Snowshoe Mountain Resort
4.5(3.6K)google
3.1(167)yelp
SkiingWinter SnowMountainResortOutdoorFamily
Overview
Perched atop an impressive 4,848-foot mountain peak in the Allegheny range, Snowshoe Mountain Resort is the premier winter sports and alpine vacation destination in the Mid-Atlantic. The resort features a unique 'inverted' layout, where the vibrant mountaintop village, dining, and premium lodging sit directly above the sweeping ski slopes. Boasting over 60 distinct trails, massive terrain parks, and extensive night skiing, it transitions into a world-class mountain biking and hiking epicenter during the lush summer months.
Practical Info
Every day9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Suggested Duration2-4 days
Best TimeThis premier mid-Atlantic mountain resort peaks from December to March for skiing, and July to August for downhill mountain biking. In winter, catching the first chairlift at 8:30 AM grants access to freshly groomed corduroy snow; in summer, late afternoons above 4,800 feet offer a cool 72°F paradise to watch the ridgetop sunset.
Getting TherePerched atop a remote 4,848-foot peak; no transit is available and 4WD vehicles are heavily advised in winter due to steep, icy grades. From Elkins, take US-219 South for about 45 miles to Linwood, then turn left onto Snowshoe Drive. Climb the winding mountain pass for 6 miles straight to the upper village lots.
Travel Tips
- Situated near the National Radio Quiet Zone, cell towers are strictly restricted here; carrier coverage is non-existent. Activate Wi-Fi Calling on your smartphone and save all check-in QR codes offline before ascending.
- This is an inverted resort where the village and lodging sit at the peak; slopes run downwards. Peak ski weekends trigger massive parking shortages at the summit; day-skiers must use mid-mountain free lots and take the shuttle.
- The mountain ascent via WV Route 66 features extreme grades and severe winter icing. Vehicles are strictly advised or required to have 4WD/AWD and snow tires during blizzards; failing to comply leads to dangerous slide-offs and steep towing bills.
Reviews
Positive
- As a premier mid-Atlantic ski resort, it boasts extensive trails, great powder, and state-of-the-art grooming technology.
- The mountaintop village setup allows for luxury ski-in/ski-out lodging convenience right directly outside your resort condo door.
- In summer, the mountain transforms into a world-class mountain biking downhill park with highly thrilling, technical single-tracks.
- The village is highly developed with fine dining, lively Irish pubs, spa amenities, and ski gear shops for rich nightlife vibrant energy.
Heads up
- During peak Christmas and winter holidays, lift lines get incredibly long, and resort lodging and lift ticket prices skyrocket.
- Due to high altitude and remote wilderness location, cell service is non-existent; guests must rely entirely on spotty resort Wi-Fi.
- The final multi-mile steep mountain ascent gets extremely icy after blizzards, posing severe hazards for cars without 4WD or snow chains.
- Older condo units feature noisy baseboard heaters, and peak parking shortages require parking in distant overflow lots with shuttle transfers.