Perched high in the Allegheny Mountains, Snowshoe is the South’s ultimate winter surprise. This West Virginia gem sits atop a high plateau—so when the clouds roll in, the snow stacks deep. With 60 trails, three distinct areas, and a pedestrian village that feels straight out of the Rockies, Snowshoe delivers a full-scale ski experience with Appalachian soul. It’s proof that great skiing doesn’t stop at the Mason-Dixon line.

Quick Stats

• Location: Snowshoe, West Virginia (Pocahontas County)
• Elevation: 4,848 ft summit / 3,348 ft base
• Vertical Drop: 1,500 ft
• Skiable Terrain: 257 acres
• Annual Snowfall: ~180 inches (plus 100% snowmaking)
• Number of Runs: 61
• Lifts: 12 (including 4 high-speed quads)
• Vibe Check: Laid-back, lively, and full of Southern charm

The Vibe

Snowshoe feels like a mountain town dropped right onto the clouds. The summit-top village creates an immersive experience—step out of your condo, and you’re already on the slopes. The crowd is a mix of Virginia families, Carolina college crews, and Southern powder seekers who know the drive is worth it. The terrain is diverse: gentle greens on the Basin side, expert steeps at Western Territory, and glades and rails at Silver Creek. Après brings live music, BBQ, and craft beer under the stars.

Must-Ride Runs

🟢 Greens

• Flume Trail – mellow cruiser for beginners with wide-open space.
• Skidder – easy access from the village, ideal for families and first-timers.

🟦 Blues

• Gandy Dancer – long, rolling blue that defines Snowshoe’s flow.
• Heisler Way – fun, meandering run through the forest with great views.
• Knot Bumper – well-groomed, confidence-building trail for intermediates.

♦︎ Blacks

• Cupp Run – the crown jewel designed by Olympic legend Jean-Claude Killy; steep, scenic, and unforgettable.
• Shay’s Revenge – one of the toughest runs in the South—steep pitch and big bragging rights.
• Flying Eagle – short, sharp black perfect for hot laps.

Après + Town Stays

Snowshoe’s summit village delivers one of the best après scenes east of the Mississippi—live music, hearty eats, and that welcoming Southern spirit.

• The Junction Ale House – Snowshoe’s central après spot for craft beer and pub food.
• Old Spruce Café & Tavern – relaxed local favorite for comfort food and conversation.
• Foxfire Grille – hearty American classics and mountain-town atmosphere.
• Appalachia Kitchen – upscale dining with regional ingredients and a cozy lodge feel.
• Tuque’s Bar & Grill – great cocktails, comfort food, and a slope-side location.
• The Corduroy Inn & Lodge – stylish modern hotel with easy access to the slopes.
• Rimfire Lodge – slopeside condos in the heart of the village with hot tubs and views.

Travel Tips

The best way to reach Snowshoe is by car—fly into Greenbrier Valley Airport (LWB), Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional (ROA), or Charleston Yeager (CRW), all within 2–3 hours. The resort sits on a mountaintop plateau, so the drive up can be winding; bring winter tires or chains when snow is forecasted. Once there, park the car and forget it—the entire village is ski-in, ski-out. The mountain’s snowmaking ensures great conditions from Thanksgiving through late March.

Fun Facts

• Snowshoe was founded in 1974 and modeled after European mountaintop villages.
• The resort’s Western Territory has some of the steepest sustained runs south of New England.
• Snowshoe hosts the annual Ballhooter Spring Break Festival—live music, pond skims, and big vibes.
• Named after the Snowshoe hare, native to the region.
• The resort is fully powered by renewable wind energy.

Why It Made Our Top 50 List

Snowshoe made the list because it redefines Southern skiing—real terrain, real snow, and unreal atmosphere. It’s the only place in the region where you can ski, après, and sleep at 4,800 feet. Whether you’re chasing powder or sunshine, Snowshoe proves that the South knows how to send it.