Pick a state, any state! If you’re hoping to get away for some winter fun without getting on a plane, you’re in luck — many states surrounding Washington, D.C. are full of options for winter sports getaways now that we have snow. Seven Springs in Pennsylvania is perfect for snowboarders and Wisp in Maryland is great for families. If your relationship with your partner needs some extra romance, you’ll want to try Wintergreen — or, you could venture a bit farther out to West Virginia to Snowshoe for some out-of-the-box fun.
Seven Springs Mountain Resort, PA
777 Water Wheel Dr.
Champion, PA 15622
Distance from D.C.: Approximately three-and-a-half hours
Snowmaking has fired up at this Pennsylvania resort! Not only does Seven Springs have lots of slopes perfect for both novice and experienced skiers, snowboarders will adore the resort’s six terrain parks. There’s also plenty of snow tubing for family fun. Post-skiing, enjoy live music, warm drinks and a pet-friendly hotel in the resort’s lounges.
Wisp Resort, MD
296 Marsh Hill Rd.
McHenry, MD 21541
Distance from DC: Approximately three hours
If you’ve been to Deep Creek Lake in the summer, Wisp is right next to the warm weather hotspot. If you’ve got young kids, you’ll enjoy this easygoing destination. The over 30 trails include lots for beginners, so little ones won’t get too intimidated when they try out skiing or snowboarding for the first time. Wisp is home to a unique thrill — a “Mountain Coaster,” a mix of an Alpine slide and roller coaster that reaches speeds of up to 28 mph. There are also plenty of dining options for grabbing a quick bite of some comfort food or cocktails in between trips down the slopes.
Wintergreen Resort, VA
39 Mountain Inn Loop
Nellysford, VA 22958
https://www.wintergreenresort.com/
Distance from DC: Approximately three hours
Want to get out of the city for Valentine’s Day? You’ll want to book a room (or perhaps a cabin) at this cozy resort in the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains. The spa at Wintergreen offers lots of options perfect for pampering, including a couples massage or the resort’s signature facial. If you’re out on the slopes all day, The Edge restaurant offers a casual late-night menu serving anything from chicken wings to chili and warm hard cider (the “Loggers Rum).
Snowshoe Mountain Resort, WV
10 Snowshoe Dr.
Snowshoe, WV 26209
Distance from DC: Approximately four-and-a-half hours
Venture an hour or so more outside of D.C. to West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort. There are three ski areas of over 60 trails, snowmobiling, tubing and more. Get out of your comfort zone and try night skiing, which Snowshoe offers. Foodies will love the “Backcountry Hut,” which includes a nighttime tour out to a cozy cabin that can accommodate 12, ages 12 and up. The adventure includes a tour and four-course dinner.