Snowshoe Mountain Resort: A Wintertime Getaway Like No Other
After a few years of engaging in conversations and queries with the good folks visiting Pocahontas County, I’d like to think I’m getting better at developing a sense for where those little talks are ultimately heading. For instance, if a visitor begins a discussion by stating, “I’m only in the area for today…”, it’s a safe bet they’re about to ask something along these lines, “What’s the one don’t miss thing I should see or do?” And believe it or not, that’s not always an easily answered question. There are certain factors to be considered before a suggestion can be offered. What brought the visitor here? What are their interests? Will they return with pitchforks and torches in hand, unsatisfied with my suggestions? (That last one’s a joke – it hasn’t happened yet). But that’s one of the things that makes working for the Pocahontas County Convention and Visitors Bureau such a great job. Meeting and helping people from all over, taking a little time to find out why they’re visiting us, and coming up with suggestions of places to see and things to do in Nature’s Mountain Playground.
Now the one time of year when answering those questions is probably the easiest, is the season we’ve just entered – winter. Here in Pocahontas County, West Virginia we are quite fortunate that Snowshoe Mountain Resort, one of the premier ski resorts in the Eastern portion of the U.S., makes its home here. And when those winter visitors stop by my office with questions of where to visit or what to do, the answer almost always is, “You’ve got to check out Snowshoe!”. Now if you just happen to be looking for a winter getaway this season, allow me to suggest Snowshoe Mountain Resort to you as well. Here’s a quick rundown of why I think you’ve got to check out Snowshoe.
It probably goes without saying, but if you’re looking for some of the best skiing in West Virginia or just about any of the more popular West Virginia snow sports for that matter, look no further than Snowshoe Mountain Resort. With over 60 trails, five terrain parks, as well as night skiing, snowmobiling, tubing and a few other surprises, Snowshoe offers a full array of wintertime activity fun for the whole family.
Hitting the slopes for some downhill fun may be one of the biggest wintertime attractions Snowshoe has to offer. With over 60 trails ranging in skill level from easy to extreme, you’re bound to find a few trails that will both challenge and exhilarate. And for those new to the slopes, Snowshoe offers skiing and snowboarding lessons for beginners of any age. Whether you’re new to the sport or coming back to it after years away, Snowshoe has the instructors and rental gear to get you out on the powder.
Although skiing and snowboarding might be the first things that come to mind when I mention a Snowshoe trip, you’ll also want to check some of the other winter activities the mountain has to offer. If, after a day or two on the slopes, a little backcountry snow adventure sounds to you like an exciting and different way to throw some powder, Snowshoe has you covered. Trade out those skis and snowboards for some mechanical muscle as you venture out into the backcountry wilderness as part of Snowshoe’s guided snowmobile and RZR tours. Your journey will take you deep into the remote fields and forests of Snowshoe and along ridgelines for breath-taking views and beautiful scenery, few winter visitors have the opportunity to enjoy.
If roaring engines powering through deep powder isn’t your cup of tea (hot chocolate for me, thanks) but you’re still longing for a different way to enjoy the slopes, by all means make your way to Snowshoe’s Silver Creek and check out the Coca-Cola Tube Park. This 6-story-high, eight-lane slope promises fun for guests of all ages. And to really add an unforgettable experience to your Snowshoe Mountain trip, you won’t want to miss out on “galactic tubing” – nighttime tubing down the multi-colored lit slope. This experience alone will have the kids asking to come back to Snowshoe every season. And I’ll bet it’ll have the same effect on you too.
Rounding out the list of just a few of the Snowshoe winter activities to partake in, might be one of the most sedate and relaxing pursuits of the bunch. After a few days of flying down the slopes or driving through backcountry wilderness, or even clinging to a racing, gravity-powered snow tube, what could be more enjoyable and tranquil than a one-horse open sleigh ride. Autumn Breeze Stables at Snowshoe offers year-round riding adventures for guests, but when the snow is flying and the conditions are right, sleigh rides are added to the list of fun and adventure Snowshoe has to offer its winter guests. What better way to wrap up your winter getaway to Snowshoe Mountain Resort than with a peaceful, nearly silent gliding ride along a snow-covered trail?
Well, we’ve covered some of what to do at Snowshoe but what about where to stay? If your winter getaway plans include an overnight trip, rest assured the lodging at Snowshoe Resort can’t be beat. With over thirty lodging offerings (far too many to try to cover here), Snowshoe has something to fit most budgets: easily accommodating couples, families, large groups or even family reunions. So, whether you’re looking for the convenience of ski in ski out, a secluded romantic hideaway far from the crowds, or a family-oriented place to call home for a few nights, give the Snowshoe reservation desk a call at 1-877-441-4386 and let them help you find that perfect place to stay. Also, be sure to check out their website at snowshoemtn.com for further details on the wide range of Snowshoe restaurants and shopping options available to make your wintertime getaway complete.
So, with that said, if you’re looking for a winter getaway in the beautiful mountains of Pocahontas County, I have a question for you. What are you waiting for? Whether you’re looking for: a quick day trip on the slopes, some backcountry adventure on one of the Snowshoe guided tours, a snowy mountain getaway with all the comforts of a first-rate resort, or ski lessons for the kids and a quiet sleigh ride for you and that special someone, Snowshoe Mountain Resort has just about everything you could want to do and see this winter. Well, that’s my winter getaway suggestion and I think it’s a pretty good one. Pay Snowshoe Mountain Resort a visit this winter and I have a feeling you’ll agree with me (and you can just leave the pitchforks and torches at home).