Where to Ski Around D.C.
By • February 18, 2021 0 1654
If there’s one activity that’s relatively safe these days, it’s skiing. The singular sport allows for social distancing. There are also lots of great resorts around D.C., perfect for a daytrip or a weekend getaway. Here are some of our favorites.
MARYLAND
Wisp
296 Marsh Road, McHenry, Maryland
You can both ski and snowboard at this Maryland resort, an ideal option for families. There’s even a mountain coaster that kids will love. The resort offers lots of cozy bar and restaurant options, great for placing a pickup order to stay socially distanced. Face coverings are required indoors and outdoors when six feet of social distancing is impossible. Wisp even has its own app, making for easy navigation of the resort, and GPS tracking to find friends and family as you ski the slopes.
PENNSYLVANIA
Seven Springs
777 Water Wheel Drive, Champion, Pennsylvania
Seven Springs is just under four hours away in Pennsylvania. Given the distance, it’s best to reserve a spot in the resort’s hotel, a townhome/condo or — if you wish more luxurious accommodations — a cottage or ski chalet. When you’re done with winter sports for the day, stop by shopping destinations like Highlands Market, home to local artisan food and products. For the safest experience during COVID, Seven Springs is overseeing on-snow capacity, limiting the number of lift tickets sold for each day. Planning ahead and buying tickets ahead of time online is recommended.
VIRGINIA
Massanutten
1822 Resort Drive, Massanutten, Virginia
Like Seven Springs, Massanutten is requiring advance purchase for winter sports. After spending the day on the slopes, Massanutten is home to a luxurious spa. Right now, the resort is offering a Winter Wellness Package, with two or more nights in resort lodging and two Swedish massages included. There’s lots of comfort food to be had, too, like pizza and barbecue and cocktails at “Base Camp.” Come back in the summer for golf, mountain biking and, post-pandemic, a family-friendly waterpark.
Courtesy Massanutten.
Wintergreen
Route 664, Wintergreen, Virginia
Located three hours from Georgetown, Wintergreen Resort is home to skiing and other winter sports. The resort’s Terrain Park received a top ranking from Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine. The park’s layout is frequently changed, so patrons can have new obstacles each time they ski or snowboard. Wintergreen is also home to “The Plunge,” Virginia’s largest tubing park. As far as dining post-slopes, there are four different options, including the exclusive-access Devils Grill.
The Homestead
7696 Sam Snead Highway, Hot Springs, Virginia
The Omni Homestead Resort is a great place for a relaxing weekend away. The Homestead’s family-friendly approach makes it a great place for beginners. Of course, Mom and Dad will enjoy the lush spa experience. The oasis includes the signature “Hanakasumi” treatment, inspired by Japanese tradition, which uses a cherry blossoms and rice powder exfoliation. The Homestead has a “Romance Offer” that includes champagne and chocolates and will take 20 percent off the best available rate for new and current members of Omni’s Select Guest program through Feb. 28.
Courtesy Omni Homestead.
