One of the benefits of living in the Mountain State is experiencing all four seasons, and First Ascent knows it is one of the top reasons remote and hybrid workers love to live, work, and play here. After the mountains drop their colorful fall attire, winter brings the chance to experience West Virginia in a whole new way. Whether your compass points towards cozy fireside cabin stays or dazzling snowbound adventures, our state has opportunities for everyone to get out and enjoy outstanding winter recreation.
WEST VIRGINIA'S WINTER WONDERLAND
Explore the mountain state’s great outdoors in glittering white. With 35 state parks, frozen hikes, snowy vistas, and unparalleled natural beauty, winter in West Virginia offers a variety of adventures to enjoy.
Blackwater Falls State Park
Level up your sledding game this season. Located in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia, BlackwaterFalls State Park is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, and the Blackwater Falls Sled Run is a standout winter attraction. This quarter-mile track is the longest on the East Coast and offers convenient transportation to the top. Blackwater Falls State Park is a must-visit for those seeking the ultimate sledding experience.
Canaan Valley Resort State Park
Canaan ValleyResort State Park has outdoor activities spanning all seasons, but winter in the valley holds something special. Visit the covered ice rink, hike in snowshoes, or hit the slopes. Whether you prefer tackling challenging passes or snow tubing, this winter destination offers gear rentals and lessons to help make the most of the snowy scape.
Snowshoe Winter Off-Road Tours
Blaze through the backcountry terrain at Snowshoe. Situated atop the second-highest peak in the state, the summit offers breathtaking views in a fresh coat of snow. Grab your friends and hop into a heated off-road side-by-side vehicle for an epic day of exploration. Guided tours are readily available at the resort throughout the winter season.
UNIQUE FESTIVAL FUN
Beyond the blanketed landscape, West Virginia has many social opportunities to connect with friends and create fun memories through novel experiences like our unique winter celebrations. From pepperoni roll judging to frying pan tosses, you can discover your new winter traditions here in the mountain state! Embrace the season and make unforgettable memories by exploring festivals found only in West Virginia.
Pizza & Pepperoni Roll Palooza
Prefer to bond over good food? Check out Clarksburg’s Pizza & Pepperoni Roll Palooza on February 2. From taste tests and crafts activities to homegrown live music, this tasty event offers something for everyone.
Winterfest
Looking for a full day of activities? Upcoming Winterfest at Coopers Rock is the place to be February 20! The day’s itinerary is packed with exciting options. Practice your aim at the snowball target range, speed through the park at the sled runs, play a game of disc golf, take a winter tree identification hike under a canopy of snow, or beat the 70’ record at the women’s frying pan toss. The park will have skis for attendees to try out cross-country skiing or sign up to compete in the “downhill dash” cross-country ski race.
Maple Days
Travel to the peaks of Pendleton County for Mountain State Maple Days, February 17 and March 16. Sugar house tours and maple syrup tasting, along with plenty of maple syrup products to choose from, make this a sweet weekend escape.
INDOOR ACTIVITIES
If you’re looking to build connections with others, winter is also a wonderful time to experience something new with these indoor activities!
Art in the New River Gorge
Discover the NewRiver Gorge’s vibrant art scene, where local shops not only showcase incredible exhibits but also offer classes all winter long! Explore workshops at the Love Hope Center for the Arts, the nearby Tamarack gallery, and the Beckley Art Center. Sign up or plan an afternoon date to craft your own one-of-a-kind pieces to display!
Music Vibes Only
From country and folk to rock and roll, you are sure to find beats that resonate in West Virginia. Check out eclectic venues all over the state: local favorites include the Purple Fiddle in Thomas, 123 in Morgantown, The Barn in Harpers Ferry, The Loud in Huntington, or the Wild Bean in Greenbrier Valley, and more! Enjoy the music scene at any of our six featured communities!
Winter Sports
Support Marshall and West Virginia University (WVU) by cheering on the Thundering Herd or Mountaineers as the respective teams take on their opponents this season! This winter, head to Cam Henderson Center or the Coliseum to see the state’s women’s and men’s basketball teams. Visit HerdZone or WVU Sports for game schedules and other information on supporting Marshall and WVU this winter.
WINTER FUN FOR EVERYONE
Work-life balance is easy to maintain in WV no matter the season thanks to our state’s natural beauty and our vibrant communities. Whether you go with one of our suggestions or venture out on your own, now is the time to gear up, get outdoors, and discover everything the Mountain State has to offer while the mountains are dressed in their winter best.