Once the snow melts and temperatures rise, ski resorts often empty out for the season. Although they’re best known for skiing, snowboarding and tubing, these four resorts, no more than three hours from NoVA, offer more than slopes and hot cocoa.
Wintergreen Resort
Located in Nelson County, about three hours from NoVA, Wintergreen Resort is known for its black diamond slopes and tubing. While winter activities are the focus here, this four-season resort has much more to offer, including a zip line, archery, mountain biking, shopping, summer tubing and a swimming and fitness center. Just a short distance from the resort, Lake Monocan, a 20-acre lake and park in Stoney Creek, has a snack bar, canoes, fishing equipment, a beach with lounge chairs, picnic areas and a sand volleyball court. Wintergreen’s hiking trails are its biggest summertime attraction. Miles and miles of the Blue Ridge Mountains surround Wintergreen—hiding secret streams and waterfalls worth searching for—which are an adventure themselves.
Massanutten Resort
Hidden in the mountains and only two hours away, Massanutten is not your typical winter resort. Featuring over 6,000 acres and dozens of amenities, the resort boasts a water park, mountain biking, a family adventure park, golf, a spa and children’s activities. Masanutten is also known for its live events. The resort hosts year-round entertainment, including Valleyfest, Summer Jam, the Fall Festival and the Village Festival. There are also regular concerts and dancing.
Bryce Resort
Located in Bayse, Bryce Resort is a hidden gem. Like other resorts, skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports are the main attraction. But the resort also has golf—both an 18-hole course and mini golf—a mountain bike park, a zip line, rock wall, Euro Bungee and a castle bounce for kids. Lake Laura is also a major draw. The beach surrounding the lake is perfect for families to lounge on, and water equipment such as canoes, kayaks, paddleboats and paddleboards are available to rent. It also has a picnic area and a nature trail, perfect for exploring in all seasons.
Omni Homestead Resort
While the typical skiing, snowboarding and tubing are available at this Hot Springs resort (just over three hours from NoVA), it has more to offer than winter sports. There’s a zip line, pools, a spa and a fitness center, and the namesake hot springs make this resort a luxurious hidden gem. The springs’ water is naturally heated and requires no chemical treatment.
