With colder weather still in the forecast, it’s no wonder we’re all dreaming of a spring getaway. But considering that March can also be quite unpredictable, it’s smart to plan your escape somewhere that offers multiple options. We’ve put together the perfect weekend itinerary at Massanutten Resort, an all-season destination that’s about a two-hour drive from Northern Virginia, with options no matter what Mother Nature has up her sleeve.
Friday Evening:
Check in to a Regal Vista condo, located in a neighborhood that’s just a short drive from most resort attractions. These accommodations have multiple bedrooms, bathrooms with soaking tubs, great rooms, gourmet kitchens and decks overlooking mountain views. The grills and patio furniture are especially great for groups to spread out. Grab burgers and local brews back at the resort at Base Camp, either in their main dining room or their enclosed patio overlooking the slopes. Then settle in for the evening to play games, watch a movie, or sit on the deck.
Saturday:
If it’s still ski season and you plan on hitting the slopes, wake up early and drive to the rental shop to get fitted for your equipment before the crowds arrive. Afterwards, head next door to The Lift Coffee Bar for lattes, oatmeal, and bagels.
For beginners or if someone wants to brush up on skills, the resort offers both private and group skiing and snowboarding lessons. There’s a beginner’s hill as well as several other small runs serviced by so-called “magic carpet” conveyors. When you’re ready to tackle something more challenging, several lifts, including one high-speed quad, two fixed-grip conveyor-loading quads and a triple will take you up to the 14 trails on 70 acres of terrain designed for various skill levels.
To warm up from the cold, duck into Elevations Lounge for a power bowl or rockfish tacos paired with a glass of red wine or an IPA. If you prefer to lace up instead of strapping on skis, the pickleball courts at the Massanutten Fitness & Rec Club are transformed into an ice skating rink during winter.
If the snow has already melted, Massanutten’s western slope offers more than 30 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. The strenuous 4 1/2-mile Massanutten Ridge Trail offers the best views, especially at sunrise or sunset. Or walk around the Rockingham Springs Arboretum to peek at whatever trees or flowers are currently in bloom.
Alternatively, sail across the Mega Zip at the Massanutten Family Adventure Park, 800-foot-long dual racing zip lines where speeds top out at 30 miles per hour. There’s also a ropes course for kids 12 and under with a burma bridge, log crossing, swinging vine bridge, net traverse and 100-foot zipline, and summer tubing when there’s no snow on the ground.
Opening later this spring at the Adventure Park is the new Mountain Coaster, a 3,380-foot long, six-minute-long downhill attraction covering 2,156 feet of terrain. Single and double riders will experience two 360-degree spirals and speeds up to 25 miles per hour. Each ticket includes two rides. And because the innovative design gives riders full control over their speed, you can leisurely glide along the track and take in the views the first time. And then careen down at top speed the next.
Saturday Evening:
Regroup for dinner at the rustic Campfire Grill, which is decked out with wooden plank floors, cozy stone fireplaces and tent-topped booths. Be sure to reserve a table in advance; it can get packed on weekends. Popular options include spice-rubbed rotisserie chicken, pan-fried catfish or a wild game skillet. Save room for Campfire S’mores, a shareable version of the popular DIY dessert.
If it’s still cold enough, bundle up for Northern Lights Snow Tubing at the Adventure Park. Sixteen sledding lanes light with neon lights take riders on an exhilarating 120-foot drop. Depending on the conditions, you may be able to ride double on your oversized tubes, adding to the fun and the speed. Sessions last an hour-and-a-half. Try to book the last one of the evening, when the crowds begin to dissipate.
Or tackle one of three escape rooms. In the newest challenge, Knights of the Golden Horseshoe, you’ll attempt to unlock the knights’ secrets before time runs out.
Sunday:
Sleep in, then make breakfast with provisions purchased from The General Store. It stocks basic groceries as well as souvenirs, skiing and hiking accessories, wine, beer and other beverages.
No matter what kind of adventure you’ve had, you can most likely benefit from a visit to the Massanutten Spa. Treatments include the tension-relieving signature massage and the BBW (Best of Both Worlds), a Swedish and facial massage. Add-on a magnesium-based balm to target sore muscles, or static stretching to improve flexibility and range of motion. Linger afterwards in the cozy relaxation room for snacks and some herbal tea or infused water. Afterwards, have lunch at Virginia BBQ & Pizza Co. Enjoy a carnivore or veggie delight pie as well as platters of pulled pork, chicken, or brisket.
If it’s cold outside, splash around for a few hours in the 6,000-acre indoor heated waterpark. It features a lazy river, adults-only and family-friendly hot tubs, a splash pad and water playground for kids of all ages and a surfing simulator. Or for a calmer aquatic experience, take a dip in the indoor pool and hot tub at the rec center.
Waterpark-goers will also be able to zip down the outdoor slides in warmer weather. Or work on your drive before the drive home with a round of golf at one of the resort’s two 18-hole courses.
Feature image courtesy of Massanutten Resort
