The Mid-Atlantic is not the Rockies, so if you’re
yearning for long, challenging ski runs, head west.
Still, there are ample opportunities to get a winter
ski fix within driving distance of Washington, D.C.
These small-to-medium size ski areas offer
downhill thrills on varied terrain. And some have
other winter amusements, such as tubing parks and
skating rinks, along with on-mountain lodging.
Expect to pay a premium for lift tickets on
weekends and holidays. If you’re price conscious
and flexible on time, consider skiing on weekdays
when rates — and crowds — drop. Most resorts
SEVEN SPRINGS MOUNTAIN RESORT in the Pennsylvania borough
of the same name claims fame as the region’s largest four-season resort. It’s
been more than eight decades since its first ski hill debuted, making it among
the most enduring, too.
Seven Springs lies on 5,500 acres in Western Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands.
Ten lifts whisk skiers to 33 slopes and trails, plus seven terrain parks that cater
to boarders of varying skill levels. If that’s not enough territory, opt for a
multi-day Highlands ticket, which includes access to two neighboring ski areas,
Hidden Valley and Laurel Mountain.
A 414-room hotel is on the mountain, and the resort also rents out condos
and townhomes, some of them ski-in, ski-out. In addition, eight cabins and 15
chalets, a short walk or drive from the slopes, are available. The hotel sports a
heated indoor and outdoor pool, outdoor hot tubs, and a full-service spa and
fitness center.
7springs.com; 800-452-2223
offer night skiing, which can reduce the ticket
price by a third or more. Another way to save:
At resorts with on-mountain lodging, packages,
including learn-to-ski deals for beginners that
bundle instruction and equipment rental. Opening
and closing dates are weather dependent, but
most resorts are up and running by early to mid-
December and remain open through March.
WHITETAIL MOUNTAIN RESORT in Mercersburg,
PA, about 90 miles from Washington, sports nine lifts
and 23 trails.
It’s putting the finishing touches on a number of upgrades
for the 2018-19 ski season. Among them: enhanced
snowmaking equipment and a new plaza area with covered
pavilion and fireplace at the snow tubing hill. The base lodge
recently underwent a revamp and extension.
The Inns at Whitetail, within walking distance of the ski
area, has 17 “condo-tel” rooms and a shared great room with
fireplace. Eighteen townhouses and mountainside cottages
are also for rent. For chain lodgings, try Hagerstown, MD,
30 minutes away.
skiwhitetail.com; 717-328-9400
LIBERTY MOUNTAIN RESORT in Fairfield, PA, 78 miles from
Washington, has the distinction of being the closest ski area to the D.C.
metropolitan area.
They’ve added increased snowmaking capability this season. And with
five chairlifts and two terrain parks, there’s plenty of territory for a day of
exploration. The 15-lane Boulder Ridge snow tubing hill with a magic carpet
conveyor is also on the mountain. This season, a $26 ticket gets you unlimited
snow tubing from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on non-holiday Tuesdays through Thursdays.
The 116-room Liberty Mountain Hotel, with a full-service spa and restaurant, sits
at the base of the mountain. The Courtyard Pond ice rink near the base lodge
entices skaters to take a spin.
To add a historic element to the getaway, consider a stop at the Gettysburg
National Military Park, just 11 miles away.
libertymountainresort.com; 717-642-8282
WISP RESORT in McHenry, MD, 180 miles west of Washington, is
Maryland’s only ski resort. It’s in the far western reaches of the state and rises
above the shores of lovely Deep Creek Lake. (For unparalleled water views
from the slopes, head to the top of Main Street run.)
Besides skiing, there’s snowshoeing, tubing, cross-country skiing on the
golf course, and a year-round Mountain Coaster that starts at the top of the
mountain and provides a thrill ride down it.
The Lodge at Wisp, a 169-room hotel at the mountain’s base, recently
completed major renovations. A new Italian-themed restaurant opens this
season and the resort will introduce an après-ski event daily from 3 p.m. to
6 p.m. on the sundeck at Wispers Bar & Grill, featuring European fare, DJ’s
spinning tracks and giveaways.
wispresort.com; 800-462-9477
WINTER 2018/19 63 FLYWASHINGTON.COM