I love skiing so much that for about 20 minutes I was a ski instructor at Wintergreen (long story best told over coffee).
(Actually not that long, if you want to know:
I have wanted to be a ski instructor for decades, applied at Wintergreen, was accepted, started training, then realized that with a full-time job and kids virtual learning I had approximately ZERO minutes in my life to do something like be a ski instructor.)
But Wintergreen is a place that has a neighborhood vibe and feels like a community – a big, loving network of those committed to sharing the love of skiing and snowboarding.
Look, Wintergreen is not the place to go if you are into shredding slopes, hitting record vertical, and going hard for hours. But this is the place to go for families, especially those with kids who are still learning.
Wintergreen is a great place for kids to fall in love with and establish a life-long love affair with snowsports. In a very safe, friendly environment skiers of all ages can get comfortable on snow, lifts, and in the gear. Having Wintergreen up the road from Charlottesville is one of our favorite things about this area.
The slopes at Wintergreen are fun, and just enough for kids who want to explore and maybe push themselves a little in a safe environment. As a parent, I am always incredibly comfortable heading to Wintergreen with my kids and find that navigating the place is so easy it keeps the day fairly stress-free.
Wintergreen offers lessons in both skiing and snowboarding, but register in advance. This is a great option for kids who still need to learn the fundamentals. (And who knows, maybe someday yours truly will actually fulfill that decades long dream and be your kids’ ski instructor!)
Of course, given that it’s a smaller slope/ski resort, it can get crowded on a winter weekend. We love the opportunity as locals to take a vacation day from work and school and head there on a sunny weekday.
With Wintergreen, it’s also a benefit of being a local to make last minute decisions and hit the road when they have snow and/or it’s cold enough where snow making sticks. As we all know, Virginia weather is all over the place: freezing one week, 60-degrees the next. As a local family, we can jump and go when the conditions are best. We don’t ever wait for perfect, but we do appreciate being able to be a little picky.
The ski season is longer than you may think, too! Wintergreen skiing and snow-making can last through March. While the snow might get a little slushy as the sun heats it up, it’s also really cool to ski in short-sleeves.
Please know that there are affiliate links included in this post. This means that, at no cost to you, if you click, Raising Charlottesville gets a small compensation. It helps keep us going. For more, read our disclaimers. Thanks for supporting us!
Part of the fun of a day on the slopes is the hot chocolate and concessions afterwards. Luckily, Wintergreen offers a few places to indulge, and my kids look forward to that more than just about anything else. If it is busy, though, don’t sweat. Devil’s Backbone is a great post-Wintergreen stop and Blue Mountain Brewery isn’t too far on the road back home.
Skiing isn’t a cheap sport. Lift tickets at Wintergreen are anywhere from $60-$80 per skier, depending on whether it’s high season. But night tickets (a fun experience in general) are cheaper. Of course, if you are renting gear, prepare for the additional cost. But check out the notes below for some ways to possibly save.
We always ask for gift certificates to Wintergreen for Christmas, and find that works for us on a lot of levels. Also, be sure to stay tuned to the Wintergreen website for local deals, discounts and package options.
Charlottesville is such a great place to raise kids outdoors. From hiking, to river adventures, and to snow at Wintergreen, there are so many opportunities to have fun as a family.
“Skiing at Wintergreen is so fun because it is a place nearby to get on the snow. They also have lots of other things (like tubing).”
- – Charlottesville kid “C,” 11-years-old
Snow gear to consider investing in:
Tip: When Wintergreen is making snow, you’ll likely be skiing through the spray. While the weather may be perfect, be prepared when skiing at Wintergreen for this situation with goggles and neck gaiters!
- Snow pants
- Snow goggles
- Good jackets
- Neck gaiters
- Ski helmets
More on Skiing at Wintergreen:
- Official website.
- Wintergreen usually offers a locals discount on season passes if purchased during a specific window, a locals night discounted rate opportunity on Thursday evenings, and a family 4-pack deal (Mission Affordable) that can be a value. Stay tuned to this website or join the mailing list.
- For ease, you can rent equipment at Wintergreen, but Ski Barn is on the road on the way up to the resort and you may be able to get a better deal. Freestyle here in town also offers rentals.
- If you want to purchase your own equipment, the annual Tent Sale by Freestyle is PHENOMENAL! Don’t miss it. They usually do this end of October/early November. They announce all sales via their Facebook page consistently.
Raising Charlottesville is a website dedicated to highlighting fun & local activities for families living in the Charlottesville, VA area.