9 Epic Mountains for Skiing and Snowboarding Near DC

The DC area may not hold a candle to top mountain destinations like Vail, Aspen, or Stowe. But if you’re looking for a winter activity that helps you avoid cabin fever, there are plenty of mountains within driving distance of DC to give skiing or snowboarding a whirl. These mountain towns are equipped with everything you need for a perfect day in the powder, from rentals and lessons to cozy accommodations and top-notch apres ski vibes. So whether you prefer the bunny hill or a double-black diamond, here are eight resorts near DC where it’s easy to hit the slopes for a day or weekend adventure.

Mercersburg, Pennsylvania
Whitetail Mountain Resort is a four-season resort that straddles Two Top Mountains in southern Pennsylvania. It’s one of the closest ski destinations to DC, and it’s a popular one with crowds of both beginner and experienced skiers. This resort is part of the Epic Day Pass which affords you access to many popular resorts around the country, including several posh resorts out west. With an almost equal number of black or double-black diamonds and green or blue slopes, this mountain was made to satisfy both novices and experts.
Distance from DC: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Find an Airbnb nearby: Search Mercersburg, Pennsylvania

Fairfield, Pennsylvania
Liberty Mountain Resort is another excellent ski destination with easy access to DC. The main benefit of this mountain is that it has a front and backside. Beginners prefer the frontside with bunny hills and a magic carpet lift. Meanwhile, expert skiers and snowboarders gravitate to the backside to ride on steeper slopes. Liberty is also managed by the same company that runs Whitetail, which means a season pass gives you greater access to both resorts. The mountain is also in close proximity to historic Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, which has plenty of breweries and outdoor dining, as well as weekend cabins and historic homes that are easily booked online.
Distance from DC: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Find an Airbnb nearby: Search Fairfield, Pennsylvania

Massanutten, Virginia
At 2,922 feet elevation, Massanutten Resort offers 70 skiable acres of terrain suitable for all levels, from the beginner to the advanced skier or snowboarder. And this is the place to go if you’re picking up skiing for the first time. The resort offers a terrain-based learning program taught by experienced instructors to master the slopes. Other winter activities at the resort include snow tubing at the Massanutten Family Adventure Park and ice skating on the outdoor rink.
Distance from DC: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Find an Airbnb nearby: Search Massanutten, Virginia

Davis, West Virginia
Canaan Valley Resort is a West Virginia state park that provides some of the best ski conditions in the area thanks to its higher-than-average elevation. The resort features a summit elevation of 4,280 feet accessed by four lifts with a lift capacity of 6,000 riders per hour. With more than 40 trails, it’s also one of the larger mountains for skiers in the Mid-Atlantic region, plus the resort has a new tubing park and group-friendly cabins that you can rent nightly for those more interested in the apres ski situation than actually hitting the slopes.
Distance from DC: 3 hours
Find an Airbnb nearby: Search Davis, West Virginia

Wintergreen, Virginia
Wintergreen is the only ski area on the East Coast where 100% of the terrain is covered by automated snowmaking, so as long as it’s cold outside you’re guaranteed to have a snowy, good time. This is also a value-driven resort, where lift tickets start at just $49 for a four-hour session of skiing and $89 for an eight-hour session. The ski-in, ski-out condos and main lodge come with sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. After a long day of fun on the mountain, head down to the valley where you’ll find Devil’s Backbone Basecamp Brewpub or Bold Rock Nellysford Cidery with plenty of outdoor space, and roaring fire pits that make for a perfect apres-ski experience.
Distance from DC: 3 hours
Find an Airbnb nearby: Search Wintergreen, Virginia

McHenry, Maryland
Wisp is Maryland’s only ski resort with 172 acres of fun—and with several ski-in, ski-out houses, plus a full-service hotel at the lift gates, it’s the perfect place for a weekend getaway. The trails here are technically challenging and longer than several other resorts close to DC. It’s also a mountain that caters to groups of all skiing and snowboarding abilities, including those who might prefer a dip in a hot tub overlooking the slopes with a frosty beer in hand above all else. Since this is much more of a four-season resort, vacation rentals on or off the slopes are plentiful and come with oversized amenities, like indoor pools and game rooms. Once you’re done at the slopes, there’s a huge cross-country skiing course at The Nordic Center and a thrill-seeking mountain coaster.
Distance from DC: 3 hours
Find an Airbnb nearby: Search McHenry, Maryland

Tannersville, Pennsylvania
Nestled in the scenic Pocono Mountains, Camelback Resort is an ideal winter destination for adventure-packed experiences. The 560-acre resort includes unsurpassed skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing, but if downhill speed isn’t your speed, you can opt instead for a ride down the lazy river at Camelback’s Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark or galactic snowtubing. New this year is Black Bear 6, a high-speed, six-person lift that maximizes getting you up the mountain as quickly as you can ski or snowboard down. Some of the best accommodations at this resort are at the Camelback Lodge, an eight-story hotel with 453 guest suites, plus ski-in/ski-out restaurants including a pub, Italian-themed chophouse, La Colombe coffee bar, and several food trucks serving tacos, hot dogs, and beer.
Distance from DC: 4 hours
Find an Airbnb nearby: Search Tannersville, Pennsylvania

Seven Springs, Pennsylvania
Sleigh rides, snowmobile tours, and snowshoeing are just three of the off-slope activities that Seven Springs Mountain Resort offers folks who visit this picturesque mountain town just off the Pennsylvania Turnpike in the Laurel Highlands. Those who prefer to stay closer to the lodge will also find skating, miniature golf, and snow tubing or can take a quick road trip to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater for an architectural diversion. This resort is extremely family-friendly and a great place to learn how to ski or snowboard. Seven Springs also makes it super easy to learn from experienced instructors and private or semi-private lessons for all ages and abilities.
Distance from DC: 4 hours
Find an Airbnb nearby: Search Seven Springs, Pennsylvania

Snowshoe, West Virginia
This mountain is a bit of a hike from DC in scenic West Virginia, but once you arrive, skiers and snowboarders are rewarded by some daring slopes, the most trails of any nearby resort, and a year-round village vibe that includes family-friendly restaurants and lodging, including several upscale accommodations. Snowshoe Mountain covers a total area of 11,000 acres in the Appalachians and includes the second-highest point in the state at 4,848 feet in elevation. Snowboarders can explore the terrain park, while pro skiers can ride hair-raising black diamonds like Cupp Run and Shay's Revenge, with a vertical drop of 1,500 feet.
Distance from DC: 4 hours and 30 minutes
Find an Airbnb nearby: Search Snowshoe, West Virginia

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