Located in beautiful Shenandoah County about two hours west of Washington, DC, Bryce Resort opened in 1965 with a small ski building and an air strip. It has grown into more than 400 acres of four-season outdoor thrills— with skiing, snow-boarding, tubing, and ice skating the focus at this time of year. Come spring, mountain biking, golf, ziplining and water sports will keep the most ardent outdoor athletes busy.
Bryce enjoys a reputation as family- and community-centered. Adults who learned to ski there years ago now bring their own children, and the resort works with local school kids to offer student lessons and programs.
Bryce offers eight lift-accessed slopes as well as a learning area at the base with carpet lifts that take you to the top of the beginner terrain. As for trails, Bryce’s Andrew DeVier-Scott said, “We’ve got three beginner trails (or green runs) four intermediate (blues) one advanced (black) and a terrain park.” (The latter two are scheduled to open in early February, but check the website to make sure.)
“We’ve also added a new outdoor bar and grill called Carters this year,” DeVier-Scott continued. “It’s an open air bar with a Bavarian/German theme. You can ski right up to it, get a beer, brautwurst, or soup and just eat and go.” Their established restaurant, the Copper Kettle, is open with tables more spread out and limited capacity. Reservations are highly preferred.
Like every business, Bryce is trying to maintain as normal an operation as possible in light of COVID.
“We had to make some changes to accommodate Virginia and CDC guidelines,” DeVier-Scott said. “We reached out to other resorts and to the National Ski Areas Association and came up with a game plan.”
Specifics may be found here but one very important point is that all reservations must be made online; no walkups. Masks or face coverings are required at all times indoors –waiting in line, dealing with staff, and on chairlifts, etc. You do not have to wear a mask while actually skiing, or eating at a table. Lift tickets, ski lessons, rentals and tubing tickets must be purchased in advance.
Despite everything, business at Bryce has been very good, with a sellout crowd over Martin Luther King weekend.
In anticipation of spring, Bryce already has 2021 Bike Park Season Passes up for sale. ($375 for ages 13 and up.). And the popular “Conquer the Mountain 8 Hour Adventure Race” is scheduled for May 22nd, followed on the 23rd by the ”Conquer the Mountain Sprint/Family Adventure Race.” Numerous other bike events are planned at their state-of-the-art Bike Park. (Keep an eye on our Events Calendar to check for upcoming races and rides.)
Bryce resort is member-owned and welcomes guests to enjoy everything the resort has to offer. There are different membership levels; you can purchase a basic package with access to the pool, Lake Laura and clubhouse and special discounts, or you can add on and purchase a golf package or ski package. There are many different options. You do not have to come with a member to partake in any of the activities. Bryce Resort does not own or operate a hotel. Nearby lodging options can be assessed here.
If you are using an online map service or GPS device to find Bryce Resort, the results can be confusing as the route described may take you through back roads and residential areas. Click here for the best directions to the resort.