The slopes are open in the Shenandoah Valley!
The winter sports crowd — from acrobatic teenage snowboarders to daredevil skiers spraying powder in their wake— will find all the snow they need in the Shenandoah Valley. And there is no more popular place to seek your winter adrenaline rush than Massanutten Resort.
Massanutten Resort, located near Harrisonburg, VA, is a scenic two-hour drive from northern Virginia. It encompasses 6,000 acres, featuring over 2,400 condos in a variety of styles. It’s home to two recreation centers, an Indoor/Outdoor WaterPark, two golf courses, snow sports area, spa, horseback riding, fishing, three zip line experiences, an abundance of outdoor recreation options, and over 100 classes and activities.
The resort gets between 20 and 30 inches of snow each season, supplemented by manmade snow when necessary. Kenny Hess, director of sports and risk management at Massanutten, told WHSV-TV, the December 15th start to the season was one of the best the resort has ever had.
“This is definitely in the top three or four as far as the amount of snow we’ve been able to make prior to opening and the amount of terrain open on the first day,” Hess said. “We have all of our trail lifts open, we’re skiing from the top of the mountain off lift six and lift five, so that’s always a bonus, and we’re super stoked.” (Check out the resort’s snow conditions page.)
Hess added, “Massanutten’s Snow Sports Learning Center is gearing up to open for the season. Whether you’re new to the sport or looking for an advanced lesson, our group and private lessons are a great way to improve your technique. For general lesson information and booking information, call (540) 289-4954.”
At Massanutten, you can ski, board, tube, and slide; you can also skate on the 4,250-square foot ice rink. In between downhills, you can eat and drink in the Ski Lodge, the Grab-N-Go Café, or the Encounters Lounge.
We asked Massanutten’s Sarah Elson, “What else is new or special at the resort this year?” and she sent us quite a list in response: (Click here for more details.)
–Construction of a new, two-mile-long water pipeline began in January 2017 and will expand our snowmaking water storage by nearly 50%.
–Our trails are 100% lighted for night skiing/riding.
–College Days – Students of colleges, universities and community colleges qualify for discounted slope/lift tickets on Wednesdays and Fridays with a valid college ID. $40 for 8-Hour Slope Use Ticket and $20 for 8-Hour Equipment Rentals January 3 – March 2, 2018
—Monday Night Madness –Every Monday night (January 1 – February 26) from 4-9 pm, ski or ride at Massanutten and a portion of that evening’s revenue will be donated to a local charity. $20 Night Slope-Use Ticket, $20 Night Equipment Rentals, and Free beginner group lesson at 5 or 6 pm (Must be 7 years old to participate in group lesson).
–School’s Out Special – Students, their parents, school faculty, and staff who are out of school due to inclement weather can spend 8 hours skiing or snowboarding at Massanutten at reduced rates. $40 for 8-Hour Slope-Use Ticket and $20 for 8-Hour Equipment Rentals
–Scout Day on the Slopes (March 4) – Bring your Scout Troop and their family members to Massanutten for a fun-filled day on the slopes on Sunday, March 4, 2018. Valid for an 8-Hour Session. Scout Days Package is only $60 and includes: 8-Hr Slope-Use Ticket, 8-Hr Equipment Rentals, 1-Hr beginner group lesson (Must be 7 years old to participate in group lesson), and Helmet (while supplies last).
–Heroes on the Hill Ski Day – On March 11, 2018, all active, non-active, veterans, and their dependents receive an 8-hour slope-use ticket (up to 4 passes total) for FREE. Must present valid Military ID for discount. Discount not applicable for snow tubing, rentals, or lessons. Not to be combined with any other offer.
–Mini Riders – Massanutten’s new youth program for children snowboarders ages 4-6. Mini Riders will explore snowboarding movements on and off the snow to help develop the balance and coordination necessary for independent riding. Each group limited to 3 students. Includes 4-Hour Slope-Use Ticket, Equipment Rentals & Helmet, and Supervised Instruction (9-11am). For Mon-Fri, the cost is $85. For Sat/Sun/Holiday, cost is $105.
A number of money-saving package deals are available at Massanutten. Study the options here.
Note: The snow sports season and winter tubing at Massanutten are both weather dependent. Everything is always subject to change! Updates will be posted on the website and social media pages.