How to Go Skiing at Wintergreen Resort

Wintergreen Resort on the eastern side of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia is not simply a ski destination, but a year-round resort, complete with restaurants, shopping, a spa, and condominiums and vacation homes. Winter season is the peak time of year at Wintergreen, when its 11,000 acres abound with skiers, snowboarders and tubers. Twenty-six slopes and trails for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders are open, along with a snowtubing park and a fun park for families. Wintergreen Resort is 90 minutes from Richmond and three hours from Washington, D.C., and offers additional year-round opportunities for hiking, relaxing or hosting a conference/event.

Things You'll Need

• Ski Equipment (unless you plan to rent)
• Ski bibs or waterproof pants

Instructions

Planning your visit

1. Check the snow report on the resort's website or by calling [phone] before planning a visit. Because Wintergreen Resort is in Virginia, the slopes typically don't open till the end of November or the beginning of December because the temperatures must be consistently low enough to maintain the slope snow.

2. Consider purchasing a season pass for the year if you planning to make several trips to Wintergreen. The pass saves you money on the window ticket price, allows unlimited skiing on most days (though not all) and provides discounts for friends. Family passes, which include four passes, are available, in addition to discount passes for college students. You can add a rental pass to the season pass that allows you to rent ski equipment for the entire year. You can also renew old season passes.

3. Book accommodations well in advance if you plan to stay in Wintergreen overnight. While there are a wealth of accommodation options throughout the resort itself, other companies and private rentals on condos, rooms, cabins and houses, these are filled pretty quickly. If booking through the resort, consider a package deal, which includes both accommodation and skiing. You can find private rentals online at a website such as Wintergreen Resort Rentals (see Resources below).

4. Browse the resort's events calendar before planning your visit. Wintergreen decks itself out during the holiday season, hosting a Blue Ridge Mountain Christmas the last week in December, complete with a skiing Santa. The resort also hosts a New Year's Eve Celebration with restaurant parties and a ballroom gala. Ski competitions are staged and the resort plans many programs throughout the winter season.

Skiing At Wintergreen

1. Get to the resort early if you plan to rent equipment, which is a good idea if you don't want to buy, store or haul equipment on your ski trip. Rentals, which are guaranteed to be in quality condition, are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Season passes for equipment, in addition to day versus half-day and evening rates are available. You can rent both ski and snowboarding equipment.

2. Bring the family for a getaway because Wintergreen has many child-friendly features. Ridgely's Fun Park is an ideal place to take children for snow play. The Treehouse at Wintergreen offers year-round children's programming and activities, particularly in the winter, for children age 2 to 12. The Treehouse has everything from classes teaching toddlers how to stand on skis to several daylong programs to enhance the skills of older children. Indoor programs and classes provide children a break from the snow and some time away from their families.

3. Take a lesson before skiing. Lessons are available regardless of ski level. Free group lessons are available on a daily basis and are highly recommended for first-time to novice skiers. More advanced skiers can schedule private lessons on an appointment-only basis. Wintergreen also hosts specialty clinics and programs, such as a women's ski seminar and a program for people with disabilities who would like to learn how to ski.

4. Enjoy some of Wintergreen's other features. Book an appointment at the Wintergarden Spa, a full-service spa offering a variety of massages, facials and other treatments. A sports massage is a great choice after a day on the slopes. You can also take a break by shopping at 12 shops and pro stores at Wintergreen, including clothing, sports equipment and gourmet food product stores, among others.

5. Dine at one of several restaurants at Wintergreen for lunch or dinner. The Copper Mine serves steak, seafood and American fare; breakfast is also available. The Edge, located right next to the slopes, is great for a casual bite while skiing. Lunch, dinner and a full-service bar are available, in addition to nightly, live music. Depending on where you are staying, check out Devil's Grill or Stoney Creek Bar & Grill. Some dining options, such as The Grill, are open only in the winter.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are a college student, not only can you purchase a discounted season pass, you can also take advantage of student-only discounts, available on the Wintergreen website, and college ski days.

• Be prepared for additional charges for other activities, such as the tubing and fun parks.

• Season passes do not apply on Saturdays during peak season.

Resources

• Wintergreen Resort
• Vacation Rentals