Your 2022 West Virginian Winter Bucket List

Snowshoe Mountain is a paradise for all things snow. From skiing and snowboarding to off-road RZR tours and adventure dining experiences, here the options are endless. Enjoy a sleigh ride through the picturesque forest or unwind in the endless restaurants and boutiques.

Canaan Valley Resort State Park in Tucker County has countless restful and recreational winter options. Overnight accommodations include a sprawling lodge, cozey cabins and RV campsites. Spend your days outdoors by skiing, tubing, ice skating, snowshoeing, snowboarding or cross-country skiing your way through Almost Heaven.

Have your choice between a stay in a personal cottage or the newly renovated lodge at Wheeling’s Oglebay, encompassing nearly 300 acres. Visit before the new year to witness the beloved Festival of Lights, deemed one of the best light shows in the entire country.

Winterplace, West Virginia’s southernmost ski resort, is the perfect place for beginners who are just learning to ski as well as those looking to improve their technique. Winterplace is also home to the state’s largest tube park, three restaurants and two retail shops. This Southern West Virginia spot is a must-visit for good reason.

Retreat to a tiny cabin nestled within the woods this winter, just 3 miles away from Lost River State Park and a short 2.5-hour drive from the D.C. Metro Area. Lost River Vacations offers 22 serene acres for guests to roam freely on as well as supplies for breakfast and s’mores.

When traversing the famous Hatfield-McCoy Trails, the cabins at Ashland Resort in McDowell County make the ideal stay. Home to 1,600 acres of private hardwood forest, you’re sure to experience West Virginia’s untouched beauty along with comfortable accommodations.

Come aboard the Potomac Eagle‘s North Pole Express and see the spirit of Christmas come alive. Sing Christmas carols, drink hot chocolate, eat warm cookies and milk, listen to stories and make Christmas crafts. Stop by a live nativity stable and even meet Mr. & Mrs. Clause all on this limited-time train ride!

You won’t want to miss taking on the mountain at Timberline this season. Here you will find 1,000 feet of vertical drops tucked within the Monongahela National Forest. Skiing and snowboarding are both offered as well as two natural snow glades and adaptive ski lessons.

Open 365 days a year, an off-road thrill ride on the Hatfield-McCoy Trails is a must-add to your bucket list this season. Featuring over 1,000 miles of trails, there are options for skill levels of all kinds. Cruise right into local machine-friendly towns for gas, food and even more adventure.

Visit the Wonder Bar Steakhouse in Clarksburg for a fine dining experience like no other. This spot has been serving award-winning cuisine since 1946. Catch a movie or live performance at the nearby Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center. Browse the unique items at West Virginia Heritage Crafts, the state’s oldest artisan co-op.

Home to WVU, Morgantown has a spirit that can only be found in a college town. Cheer on the Mountaineers with a basketball game in the Coliseum or stroll along the 48 miles of wooded, river valley rail trails in the area. Wind down with a locally-brewed beverage while your pizza bakes in a wood-fired oven at Mountain State Brewing Company.

Plan a getaway to Parkersburg where local charm can be found all around. Have a luxurious stay at the historic Blennerhassett Hotel, complete with luxury dining options for guests of all kinds. Explore the downtown Arts District, where you’ll find the area’s finest shops and attractions. Warm up with a coffee and sweet treat from Unity Cafe.