Snowshoe Mountain
West Virginia's largest ski destination, with more than 50 trails, a slopeside village and some of the best snowmaking in the region. It is the go-to for a full ski vacation.
Seasonal Travel Guide
Winter in West Virginia: Travel Guide
Snow on the Alleghenies, lit-up ski slopes, quiet cross-country trails and cozy mountain towns — winter turns West Virginia into a cold-weather playground for skiers and anyone who loves a snowy landscape.
Quick Info
- Months
- December–early March
- Best For
- Skiing, snowboarding, tubing
- Weather
- 20s–40s°F; snow in the highlands
- Tip
- Check road conditions first
A Quiet, Snowy Kind of Magic
Winter is the season that reveals West Virginia's high country in its most dramatic form. Snow settles on the spruce forests, waterfalls freeze into sculpted ice and the ski resorts hum with activity.
The state's elevation is the key. The Allegheny highlands around Snowshoe, Canaan Valley and Davis receive some of the most reliable natural snow in the Mid-Atlantic, and cold temperatures let resorts make snow even in drier stretches.
Even if you never click into a pair of skis, winter rewards travelers who bundle up: empty trails, dramatic overlooks and small towns that feel cozier than ever.
Skiing & Snowboarding
Canaan Valley & Timberline
Two ski areas share the snow-rich Canaan Valley, offering a mix of gentle learning terrain and steeper expert runs, plus Nordic skiing at the resort and refuge.
Winterplace
Conveniently located right off I-77 near Beckley, Winterplace is an easy introduction to skiing and snowboarding, with night skiing, tubing and rental packages.
Beyond the Slopes
Snow tubing is a hit with families at nearly every resort and at dedicated parks, offering all the downhill thrill without the lessons. Most resorts have their own tubing hills, and several stay open into the evening under lights.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing open up the quiet side of winter. The Greenbrier River Trail, Canaan Valley's Nordic trails and the forest roads of the Monongahela National Forest all offer gentle grades and deep silence.
Wildlife watching is excellent in the colder months, as tracks in fresh snow reveal the comings and goings of deer, foxes and turkeys, and bald eagles congregate near open water on the larger rivers and lakes.
Cozy Mountain Towns
Winter is the best time to appreciate West Virginia's small towns. Davis and Thomas glow under snow, with breweries, coffee shops and galleries offering warm refuges after a day outdoors.
Lewisburg, Fayetteville and Elkins all offer charming downtowns, locally owned restaurants and historic inns that make a cold-weather weekend feel like a retreat. Off-season rates can be a bargain.
Book a cabin with a fireplace or a room at a historic lodge, and let the snow do the rest. Many towns also stage holiday events, tree lightings and winter festivals from December into January.
Davis · Thomas · Lewisburg →
Frozen Waterfalls & Winter Scenery
One of winter's best-kept secrets is frozen waterfalls. Cascades like Blackwater Falls and the smaller falls of the Monongahela can freeze into dramatic curtains of ice, drawing adventurous photographers.
Frost and rime ice coat the high-elevation spruce forests of Spruce Knob and Dolly Sods in dazzling white, creating landscapes that look almost arctic. Overlooks along the Highland Scenic Highway and the New River Gorge take on a stark, quiet beauty.
Winter access depends on road conditions. Gated forest roads and icy passes can limit where you go, so treat any outing as weather-dependent and be ready to change plans.
Winter Travel Safety
Mountain roads freeze quickly and can stay icy long after a storm. Check the state road conditions before you travel, allow extra time and carry an emergency kit with blankets, food, water and a shovel.
Dress in layers, protect your extremities and know the signs of hypothermia and frostbite. If you are heading into the backcountry, go with a partner, tell someone your plans and carry the gear to spend an unexpected night out.
Resort slopes are safest when you ski within your ability and follow the responsibility code. Lessons are worth it for beginners, and helmets are strongly recommended for all ages.
Map Your Winter Trip
The state's ski resorts are clustered in two regions: the northern highlands around Snowshoe, Canaan Valley and Davis, and the southern mountains around Winterplace near Beckley.
Related Guides
Snow
Skiing in WV
Every resort and snow condition tip.
Resort
Snowshoe Resort
The state's biggest ski destination.
Region
Tucker County
Canaan Valley and Timberline skiing.
Region
Raleigh County
Winterplace and southern slopes.
Camp
Winter Camping
Cold-weather sites and cabins.
Drive
WV Road Trips
Scenic cold-weather drives.
Winter Travel FAQ
Is West Virginia good for skiing?
Yes. Snowshoe, Canaan Valley, Timberline and Winterplace offer a full range of terrain, and the high elevation brings reliable natural snow plus strong snowmaking.
What is there to do in winter besides ski?
Snow tubing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, winter hikes to frozen waterfalls, wildlife watching, scenic drives and cozying up in the mountain towns.
Do I need four-wheel drive in winter?
It helps, especially on steep resort access roads and in deep snow. Winter tires or chains and a confident driver matter as much as the vehicle itself.
When is the best time to visit West Virginia in winter?
January and February usually bring the most reliable snow. December is festive but can be thin on coverage, and late March turns warm and muddy in the valleys.
About Discover WV Today
Discover WV Today is an independent travel publication devoted to the Mountain State. From snowy summits to fireside lodges, we cover winter in West Virginia with firsthand, practical detail. Read our story →