Although we’ve had an unseasonably warm winter and Punxsutawney Phil suggests spring is right around the corner, rest assured there’s still time to hit the slopes this season. Check out this list of the region’s ski resorts offering discounts for spring skiing. Best of all? They are an easy drive from the District for a perfect weekend getaway.
CANAAN VALLEY
230 Main Lodge Rd., Davis, W. VA
Distance from DC: 179 miles
With 23 cabins, 160 rooms, and 34 campsites, this resort getaway is fun for the whole family. And there’s so much more to do than downhill skiing on 47 slopes and trails! Ice skating, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing mean you may want to tack on an extra day. Because kids stay at no extra charge, you might as well! The on-site restaurants and fully equipped fitness center will make this weekend getaway feel like a complete vacation. Once the slopes have closed for the season, come back to enjoy the golfing, outdoor pools, and nature hikes this summer.
ROUNDTOP MOUNTAIN RESORT
925 Roundtop Road, Lewisberry, PA
Distance from DC: 114 miles
About two hours away from Capitol Hill, Roundtop is ideal for beginners. With a three-day Discovery Package, new skiers will surely feel comfortable after a weekend here. Beyond skiing and snowboarding, families can enjoy all that the slopes have to offer including tubing, nine lifts and a terrain park with a superpipe and halfpipe. Finish the day with hot cocoa and paintballing for a guaranteed great time.
SEVEN SPRINGS MOUNTAIN RESORT
Waterwheel Dr., Seven Springs, PA
Distance from DC: 194 miles
If you’re looking for a couple’s weekend or a fun getaway with your best friends, this is the place to go. Although the resort offers 33 slopes and trails, there’s so much more than skiing here. Guests of the resort enjoy live music on the weekend, nightclubs, bars, hot tubs and indoor pools, and yes even mini-golf and a roller-skating rink. No babysitter? No problem. The resort offers that, too. Choose between the 414-room hotel or the cottages and condos if you’re bringing a larger group.
SNOWSHOE MOUNTAIN RESORT
10 Snowshoe Dr., Snowshoe, W. VA
Distance from DC: 228 miles
Farther away than most of the communities in the District, Snowshoe’s 57 trails and high-speed lifts mean it’s definitely worth the trip. The Mid-Atlantic’s largest and arguably best resort has all the activities you could possibly want including snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and snow-tubing. The indoor pool and adventure area complete with a bungee trampoline make this a getaway to remember. There’s also a spa for those who would prefer to sit back and relax.
WHITETAIL SKI RESORT
13805 Blairs Valley Rd., Mercersburg, PA
Distance from DC: 91 miles
If you want a big mountain feel, Whitetail is the place to go. Perfect for all levels, the high-speed lift has dedicated sections for intermediate and expert skiers. With a vertical drop of 300 feet higher, at 935 feet, you’ll feel like you’re skiing out west! Everyone goes at their own pace here so pros and beginners can have lots of fun. There’s even a learning area for newbies.
WISP SKI RESORT
296 Marsh Hill Rd., McHenry, MD
Distance from DC: 180 miles
Family friendly and affordable, Wisp is the place to go for first-time skiers and snow boarders. Newcomers will get a group lesson along with their rentals and lift ticket. The extra-special Bunny Hill offers three Magic Carpet-style ski lifts so newbies can gradually try a steeper part of the hill as they feel comfortable. Younger kids get smaller Magic Carpets so they can enjoy the slopes just as much as the rest of the family.
LIBERTY MOUNTAIN RESORT
78 Country Club Trail, Carroll Valley, PA
Distance from DC: 79 miles
If skiing and snowboarding aren’t for you but you still want to make the most of a resort, head to Liberty Mountain for the ultimate tubing experience. Faster than skiing, it is fun for all ages! Bring the whole family for slope tubing or river tubing. Go sitting up or belly-down, head-first! With individual lanes for each rider, the resort keeps it safe so there aren’t any crashes. Although they do recommend you wear a helmet.
Do you enjoy spring skiing? Tell us in the comments which resorts you plan on visiting this season.
