As a skier growing up in central Virginia, I was always searching for good snow—something we don’t get much of. Early on, I discovered that Snowshoe Mountain Resort in West Virginia gets some of the best snowfall in the South, and it quickly became my go-to mountain.
After spending years skiing across the country, including a move to Colorado in search of even better powder, I know what it takes for a mountain to truly stand out.
While it may not deliver the same adrenaline rush as the Rockies, as someone who has skied at some of the best resorts in North America, I can confidently say that Snowshoe offers the best ski experience you’ll find in the South.
How To Get There
Snowshoe Mountain Resort sits in eastern West Virginia, in the town of Snowshoe. The best route to the resort will depend on where you’re traveling from, but most visitors from the South choose to drive.
One thing to know before you go: because of Snowshoe’s remote mountain location, cell service is extremely limited. In some stretches, you won’t have service at all. Be sure to download your maps ahead of time so you can navigate even when your phone goes offline. If you’re flying, the Greenbrier Valley Airport in Lewisburg, West Virginia, is your closest option, located an hour and a half from the resort. You’ll need to rent a car for the final stretch.
No matter how you get there, I always recommend choosing a four-wheel-drive vehicle, as the roads leading up the mountain can be snowy.
Best Time To Visit
Snowshoe sees its heaviest snowfall in January, with February coming in as the next snowiest month. Having skied Snowshoe from the very start of the season to the very end, I’ve found that the best time to visit is late January through mid-February.
If you can, try to avoid holiday weekends like Martin Luther King Jr. and Presidents Day, as lodging fills up quickly and the slopes tend to get crowded.
Things To Do
Hit The Slopes
As an avid skier, my favorite thing about Snowshoe is simply getting out on the mountain. I’ve been coming here since I was in elementary school, and now, as an adult and mom, I can confidently say that the beginner, intermediate, and expert terrain is outstanding, especially for a Southern resort.
Snowshoe offers three main ski areas to explore: the Snowshoe Basin Area, the Silver Creek Area, and the Western Territory, plus a couple of terrain parks for added fun. One thing that really sets Snowshoe apart is its night skiing. With 12 trails lit after dark, the fun doesn’t have to stop when the sun goes down.
Spend Time Snow Tubing
Some of my favorite childhood memories come from family snow tubing trips, and Snowshoe offers one of the best experiences at the Coca-Cola Tubing Park. With eight lanes to zoom down, it is fun for all ages, and one of the best parts is that you can enjoy it after a full day on the slopes. The park stays open at night and is lit with neon lights that give the whole experience a colorful glow. As a parent, I especially love the rope tow that pulls your tube back to the top so you do not have to carry both a tube and a small child uphill.
Go On A Snowmobiling Tour
For adults and older kids, snowmobiling is a great way to get an adrenaline boost without much physical effort. A snowmobiling tour depends on snowfall and takes place after hours from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visitors can book a one-hour tour to zip across the snowy slopes, and it is a fun option for anyone looking for a different kind of adventure.
Have Fun Shopping In The Village
Snowshoe Mountain Resort is the best ski resort in the South, not only because of its impressive slopes, but also because of its charming village. Most southern ski areas don’t offer much of a village scene, and the ones that do are tiny compared to resorts out West or in the Northeast. Snowshoe is the exception, with a spacious, inviting village filled with shops, restaurants, bars, and places to stay.
If you are looking to warm up or give your legs a break from the slopes, spend a morning or afternoon exploring the village. You will find plenty of cozy spots offering winter apparel, ski gear, outdoor clothing brands, shoes, and more.
Enjoy The Après Ski Scene
Après-ski is a French term you’ll hear often among skiers and snowboarders. It simply means “after skiing” and refers to relaxing with food and drinks once you’re done on the slopes. It’s a classic part of any ski trip and something everyone looks forward to. Snowshoe has plenty of great spots to enjoy the après-ski scene.
Where To Eat
Cheat Mountain Pizza
If you are looking for a quick pizza spot, Cheat Mountain Pizza is the place to order from. I recommend getting your pie to-go and eating it outside at one of the tables while taking in the views.
The Junction Ale House
There’s something comforting about a classic American spot serving great appetizers, juicy burgers, and cold beer. If you are craving a laid-back lunch or dinner, The Junction Ale House is another solid place to go.
The Boathouse
The Boathouse is a great option if you need a quick lunch between laps on the slopes. It’s perfect for anybody who wants to eat outside, enjoy the views, and get right back to skiing. You’ll find chili, soup, burgers, and classic bar favorites like fries and nachos. It’s an ideal fast-casual stop when you’re spending the whole day on the mountain.
Foxfire Grille
If you’re craving comforting Southern home cooking, this is the place to go. Foxfire Grille dishes up mac and cheese, ribs, chicken-fried steak, and plenty of other Southern favorites.
10 Prime Steakhouse and Bar
Another excellent choice at Snowshoe is 10 Prime. For a more upscale dining experience, this is the spot to enjoy steaks, scallops, risotto, and other gourmet dishes.
Where To Stay
My top pick for lodging at Snowshoe is Allegheny Springs, thanks to its unbeatable location. Situated right in Village Central and just steps from a ski lift. Accommodations range from studios to three-bedroom condos, and the property also features an outdoor heated pool, a hot tub, and other amenities. Another favorite option is the Corduroy Inn, a boutique hotel perfect for Wyndham fans. It offers ski-in/ski-out access and three onsite dining options, making it especially convenient for families.
Insider Tips For Making The Most Of Your Time At Snowshoe
Chase The Snow
Like many southern resorts, snowfall at Snowshoe can vary from year to year and even week to week. If possible, I recommend keeping your trip flexible and timing it for when heavy snow is forecast. While the resort has plenty of snow-making machines, nothing beats skiing fresh powder.
My husband and I have done this before, and it remains one of my favorite Snowshoe trips. We heard they were expecting about a foot of new snow overnight, packed our bags, and hit the road the next morning to enjoy the fresh powder.
Take Advantage Of Night Skiing
Night skiing is relatively rare at most resorts, but Snowshoe offers 12 lit trails after dark. I highly recommend giving it a try—skiing under the lights is a unique experience, and the snow feels different as you cruise down the slopes at night.
Another insider tip for night skiing is to make the most of your travel day. Depending on where you’re coming from, it likely took several hours to get to Snowshoe. To avoid feeling like you wasted a full day in the car, check into your hotel, grab your skis, and head out for night skiing. It’s a fun and memorable way to start your ski trip while maximizing your time on the mountain.
Get The Ikon Pass
The Ikon Pass gives access to countless ski resorts across the United States and around the world, and Snowshoe is one of the included mountains. If you plan to ski at multiple resorts, the Ikon Pass is worth considering. It can save you money and comes with great perks, including friends and family discounts, and savings on food, beverages, retail, and more.
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