCoy Trail Systems
Lyburn, West Virginia
This winter, tackle the trails with some heart-pumping adventure through the Appalachian Mountains. There are more than a thousand thrilling miles to explore along the Hatfield-McCoy Trails. Depending on how far you go, you’ll travel through several counties in Southern West Virginia, including Logan, McDowell and more.
Bridge Walk
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Do you love heights? Bridge Walk should rank high on your bucket list if you do. Take a catwalk across a walkway under the structural beams of the New River Gorge Bridge 851 feet above the New River. You’ll be secured by a unique belay system that keeps you harnessed at all times while your guide educates you on the history of the bridge. The view of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is more stunning under a blanket of snow!
Snow Riders
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
In the wintertime, the historic town of Harpers Ferry transforms into a wintery paradise that you’d see in a storybook. Snow Riders delivers epic snow tubing and has 12 different lanes with a magic carpet conveyor lift. The snow tubing hill spans nearly 900 feet. This spot is only about an hour’s drive away from Washington, D.C., making this snow tubing hub easy to access from major Metropolitan areas.
Hampshire County
Hampshire County is a treat any time of the year, but winter is when this slice of Almost Heaven really shines. With Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad, step aboard the North Pole Express for a festive 75-minute train ride filled with storytelling, Christmas cheer and cookies. In Romney, shop custom-designed fine jewelry and enjoy a fair share of live music and wine tastings at Anderson’s Corner is a beloved staple of this town. Stick around for a while and retreat to Capon Springs and Farms, a historic, all-inclusive mountain resort with over 4,700 acres of breathtaking fall scenery located less than two hours away from Washington, D.C.
Winterplace Ski Resort
Ghent, West Virginia
Winterplace Ski Resort in Southern West Virginia has West Virginia’s largest snow tubing park and is located just five miles off I-77 in Ghent. There are 14 lanes, and two magic carpet lifts are available to bring you back to the top of the hill. Recruit enough of your friends for a reservation and you will receive a discounted rate. Stop by one of the resort’s restaurants or unwind in a cozy cabin.
Resort at Glade Springs
Daniels, West Virginia
With 90 acres of snowy terrain and some of the best ski slopes in West Virginia, Glade Springs is a must if you love getting away during the winter. You’ll find 28 ski trails suitable for all skill levels and West Virginia’s largest snow tubing park! If you get too cold, warm up quick with a hot cup of coffee and pastry from Small Talk Cafe or a massage at the luxurious spa. Bunkers Sports Bar is a great spot to score some delicious happy hour food. Visit Southern West Virginia this winter and plan an unforgettable winter getaway.
Fairmont
Marion County, West Virginia
When you’re in Marion County, it’s hard to miss Fairmont. Check off a waterfall on the West Virginia Waterfall Trail by heading to Valley Falls at Valley Falls State Park. For an authentic Italian dinner, get your homemade pasta and bread fix at Muriale’s Italian Restaurant. While you’re exploring the town that birthed the pepperoni roll, you must make a stop at Country Club Bakery and treat yourself to a true Mountaineer’s meal.
Winter Fishing
There’s no need to keep the fishing reels in the closet until the spring. West Virginia has plenty of fantastic spots to cast a line when there’s snow on the ground. Spruce Knob Lake is near the highest point in West Virginia, which is stocked with trout beginning in January and continues through May. This is a scenic spot to fish year-round. Closer to the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Kanawha Falls is just downstream of where the New and Gauley Rivers meet to form the Kanawha River. Winter fishing at the falls is popular for reeling in musky and walleye.
Click here to purchase your fishing license and view current fishing regulations in West Virginia.
Click here to purchase your fishing license and view current fishing regulations in West Virginia.
Blackwater Falls Sled Run
Blackwater Falls State Park
For old-school family fun taken to the next level, look no further Sled Run at Blackwater Falls State Park. At what’s the longest sled run on the entire East Coast, sledders can catch speeds up to 30 miles per hour when zipping downhill. The sled run operates from late December through early March with two-hour sessions available. Turn your day into a stay with a room at Blackwater Falls Lodge or get cozy in a rustic cabin nestled in the forest.
Now is the perfect time to start thinking about your ultimate winter getaway! To get the most out of our winter bucket list, request our free West Virginia Vacation Guide and sign up to have seasonal deals, updates and more delivered right to your inbox.
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