Thrills and chills: 4 unexpected snow-season adventures

West Virginia’s got mountains, snow, and all that regular winter stuff— but that’s not nearly all. Here are some snowy season adventures we bet you didn’t think about:

1. Rock climbing

You might think winter climbing involves all that cold ice and snow like on Mt. Everest, right? Well, not necessarily. Summersville Lake is actually drained every winter, opening up beautiful, sun-drenched cliff lines that are usually submerged. There are amazing routes for beginners, and with none of the sweat, bugs and slippery rock you find in the summer.

To sample the best of the Mountain State’s winter sandstone, go with a pro from New River Mountain Guides in Fayetteville.

Lost World Cavern formations

2. Caving

The constant 52-degree temperature of Lost World Caverns outside Lewisburg makes it a cool escape from the chilliness. Lost World Caverns is open year-round, so book a standard walking tour along its lighted paths, or a more adventurous, down-and-dirty “wild cave tour.” Just remember to bring some warm, dry clothes to change into after your epic adventure!

3. Go under the bridge

The New River Gorge Bridge just outside Fayetteville is almost 900 feet high, and nearly ¾ of a mile long– making it the longest single-span bridge in the Americas. You can walk under this iconic bridge year round with a Bridge Walk.

These guided trips safely secure you to tethers and harnesses so you can stroll across the catwalk underneath the bridge. Winter is a great time to see the snowy beauty beneath you.

Just remember to dress warmly; the wind is pretty cold 850+ feet up!

4. Horseback riding

Riding through the rolling mountain forests in the snow is an unforgettable experience. If you want to ride horseback in the winter, The Resort at Glade Springs has got you covered with pony rides for the kids, trail rides, lessons and even carriage rides for 2.

Want to soak in a steamy hot tub while watching the snow fall around you in a silent forest? Yup, you can do that. Rustic, cozy log cabins are a primehomebase for your West Virginia advneture escape. But what a lot of folks don’t know is that cabins offer reduced rates in the off-season, so a holiday or winter trip is cozy and affordable.

Where are you exploring?

This post was last updated on March 16, 2022