From world-class skiing and mountain biking to whitewater rafting and stargazing, here's the definitive guide to activities near Snowshoe Mountain Resort in West Virginia.
Why Snowshoe Mountain is the Best Mountain Destination in the Mid-Atlantic
Snowshoe Mountain Resort sits at 4,848 feet in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia — the highest point in the state accessible by car. At 11,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness, it's the largest four-season mountain resort in the Southeast, and it's remarkably uncrowded compared to comparable resorts in Vermont or Colorado.
The best part? Staying 15 minutes away at a private cabin like Birch Valley Retreat or Luxe Valley Lodge means you get all the resort access without the resort prices — and you come home to a hot tub, private acres, and mountain silence instead of a hotel corridor.
Here are the 15 best activities near Snowshoe Mountain, organized by season.
Winter Activities (December–March)
1. Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding at Snowshoe Mountain
Snowshoe's 60 trails span 244 acres across two mountains — Snowshoe and Silver Creek. The resort averages 180+ inches of natural snowfall annually, supplemented by an extensive snowmaking system. Highlights include Cupp Run (the longest run in the Mid-Atlantic at 1.5 miles), Western Territory for advanced riders, and the Silver Creek area for beginners and families.
Pro tip: Book lift tickets online in advance for 20-30% savings vs. window pricing.
2. Snowshoe Tubing Park
The Snowshoe Tubing Park features 10 lanes of high-speed tubing on a dedicated hill. No experience required — just hold on and scream. Perfect for families with kids or groups who want the snow experience without the learning curve of skiing.
3. Cross-Country Skiing at Elk River Touring Center
Located right in Slatyfork (5 minutes from Birch Valley Retreat), the Elk River Touring Center offers groomed cross-country ski trails, backcountry touring, and equipment rentals. The on-site inn serves farm-to-table meals — a perfect après-ski lunch stop.
4. Ice Skating at Snowshoe Village
The Village at Snowshoe features an outdoor ice skating rink during winter months. Skate rentals available on-site. The Village also has excellent dining, shopping, and live music — plan to spend a few hours here on any ski trip.
5. Snowshoeing in Cranberry Wilderness
The 47,000-acre Cranberry Wilderness in the Monongahela National Forest offers spectacular winter snowshoeing through old-growth spruce forests. Trails are ungroomed in winter, making it a true backcountry experience. Bring a map, warm layers, and tell someone your plan.
Summer Activities (June–September)
6. Mountain Biking at Snowshoe Mountain
Snowshoe transforms into a world-class mountain biking destination in summer, with 40+ trails ranging from beginner-friendly flow trails to expert enduro descents. The resort hosts multiple UCI World Cup events, attracting the world's best riders. Bike rentals and lessons available on-site.
7. Hiking in Cranberry Wilderness
With 70+ miles of maintained trails through old-growth forests, mountain bogs, and pristine streams, Cranberry Wilderness is one of the best hiking destinations in the eastern US. The 14-mile Cranberry Ridge Trail offers panoramic views of the Allegheny Mountains.
8. Whitewater Rafting on the Gauley River
The Gauley River — 45 minutes from Snowshoe — is considered one of the top 10 whitewater rivers in the world. Class IV-V rapids during Gauley Season (September–October) attract paddlers from across the country. Multiple outfitters offer guided half-day and full-day trips.
9. Fly Fishing on the Elk River
The Elk River running through Slatyfork is a designated Trophy Trout Stream, stocked with brown and rainbow trout. The stretch near Birch Valley Retreat offers excellent wade fishing in a pristine mountain setting. No crowds, no guides required — just a license and a fly rod.
10. Zip Lining & Aerial Adventures
Snowshoe Mountain's summer adventure park includes zip lines, a climbing wall, and aerial obstacle courses. The zip line tour offers a bird's-eye view of the Allegheny Mountains — a highlight for families and thrill-seekers alike.
Fall Activities (September–November)
11. Fall Foliage Drives
West Virginia's Allegheny Mountains produce some of the most spectacular fall foliage in the eastern United States, typically peaking in mid-October. The Highland Scenic Highway (Route 150) near Marlinton offers 43 miles of uninterrupted mountain views at peak elevation — one of the most scenic drives in the Mid-Atlantic.
12. Gauley Season Rafting
September and October bring the famous Gauley Season, when the Army Corps of Engineers releases water from Summersville Dam, creating legendary Class V whitewater. This is bucket-list rafting — book months in advance.
13. Stargazing at Cranberry Glades
Pocahontas County, WV has some of the darkest skies on the East Coast, with minimal light pollution. The Cranberry Glades Botanical Area — a rare boreal bog ecosystem in the heart of the Monongahela National Forest — offers exceptional stargazing. Bring a blanket, lie back, and watch the Milky Way emerge.
Year-Round Activities
14. Golf at Raven Golf Club
The Raven Golf Club at Snowshoe Mountain is an 18-hole championship course designed by Gary Player, set at 4,848 feet elevation with dramatic mountain views. Open May through October, it's consistently rated among the top mountain golf courses in the Southeast.
15. Dining in the Village at Snowshoe
The Village at Snowshoe has evolved into a genuine culinary destination, with options ranging from casual après-ski fare to upscale mountain dining. Highlights include the Foxfire Grille for steaks and mountain views, and the Boathouse for lakeside dining in summer.
Where to Stay for the Best Snowshoe Mountain Experience
Staying at a private cabin near Snowshoe Mountain — rather than in the resort itself — offers significant advantages: more space, a full kitchen, a private hot tub, and a fraction of the cost per person.
Birch Valley Retreat (3 BR, sleeps 10) and Luxe Valley Lodge (4 BR, sleeps 13) are both 15 minutes from Snowshoe Mountain Resort, on private acreage with hot tubs, mountain views, and full amenities. Book directly and save 15-20% vs. Airbnb.