11 best places to ski and snowboard with kids near Washington, DC

There are several mountains you can get to locally in an hour and a few that you can plan a fun overnight trip to. This post is intended to inform you about skiing and snowboarding options with your Bambinos but you can assume most of these mountains are open in the summer; think hiking, zip lining, fishing, swimming and more!

(Photo: Massanutten Resort)

This winter ski and snowboard post is sponsored by Massanutten Resort. Located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley; Massanutten is 121 miles from Washington, DC, less than a 2.5 hour drive, and has an elevation of 2,922 feet. With height like that, Massanutten possesses the highest vertical in Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania and offers plenty of powder for winter enthusiasts. Massanutten is home to wide groomed trails, a dedicated learner’s area, terrain parks and night skiing. Skiers and riders who visit Massanutten have access to 70 skiable acres, including 14 runs serviced by 7 lifts.

Massanutten Resort

1822 Resort Dr, McGaheysville, VA 22840

Massanutten is known for the inclusivity of families learning to ski and ride together. Massanutten’s Snow Sports Learning Center offers daily lesson programs for skiers and snowboarders that range from first timers to advanced lessons that will improve technique. Options begin for children ages 4 and up. The goal is to help young sliders learn to enjoy the sport. Mini Riders is a youth program intended for ages 4-6 in which they explore movements on and off the snow to help develop the balance and coordination necessary for independent sliding. The Pathway Program is designed with a beginner skier or snowboarder in mind, starting at age 7. Participants in the Pathway program will progress through two one-hour group lessons on our easiest terrain. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, visitors can test their skills on the ice at the outdoor rink, dart down the 16 lane snow tube hill that has a drop of 120 vertical feet. Too busy during the day skiing? That’s okay, you can experience the Northern Lights Tubing! Dart down the snow tubing hill with the glow of neon lights and music. Speaking of music, adults can enjoy live music at the Lodge Parties every Friday and Saturday night or après ski at Base Camp Umbrella Bar. If you’re looking to escape the cold Winter days at the ‘Nutt’, as locals call it, you can visit the Spa, Massanutten’s Indoor WaterPark which is open all year-round or one of the on-mountain restaurants.

Wintergreen Resort

39 Mountain Inn Loop, Roseland, VA, 22967

Ridgely’s Rippers: Ages 4-12, skiing only
Ridgely’s Riders: Ages 8+, snowboarding only
Mountain Explorers: Ages 7-12
Mountain Mornings: Ages 3-6, Skiing Only
Childcare Programs: 3+

Bryce Resort

1982 Fairway Dr, Mt Jackson, VA 22842

First-Time Packages, Kinder School, and Private Lessons
Skiers ages 4.5 to 7 and snowboarders ages 6 to 7
Private lessons for skiers and snowboarders of every ability ages 3 and older

Whitetail Resort

13805 Blairs Valley Rd, Mercersburg, PA 17236

Whitetail Resort offers a center-based facility for children ages 6 months to 12 years
Various lessons for ages 4-12, including private lessons.
Offer lessons that last an hour for one to two people

Blue Knob All Seasons Resort

1424 Overland Pass, Claysburg, PA 16625

Ski school offered to children age groups 4-7 and 8-11 on weekends and holidays
Ski school offered to children age group 6-11 on weekdays

Liberty Mountain Resort

78 Country Club Trail, Fairfield, PA 17320

Ski camp is available for ages 4-10; half or full-day
Snowboard camp is available for ages 6-10; full-day only
Full service day care for non-skiing children age 6 months to 10 years
Private and group lessons available
Snow tubing in addition to skiing and snowboarding

Elk Mountain

344 Elk Mountain Rd, Union Dale, PA 18470

Kids private lessons: Ages 3+
Kids group lessons: Ages 8+
Half-day & full-day options for kids ages 6+
Offers childcare services weekends and holidays for kids that are at least two years old and toilet trained

Seven Springs Mountain Resort

777 Water Wheel Dr, Champion, PA 15622

Beginner to advance ski/snowboard lessons starting at age 4
Half-day & full-day options with private or group lessons available
Kids corner is available for walkers-age 5 for those who want to hit the slopes and leave the kids occupied indoors
Snow tubing, bowling, an indoor and outdoor pool, arcade, roller skating and more

Hidden Valley Resorts

1 Craighead Rd, Hidden Valley, PA 15502

Beginner to advance ski/snowboard lessons for ages 3-12
Half-day & full-day options with private or group lessons available

Wisp Resort

296 Marsh Hill Rd, McHenry, MD 21541

Beginner to advance ski/snowboard lessons
Ages 3-14, half-day & full-day options with private or group lessons available
Snow tubing, canopy tours, archery, gem mining and more

Timberline Four Seasons Resort

254 Four Seasons Dr, Davis, WV 26260

Nordic skiing, snowboarding and skiing
Ski school offered Friday-Monday and a holiday week
Timber’s Adventure: Ages 4-7
Mountain Safari: Ages 8-12

Tip:
4th & 5th graders from any state can Ski or Ride FREE in Pennsylvania! The Pennsylvania SnowPass is provided through the Pennsylvania Ski Areas Association, and is available to 4th and 5th graders from ANY state. The SnowPass allows cardholder three FREE visits to all resorts in the state of PA. The SnowPass must be purchased through the above link.

Allison

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View Comments

Ryan says:

April 22, 2022 at 10:48 am

Thanks for not mentioning the “actually good resorts” lol. All those big name resorts are crowded and over hyped.