SNOWSHOE, W.Va. — Snowshoe Mountain, the largest ski resort in the Mid-Atlantic, opened the 2025–26 winter season Friday with a fresh burst of natural snow and strong early turnout.
Resort officials reported four to five inches of overnight snowfall, providing skiers and snowboarders with unusually high-quality conditions for opening day, according to Patti Duncan, president and COO of Snowshoe Mountain.
“This is some of the best snow we’ve seen to start a season in years,” Duncan said. “Our mountain operations team has taken full advantage of the cold temperatures, and our open terrain is already skiing like mid-season. The forecast looks favorable for continued snowmaking as we head toward the holidays.”
Located in the high Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia, the resort is within driving distance of Pittsburgh, Columbus, Richmond, Charlotte, and Washington, D.C., making it one of the most accessible big-mountain ski destinations in the eastern United States.
Kids Ski Free week runs through December 12
To encourage new families to explore winter sports, Snowshoe is offering free lift tickets for children ages 12 and under from December 5–12. No purchase is required; families can pick up tickets on-site throughout the week.
West Virginians Ski Free on December 7
Officials also announced a special promotion for residents. All West Virginians may ski for free on Sunday, December 7. Skiers must present a valid state or federal photo ID showing proof of residency at the resort’s Ticket Depot.
New Shavers Center set to open this season
The resort’s long-awaited new Shavers Center, a modernized replacement for the original skier-services lodge built nearly 50 years ago, is nearing completion. The updated facility features:
- A spacious lodge-style interior
- A large outdoor deck with firepits and expanded seating
- Enhanced dining and rest areas
- New headquarters for the Ski & Ride School, Pre-Ski, and Outdoor Adventure Tours
An official opening date will be announced soon, Snowshoe officials said.
A premier ski destination for the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast
Snowshoe Mountain spans 11,000 acres and includes West Virginia’s second-highest peak at 4,848 feet, giving the resort a distinctive high-elevation climate that regularly produces reliable snow. It offers the region’s most skiable terrain, a nationally recognized bike park, and a complete portfolio of lodging, dining, and year-round recreation.
Snowshoe was recently named Best Ski Resort in the region by Blue Ridge Outdoors. The Snowshoe Bike Park was ranked the No.1 bike park in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic by MTBParks.com.
Why Snowshoe is the closest big-mountain ski destination for many East Coast cities
For millions of skiers in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, Snowshoe Mountain offers the nearest experience that resembles actual big-mountain skiing—complete with high elevation, long runs, and a self-contained alpine village. Here’s why:
1. Elevation That Rivals Northern Resorts
At 4,848 feet, Snowshoe sits higher than most ski areas east of the Rockies and higher than many in New England. This elevation gives it:
- Colder, more stable winter temperatures
- More natural snowfall than most Mid-Atlantic resorts
- A dependable snowmaking window that starts early and lasts late
- The mountain frequently holds snow when the lowlands and major cities do not.
2. A True Summit Village—Rare in the East
Unlike many ski hills where the lodge is at the bottom, Snowshoe places its main village on the summit. That layout creates:
- Ski-in, ski-out lodging
- Restaurants and shops above the slopes
- A western-style resort feels uncommon in the region
It’s one of the few places south of Vermont where visitors park once and spend the entire weekend “on the mountain.”
3. The Largest Skiable Terrain in the Mid-Atlantic
Snowshoe offers more acreage and more variety than other regional resorts, including:
- Steeps at Western Territory
- Family-friendly terrain at Snowshoe Basin
- A large learning area for beginners
- Multiple terrain parks
For skiers traveling from Pittsburgh, Columbus, Richmond, or Charlotte, it's the closest option that delivers a full-resort experience without flying.
4. Central Driving Location for Several Metro Areas
Snowshoe is within a half-day’s drive for millions of people:
- Pittsburgh: ~4 hours
- Washington, D.C.: ~4.5 hours
- Columbus: ~5 hours
- Richmond: ~4.5 hours
- Charlotte: ~5.5 hours
That proximity makes it a practical weekend trip—even when the weather is uncertain.
5. Year-Round Destination Appeal
Beyond skiing, Snowshoe has become a significant hub for:
- Mountain biking (including UCI World Cup events)
- Golf
- Hiking and backcountry tours
- Festivals and events
This year-round draw adds amenities that many single-season ski areas lack.
The resort is part of the Alterra Mountain Company and is an included destination on the Ikon Pass.
More information is available at SnowshoeMtn.com or by calling 877-441-4386.
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