Ice Sports

10 Highest Rated Ski Resorts Near Washington DC 

By Kapil Sapkota / 10 January 2024 09:53 AM

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Washington, D.C., and its surrounding areas are home to many ski enthusiasts who take advantage of the winter season by visiting nearby ski resorts.

Skiing and snowboarding are popular outdoor activities for individuals and families in the region. While Washington, D.C., is not located near mountains, there are several ski resorts within a few hours' drive.

This accessibility allows ski enthusiasts to enjoy winter sports without having to travel too far from the D.C. metropolitan area. Whether in Pennsylvania, Virginia, or West Virginia; various resorts are catering to different skill levels.

Many residents of Washington, D.C., use the winter season as an opportunity for weekend getaways to nearby ski resorts.

1. Whitetail Resort - Mercersburg, Pennsylvania

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Whitetail Resort is a popular ski resort located in Mercersburg, approximately 90 miles northwest of Washington, D.C.

The resort offers a range of winter sports activities, including skiing and snowboarding. The slopes are suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers.

It features a diverse terrain with a mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced slopes.

Whitetail has a robust snowmaking system, ensuring consistent snow coverage throughout the winter season. Instructional programs are available at Whitetail Resort for individuals of all skill levels.

2. Liberty Mountain Resort - Carroll Valley, Pennsylvania

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Liberty Mountain is situated in Carroll Valley, approximately 78 miles north of Washington, D.C. It is easily accessible for day trips from the D.C. metropolitan area.

The resort offers a variety of winter sports activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing.

It employs snowmaking technology to ensure consistent snow coverage throughout the winter season. Ski and snowboard lessons are available for individuals.

Liberty Mountain has a dedicated snow tubing area where visitors can enjoy the thrill of sliding down the slopes in inflatable tubes.

Accommodations are available in the surrounding area as the resort itself does not have on-site lodging.

3. Roundtop Mountain Resort - Lewisberry, Pennsylvania

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Roundtop Mountain Resort is located in Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, approximately 85 miles north of Washington, D.C.

The resort features diverse terrain with a range of slopes and trails. It offers a variety of winter sports activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing.

The slopes cater to different skill levels, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced winter sports enthusiasts.

Whether you're a beginner or looking to improve your skills, instructional programs are available at Roundtop.

Roundtop often hosts events and activities throughout the season, including competitions, holiday-themed events, and après-ski entertainment.

4. Bryce Resort - Basye, Virginia

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Located approximately 125 miles west of Washington, D.C., Bryce Resort offers multiple winter sports activities. The resort features diverse terrain with a mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced slopes.

Whether you're a first-time skier or looking to refine your technique, instructional programs are available at the resort.

Bryce is not just a winter destination; it also offers a golf course for visitors to enjoy during the warmer months.

Accommodations are available in the surrounding area. The resort typically offers amenities such as equipment rentals, dining options, and a ski shop.

5. Massanutten Resort - McGaheysville, Virginia

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Massanutten Resort is a popular year-round destination located in McGaheysville, Virginia. It has a dedicated snow sports area with slopes, suitable for various skill levels of skiers and snowboarders.

Massanutten employs snowmaking technology to ensure consistent snow coverage throughout the season.

It is known for its indoor water park, providing year-round aquatic fun with slides, pools, and water attractions. The resort features two golf courses for enthusiasts to enjoy during the warmer months.

Beyond winter sports, the resort also offers a range of activities such as hiking, mountain biking, zip-lining, and live entertainment.

6. Wintergreen Resort - Wintergreen, Virginia

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Another popular year-round destination, Wintergreen Resort offers a variety of outdoor activities, including winter sports, golf, and other recreational options.

The mountain has a vertical drop, and the trails are serviced by chairlifts and surface lifts. It is a convenient place for skiers and snowboarders of different skill levels.

The resort features terrain parks with various features and obstacles for snowboarders and freestyle skiers to enjoy.

You can enjoy a variety of year-round activities, including golf, hiking, mountain biking, zip-lining, and spa services at Wintergreen.

7. Wisp Resort - McHenry, Maryland

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Wisp Resort is located approximately 180 miles northwest of Washington, D.C. It is also a convenient place to improve your skills as it offers instructional programs.

The resort features diverse terrain with a mix of slopes and trails. Grooming efforts maintain well-maintained slopes for optimal skiing and snowboarding.

Wisp Resort offers a mountain coaster. It hosts a variety of year-round activities, including golf, zip-lining, mountain biking, and scenic chairlift rides.

The resort hosts events and activities throughout the year, including music festivals, races, and seasonal celebrations.

8. Canaan Valley Resort - Davis, West Virginia

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Canaan Valley Resort is situated in Davis, West Virginia, within the Allegheny Mountains. It is located within Canaan Valley State Park, providing a picturesque setting with stunning mountain views.

It offers a range of winter sports activities and has diverse terrain with a vertical drop. 

The resort has cross-country skiing trails for those who prefer Nordic skiing. The slopes are serviced by chairlifts.

It offers numerous activities during the other seasons, including golf, hiking, mountain biking, and scenic chairlift rides.

9. Seven Springs Mountain Resort - Champion, Pennsylvania

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Seven Springs is a well-known ski and four-season resort located in Champion, Pennsylvania.

The mountain features a vertical drop. The trails are serviced by chairlifts and surface lifts. It utilizes advanced snowmaking technology to ensure consistent snow coverage.

Seven Springs provides ski and snowboard lessons for individuals. The resort boasts terrain parks with various features and obstacles for snowboarders and freestyle skiers.

Golf, zip-lining, mountain biking, hiking, alpine slide, and other activities are available in the summer season.

The resort hosts events and activities throughout the year, including festivals, live music, and seasonal celebrations.

10. Snowshoe Mountain Resort - Snowshoe, West Virginia

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Snowshoe Mountain Resort is a popular destination for winter sports, located within the Monongahela National Forest.

Winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and cross-country skiing are featured at Snowshoe.

Private and group lessons are available for beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders. The resort has terrain parks with various features and obstacles.

A range of activities including mountain biking, hiking, golf, and zip-lining are hosted during the other seasons.

The resort's village area offers a range of lodging options, dining establishments, shops, and entertainment, creating a vibrant atmosphere for visitors.