Snowshoe with Kids: West Virginia

Snowshoe, West Virginia, is a ski village atop the Appalachian mountains. It’s been described as one of the best east coast skiing destinations based upon the amount of snowfall the area generates in the winter months as well as the number of trails and activities it provides winter sport enthusiasts. My family of five decided to vacation at Snowshoe Mountain in February 2020 to see for ourselves, and we weren’t disappointed. 

We were amazed at the amount of snow on the ground as we drove up the winding roads to the top of the village at 4,848 feet above sea level. There are hundreds of lodging options including condos, townhouses, and resorts where you can ski in, ski out right onto the slopes. Even better, the lodging reservations typically include your equipment rentals on a daily rate. We found this to be extremely helpful since carrying heavy ski or snowboard equipment can be stressful and difficult for young families. They even provide a large locker room on the ground floor to store your belongings each day making it even more convenient. With tons of parking available, it’s easy to simply park your car and leave it in the same spot the entire length of your stay because everything you need is within walking distance. 

Snow Shoeing at 4,000 feet

That’s right, everything you need is just a few steps away. There are restaurants, bars, shops, and activities close by. If not, there is a convenient shuttle bus that will take you where you need to go. If you’re not an avid skier or snowboarder, there are plenty of other fun snow activities to enjoy, such as snow tubing, ice skating, snowmobiling, hiking, spa, and indoor/outdoor heated swimming pools and hot tubs. We had no problem skiing for 5 hours, then soaking our muscles in the hot tub while the kids played in the outdoor heated pool and slid down the water slide before dinner. With various cuisines ranging from Mexican to Italian to American, the restaurants offered plenty of options for picky eaters. There is also a Starbucks and Sweet Shop if you want something special or grocery store if you’d rather stay in and dine at home. The entire village was clean and safe while the local villagers were friendly and welcoming. 

For those families looking to ski or snowboard, Snowshoe is a great mountain for all ski levels from beginner to advanced athletes. It offers three unique ski areas of more than 60 trails with 2, 3, or 4 person lifts. There are daily lessons available if needed, and it even has a few areas where the advanced skiers and snowboarders can show off their skills. Most of the trails are wide open so you can take in the gorgeous scenery surrounding you. We found most of the lift lines were easily accessible. And, grabbing a quick snack, drink or break at one of the convenient ski stops located by each lift was helpful.  

We found Snowshoe, WV, to be exactly what we needed within a 6 hour drive from our home. If you live on the east coast and want to try something new and different than the northeastern ski villages, give Snowshoe a try and let us know what you think. Connect with us on Twitter @MapsCookingKids or on Instagram @MapsCookingKids. Until next time, Agape, be kind and happy parenting!