Massanutten may be one of the few resorts in the country where it pays to get into great physical shape before you stay there. Swimming and diving in the massive indoor/outdoor waterpark, mountain biking on nearby trails or the new bike park, ziplining with your kids, and playing golf are the main–but by no means all–the activities the resort offers. Having this much fun can literally wear you out.
On the other hand, if all you want to do is hit the spa and relax with a massage, you can do that, too.
Located about 10 miles east of Harrisonburg, (Exit 247 A off I-81) the 6,000-acre resort may be most well-known for its ski slopes and fantastic waterpark. Named one of the Top 10 Best Indoor Waterparks in America by Budget Travel, the Massanutten WaterPark is open year-round and the water temperature stays at 84 degrees Fahrenheit. It is not a “pool.” It is a sophisticated network of tubes and body slides, pipelines, hot tubs, the Adventure River, kiddie area, and even indoor surfing. The Park also features several restaurants, a huge arcade area, and a surf shop. If you prefer to swim outside, the Outdoor WaterPark opens May 27th this year. (To get a video peak, click here.)
May is National Bike Month, and mountain biking at Massanutten is one of the reasons the whole Harrisonburg area is so popular with cyclists. The resort’s lift-served Mountain Bike Park opened just last summer. Downhill trails begin near the top of Massanutten Peak (2,922 feet) and are divided into five skill levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Advanced plus jumping skills, and Expert. There is a fully stocked bike shop on the premises, and if downhill isn’t for you, try about 30 miles of wooded trails on the western slope of the mountain—best suited for intermediate to advanced riders. Bike rentals, shuttles and lessons are all available, too.
A few of the other thrill-inducing options at the resort include:
- The Mega-Zip, offering 800 feet of heart-pumping plunge at up to 30 miles per hour.
- The Canopy Tour, a 90-minute journey through the forest where you will take on the Burma bridge, hanging vines, and four zip lines ranging from 90 to 470 feet long.
- The Kids’ Adventure Course, geared for ages 12 and under, Burma bridge, log crossing, swinging vine bridge, net traverse, and a 100-foot zipline.
- A Climbing Wall, featuring 16 to 30-foot climbs and the Quick Jump, which allows you to experience a 30’ free fall sensation.
- The Adventure Park, home to the Kids’ Playland, complete with inflatable bounce houses and gem mining!
If that’s not enough, know that Massanutten puts a great emphasis on performance, dining and entertainment as well, with many events coming up this spring and summer.
Sarah Elson, Director of Business Relations for the resort, told us, “Memorial Day weekend will kick off a lot of new, exciting amenities and activities here at the resort—especially with the 17th Annual ValleyFest Beer & Wine Festival going on. On May 27th from 11am-7pm, guests will be able to spend the day sampling regional wines, craft & microbrews, enjoying delicious food and listening to live music from The Prince Experience, Judy chops, Mike Davis Band and more. Also that weekend, we will be opening a new Prohibition-themed Escape Room in the Woodstone Recreation building, perfect for groups looking for a unique and challenging adventure!
Elson added, “We can’t wait to show off our new music pavilion at our Live on the Deck events every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 7-10pm at Base Camp Bar & Grill. Also, stay tuned to see the newest themed restaurant opening at Massanutten this Summer—Campfire Grill—which will serve up campfire favorites like camp stove chili, campfire pouches, chicken dumpling, skillets and s’mores! With so many great experiences for all families, Massanutten is the place to Play, Dance & Dine the Summer Away!”
Find out all you need to know about Massanutten Resort here.