Updated on Winter Ski Vacations

❄️ Snowshoe Mountain Resort: Your WV Family Ski Adventure

Snow-covered ski run with a snowmaking machine blowing mist near a small group of pine trees, fenced lift buildings and equipment to the right, and heavy dark clouds over distant wooded hills.

https://www.snowshoemtn.co

❄️ Snowshoe Mountain Resort: Your Family Ski Adventure

Every year, our family plans a ski trip with one goal in mind: fun for everyone. This time, we headed to Snowshoe Mountain Resort in West Virginia, just 5.5–6 hours from Cleveland. The drive was scenic, setting the stage for a memorable winter adventure.

Four children in helmets and ski gear—a small girl in pink and three boys in red and blue jackets—stand on a snowy ski slope with skis and poles, a chairlift to the right and bare trees under a clear blue sky.
Five skiers, including four children and one taller adult, stand on a snowy slope in helmets and colorful ski gear near a chairlift, with forested hills and an overcast sky behind them.
Woman in a bright pink ski jacket and white helmet crouches beside a young child in a red helmet and pink jacket, both on skis near a chairlift terminal with other skiers and snowy lodge buildings in the background.

🏡 Where to Stay

Snowshoe Mountain Resort offers plenty of family-friendly lodging options, including:

  • Ski-in/ski-out homes
  • Village condos
  • Mountainside homes with shuttle service

Our favorite spot was Black Bear Crossing Townhouses, which comfortably fit 4–8 people with full kitchens and hot tubs. The townhouses are ski-in/ski-out and just a quick drive to the mountain village, ski school, daycare, and Snow Basin area—perfect for families.

🎿 Skiing at Snowshoe

Snowshoe Mountain sits at 4,848 feet, with 257 acres of skiable terrain, 1,500 vertical feet, and 60 trails. Trails are spread across three areas:

  • Snow Basin
  • Silver Creek
  • Western Territory (long, challenging runs)

Trail difficulty is varied, so skiers of all levels can find their match. Snowshoe averages 150 inches of snowfall per year, and excellent snowmaking ensures great conditions even in less-than-perfect winters.

Our family loved exploring terrain parks, tree runs, and long cruisers, with plenty of options for intermediate and advanced skiers while beginners had gentle slopes near the base areas.

Woman in a white ski helmet and reflective goggles wearing a red jacket stands between two children in helmets and winter jackets on a snowy slope with their skis, chairlift cables and forested hills visible under a partly cloudy sky.
Three skiers — a child in blue, an adult in a dark jacket, and an adult in a bright pink jacket — stand on a groomed snowy ski trail beside a yellow caution sign reading “Shay’s Revenge,” with bare trees and distant hills under a cloudy sky.
Three adult men and three boys in winter clothing and ski boots stand smiling with arms around each other on a wooden deck by a frozen lake, with a forested hillside and blue sky with clouds behind them.

🧒 Lessons & Childcare

Snowshoe makes it easy for kids to learn and grow on the slopes. Lessons are available for children ages 4 and up, with small groups and friendly instructors teaching beginners through advanced skiers and snowboarders.

For little ones not ready for the slopes, Snowshoe offers a pre-ski center for ages 2–4, with attentive staff keeping them entertained and safe while parents enjoy runs on the mountain.

Pro Tips: Snowshoe Mountain is part of the Ikon Pass, which can help you save on lift tickets and lessons when booked in advance. For a quieter experience, plan your visit on weekdays to skip the crowds.

🍹 Après-Ski Fun

After skiing, Snowshoe offers plenty of family-friendly activities, including:

  • Swimming at Split Rock Pool
  • Snow tubing and night skiing at Silver Creek
  • Relaxing at a full-service spa
  • Horseback riding and sleigh rides
  • Fun evenings at Bear’s Den
  • Delicious dining throughout the village

Evenings were a mix of relaxation, family games, and exploring the village, making each day feel complete.

💛 Why Families Will Love Snowshoe

Snowshoe Mountain Resort is ideal for families seeking:

  • Varied trails for all skill levels
  • Ski lessons and childcare for younger children
  • Fun après-ski activities for all ages
  • A welcoming and scenic mountain atmosphere

Whether you’re a seasoned skier or just want to enjoy West Virginia’s winter beauty, Snowshoe delivers adventure, relaxation, and family memories that will last a lifetime.

Here are some other favorite ski resorts in the Midwest and East:

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