Winter Adventures: Skiing, Snowboarding, and Cozy Cabins in West Virginia
Snow often blankets the rolling Appalachian highlands of West Virginia, turning the Mountain State into a winter playground that’s both rugged and inviting. Just outside Morgantown, about an hour east, the Timberline Four Seasons Resort offers skiers and snowboarders a lively mix of trails nestled on Cheat Mountain. The resort’s varied terrain ranges from gentle beginner slopes to more challenging runs like the 3,500-foot vertical drop on the “Upper Timberline” trail, which rewards riders with sweeping forest views and powdery conditions that feel downright alpine. Timberline’s family-friendly atmosphere and well-groomed runs create a welcoming vibe that contrasts with the often more extreme slopes found in the Rockies, making it a perfect spot for both novices and seasoned powder hounds.
Further south, near Beckley and roughly 90 minutes from Charleston, Snowshoe Mountain Resort stands as the state’s premier winter destination. Boasting 60 trails across four interconnected peaks, Snowshoe’s impressive elevation, topping out at 4,848 feet on the Bald Knob summit, brings some of the most reliable snow in the region. The resort’s signature run, “Silver Creek,” offers an exhilarating glide through the woods, while the terrain parks attract snowboarders eager to hone their tricks. Beyond the slopes, Snowshoe Village buzzes with an energetic après-ski scene, complete with cozy taverns and artisan shops. Visiting during twilight reveals a magical transformation as the mountain lights flicker against the dusk sky, perfect for lingering strolls after a day of carving fresh powder.
Nestled in the eastern panhandle, about two hours from Washington, D.C., Canaan Valley Resort State Park serves up a gentler but no less charming winter experience. Known for its expansive Canaan Valley, this spot features 47 skiable acres and a beginner-friendly terrain park set amid a high-elevation valley surrounded by spruce and fir forests. The “Coyote Trail” offers a moderate 2.2-mile downhill run that’s especially picturesque when snow clings to the branches. The nearby Blackwater Falls State Park, just a short drive away, offers winter hikes along the Canyon Rim Trail where visitors can admire the iconic amber-colored waterfall partially iced over. The combination of skiing and scenic winter hiking creates a dynamic outdoor experience that highlights the quiet beauty of West Virginia’s highlands.
To warm up after a day on the slopes, the small town of Davis, just five miles from Canaan Valley, beckons with its inviting cabin rentals and charming downtown. Davis’s historic district glows with rustic mountain lodges and artisanal shops, blending Appalachian heritage with modern comforts. Visitors often cozy up in cabins that feature stone fireplaces and panoramic views of the surrounding Monongahela National Forest. Local eateries serve up hearty fare like pepperoni rolls, West Virginia’s unofficial comfort food, a perfect companion to a mug of hot cider. In winter, the town becomes a snug retreat where the crackle of wood fires and snow-laden pines frame the perfect post-adventure haven.
In the northern part of the state, just west of Wheeling along the Ohio River, Oglebay Resort offers another unexpected winter escape approximately 15 miles from the city center. While better known for its sprawling gardens and summer festivals, Oglebay transforms into a winter wonderland with over 15 miles of cross-country ski trails weaving through gently rolling terrain. The Winter Festival of Lights, which illuminates the park’s grounds with dazzling displays, enhances the snowy landscape and creates a festive atmosphere. The resort’s blend of outdoor activities, including ice skating on the Good Zoo Lagoon, and cozy cottages with warm fireplaces makes it an ideal spot for families and couples seeking a picturesque winter getaway in the northern mountains.
For those craving a backcountry experience, the Otter Creek Wilderness in the Monongahela National Forest offers a quiet and pristine winter setting about two hours southeast of Elkins. The Otter Creek Trail, particularly beautiful in the snowy months, meanders through thick hardwood forests and along Otter Creek itself, with occasional frozen cascades adding to the enchantment. This remote area requires snowshoes or skis for travel and rewards adventurers with solitude rarely found near ski resorts. Wildlife sightings of deer and elusive bobcats are not uncommon, and the silence of the snow-covered landscape envelops visitors in a peaceful winter reverie. It’s a reminder of the wild heart that beats within West Virginia’s mountains, away from the bustle of groomed slopes.
No winter visit to West Virginia would be complete without a drive along the Highland Scenic Highway, about 45 minutes southeast of Beckley. This 43-mile route climbs through the Allegheny Mountains, offering panoramic overlooks that reveal snow-dusted ridges and valleys stretching into the distance. Stops such as the Raven Rocks Overlook provide stunning vantage points where skiers from nearby resorts often pause to marvel at the expansive winter landscape. The highway itself can serve as a leisurely sightseeing excursion or a gateway to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on adjacent trails, including those found in the Cranberry Wilderness. The crisp mountain air and sweeping vistas here capture the quiet majesty of a West Virginia winter like nowhere else.