MAIN Sports Skiing Virginia Ski Resorts & Snow Reports

Perhaps better known for summer attractions in Virginia Beach and Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia can be a winter wonderland during ski season and offers a total of four resorts in the state's spectacularly scenic Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains.

Downhill skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing and cross-country trails are all a part of an unforgettable Virginia winter, starting with the luxurious Wintergreen Resort just southwest of Charlottesville.

Along with slopes from beginner to expert, there is snowboarding terrain and lots of family fun found at The Plunge - a huge 10-lane snow tubing run. Those planning an extended stay at the Wintergreen can expect to find over 300 different types of accommodation, from one bedroom suites for couples to seven room lodges for groups and families.

For more great views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Massanutten Resort features a 1,100 foot vertical drop and seven ski trails along with snowboarding action at the terrain park.

In the Allegheny Mountains, the Homestead Resort is one of the oldest in Virginia, beginning as a summer spa two centuries ago when a nearby spring became renowned for is healing powers. Today, it is also famous for being the first resort in Virginia to open its doors to downhill skiers, in 1959. Although limited in size (with a total of 10 slopes on 45 acres) the Homestead offers a variety of activities for winter sports enthusiasts including skiing, snow tubing chutes, and an Olympic size ice skating rink.

Between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, Bryce Mountain resort - located in the heart of beautiful Shenandoah Valley - is another family-friendly ski resort that offers 8 ski trails on 25 skiable acres reachable by car from Washington DC in just under two hours. .

More about Virginia ski resorts around the Web:

Virginia Ski Resorts - On the Snow.com - Great overviews with insider information on the top resorts including current weather, snow reports and surface conditions, star-rated visitor reviews and photos.

Virginia Ski Resorts - About.com guide to all four major resorts with brief overviews, mountina stats and trails, related resources.

also see related features -> Expert Skiing Tips

Fitness & Training for Skiers | How to Choose the Right Skis

How to Ski | How to Buy the Right Ski Boots