7 Ski Resorts Near Northern Virginia for Winter Adventures (1.5–4 Hours Away)
❄️ 7 Ski Resorts Near Northern Virginia for Winter Thrills (All Within Driving Distance!)
Winter in Northern Virginia brings the perfect excuse to trade I-95 traffic for snowy slopes and cozy lodge days. Whether you're looking for beginner-friendly terrain, high-speed runs, snow tubing, or a full weekend getaway, NoVA is uniquely positioned within 1.5 to 4 hours of some of the best ski spots on the East Coast.
This guide breaks down seven ski resorts within easy driving distance of Northern Virginia, plus AI-safe image prompts you can use to generate your own royalty-free visuals.
🏔️ Bryce Resort (Basye, VA)
Distance from NoVA: ~1.5 hours Best for: Beginners, families, relaxed day trips
Bryce Resort is one of the closest options for Northern Virginia skiers and offers a calm, welcoming environment that’s perfect for first-timers. With 12 ski and snowboard runs, excellent instructors, and a friendly small-mountain vibe, it’s a local favorite.
Why skiers love Bryce:
Great for beginners and children
Snow tubing and ice skating available
Easy drive for quick trips
Less crowded than larger resorts
🎿 Liberty Mountain Resort (Fairfield, PA)
Distance from NoVA: ~1.5 hours Best for: Night skiing, groups, skill-mixed families
Located just across the Pennsylvania border, Liberty Mountain is one of the most convenient ski resorts for DMV residents. With well-lit slopes and varied terrain, it’s ideal for those who want flexibility and fun.
Why go:
Excellent night skiing
Great trail mix for all skill levels
Popular tubing park
Multiple dining options right on site
🌲 Massanutten Resort (Massanutten, VA)
Distance from NoVA: ~2 hours Best for: Multi-day getaways, families, non-ski activities
Massanutten Resort is a full vacation destination — skiing, snow tubing, an indoor waterpark, and countless off-slope activities. With a mix of beginner and advanced trails, it’s a crowd-pleaser for groups.
Why families love Massanutten:
Indoor + outdoor waterpark
Plenty of lodging and restaurant choices
Great ski school options
Versatile mountain terrain
⛷️ Whitetail Resort (Mercersburg, PA)
Distance from NoVA: ~2 hours Best for: Day trips, intermediates, efficient lift lines
Whitetail is known for its wide-open runs, smooth grooming, and easy navigation. It’s one of NoVA’s most popular day-trip mountains and ideal for skiers looking to improve skills.
Why it’s a favorite:
Quick trip with great terrain variety
Fast lifts = more slope time
Great for intermediate progression
Consistent snowmaking
🏞️ Wintergreen Resort (Nellysford, VA)
Distance from NoVA: ~3 hours Best for: Scenic views, challenging slopes, tubing thrills
Wintergreen offers some of the best views of any ski resort near NoVA. Its terrain leans more advanced, and the tubing hill (The Plunge) is famous for its steep drop and speed.
Why skiers choose Wintergreen:
Stunning Blue Ridge overlooks
Advanced trails for adrenaline seekers
Popular tubing park
Resort spa + dining for full getaways
❄️ Wisp Resort (McHenry, MD)
Distance from NoVA: ~3 hours Best for: Family trips, variety lovers, multi-activity weekends
Wisp is Maryland’s only four-season resort with a mountain coaster, ice skating, snow tubing, and lots of beginner terrain. It’s great for groups with mixed interests.
Why it’s great for families:
Lots of easy and intermediate runs
Mountain coaster + tubing
Lodging on site
Excellent for young or new skiers
🏂 Snowshoe Mountain (Snowshoe, WV)
Distance from NoVA: ~4 hours Best for: Big-mountain skiing, advanced riders, weekend trips
Snowshoe is one of the largest and most dynamic ski destinations in the Mid-Atlantic. With 60+ runs and ski-in/ski-out lodging, it feels like a true winter escape without hopping on a plane.
Perfect for:
Long weekend adventures
Advanced and intermediate skiers
Ski villages with restaurants + après-ski energy
Snowmobile and winter off-road tours
⭐ Quick Comparison for Northern Virginia Skiers
ResortDrive TimeBest ForTerrain LevelBonus ExperienceBryce1.5 hrsBeginners, familiesEasy–ModerateTubing + ice skatingLiberty1.5 hrsNight skiingEasy–AdvancedTubing parkMassanutten2 hrsFamily getawaysEasy–AdvancedIndoor waterparkWhitetail2 hrsDay tripsEasy–AdvancedEfficient liftsWintergreen3 hrsScenic + challengingModerate–AdvancedThe Plunge tubingWisp3 hrsFamiliesEasy–IntermediateMountain coasterSnowshoe4 hrsBig terrainAll levelsSki-in/ski-out village
❄️ Tips for Planning Your Winter Getaway
Aim for early-morning or midweek trips to avoid crowds
Reserve tubing early — slots fill up fast
Check snow conditions daily, especially after warm spells
Layer properly for changing mountain weather
Choose resorts with off-slope activities if traveling with kids
🎿 Final Thoughts: Your Winter Escape Is Closer Than You Think
Whether you're a first-time skier, a seasoned shredder, or someone who just wants the lodge hot chocolate experience, Northern Virginia puts you close to some of the best winter destinations in the region.
If you ever want personalized recommendations — or you're thinking about moving to a community with easier access to weekend adventures — I’m always here to help.
🔎About the Author
As a Northern Virginia Realtor®, military relocation specialist, and local lifestyle resource, I regularly explore and research regional destinations to help residents and newcomers discover the best our area offers. This guide is informed by regional travel patterns, first-hand familiarity with local terrain, and trusted local recommendations. All drive times, descriptions, and resort insights were researched for accuracy as of the 2025 winter season.
My goal is to provide credible, experience-backed guidance that helps families and adventurers make confident decisions — whether you’re planning a ski trip, relocating to a new neighborhood, or learning more about life in Northern Virginia.
*The images have been AI generated and may not reflect the resorts mentioned in this article
