skiing – Baltimore Magazine

Winter Wonderland: Your Guide to Getting Outside in Baltimore During the Colder Months

Aaron Hope — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 16:00:33 +0000

By Ron Cassie

Illustrations by Alicia Corman

Opening photo by Marcus Payne

Travel & Outdoor

Winter Wonderland: Your Guide to Getting Outside in Baltimore During the Colder Months

The best places to ski, skate, sled, hike, plunge, and more this season.

By Ron Cassie

Illustrations by Alicia Corman

Opening photo by Marcus Payne

January 2024

Recalling the “Maryland Alps”

Garrett County’s mountains and the first ski race south of the Mason-Dixon Line inspired a winter sports tradition in the state.

On the heels of a picturesque February 1941 snowfall, 200 of the region’s top winter athletes strapped on their hickory skis and flashed down Western Maryland’s Allegheny Mountains at the first-ever championship races south of the Mason-Dixon Line. Events included a winding, 3,300-foot downhill run, a sharp, flag-marked slalom, and a four-mile cross-country competition.

Following an 8-inch carpeting of fresh powder a day before the event, one official reported, “The conditions couldn’t possibly be better.”

Representatives of clubs from Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Western Maryland competed, as well as a pair of Baltimoreans with New England and European racing experience—including one of the co-founders of the two-month-old Baltimore Ski Club.

The most memorable competitor, however, may have been a young female skier from the Norwegian embassy in Washington, D.C. “I can still remember her,” one of the local foresters wrote years later in a memoir. “She was tall and had a white ski outfit. She looked beautiful in that outfit. She made it down the slope in 52 seconds!”

A second round of downhill and slalom races at the New Germany Recreation Center was held for novices. Over the weekend, an estimated 1,000 people turned out, many toting not just skis, but toboggans and sleds. The first Alpine ski event at the Winter Olympics had only been introduced a few years earlier—at the Austrian Games in 1936. (In fact, skiing was so new to the U.S. that there was debate over the American pronunciation of the sport: the German way, “sheing,” versus the Norwegian pronunciation, which was “skiing.”) Competitors and visitors stayed on-site at the barracks and cabins first constructed by the Civil Conservation Corps; other lodged with local farmers, who stocked up with sausage, pancake flour, and then-famous Garrett County maple syrup, and opened concessions as well.

Forgotten now, the ski area at what ultimately became Savage River State Forest and New Germany State Park was known as “the Maryland Alps” for its plethora of winter activities in the 1940s and 1950s.

Above: The first ski event south of the Mason-Dixon Line was held in present-day New Germany State Park. MARYLAND ALPS: COURTESY OF SPRINGS (PA.) HISTORICAL SOCIETY (2); COURTESY OF MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

The skiing boom coincided with the stewardship of Maryland’s legendary first state forester, Fred Besley, who thought winter recreational opportunities could boost both environmental protection efforts and the local economy. Over his tenure from 1906-1942, the amount of state park and forest land grew from literally zero to more than 100,000 acres. By the time the New Germany ski slopes opened, Garrett County was home to roughly half of the state’s publicly held lands.

The first ski slope, the curving, pitched Whiskey Hollow trail, was built in 1939. That was followed by the four-mile cross-country course, along nearby Meadow Mountain—with the resort at New Germany opening in January 1940.

“Father believed that forests should not only be conserved, but that they should be used,” Besley’s daughter, Helen Besley Overington, told former Green Ridge State Forest manager Francis “Champ” Zumbrun, who documented the state’s early skiing history for the Department of Natural Resources. “[He] was very interested in getting the public to use the land...[he] thought this would bring more public support for conservation.”

This was before the advent of fiberglass, aluminum, and carbon fiber skis—or chair lifts. In those days, Western Marylanders generally required a carpenter to cut, bend, and sand down boards of hickory or ash and attach leather bindings. The first rope tow to get skiers up the mountain at New Germany was powered by a 1935 Dodge pick-up.

“Father believed that forests should not only be conserved, but that they should be used.”

Ironically, by 1960, growing interest in skiing—and a new road cutting through the state land—led to the demise of New Germany’s downhill slopes. At nearby Deep Creek Lake, the still-thriving Wisp Resort opened for the 1955-1956 season. The same year, another resort, on the site that became Canaan Valley Ski Resort, attracted skiers across the state line to Davis, West Virginia.

The legacy of the New Germany resort and that first race 83 years ago survives at Wisp and Canaan Valley, but also at Savage River State Forest, which offers backcountry skiing, snowshoe, and snowmobile trails. And at New Germany State Park. There may not be downhill skiing there anymore, but the original 4-mile cross-country trail has been expanded into a 12-mile network, with ski and snowshoe rentals available.

Today, visitors often call New Germany State Park, tucked between Big Savage Mountain and Meadow Mountain and the eastern Continental Divide, the area’s “best kept secret.”

For Baltimoreans, who have not seen much snow in recent years, rest assured, Garrett County still gets its fair share. Most of the county receives between 60 and 80 inches per year, with communities at higher elevations averaging more than 100 inches annually. Alleghany County, to the east, averages between 32 and 36 inches, and state parks in Western Maryland receive cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and sledders each year.

It’s with that in mind, but also with the Old Farmers’ Almanac predicting a snowy and colder winter ahead for Maryland, that we present outdoor activities for those, like us, who need to get outside—particularly during the winter months when opportunities for fresh air and sunlight become more elusive.

Source

The Best Places to Ski Around Baltimore

Aaron Hope — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 19:15:07 +0000

By Mike Unger and Ron Cassie

Illustrations by Alicia Corman

Photography By Karlo Gesner

Winter Wonderland

The Best Places to Ski Around Baltimore

Hit the slopes at these destinations within a day's drive.

By Mike Unger and Ron Cassie

Photography by Karlo Gesner

Illustrations by Alicia Corman

January 2024

Cold Weather Friends

For 77 years, the Baltimore Ski Club has brought winter sports enthusiasts together on the slopes and beyond.

For a city situated barely above sea level, Baltimore is filled with skiing fanatics. Like Dave Karczmarek. “There’s nothing like being on a mountain, being outside in the fresh air,” says Karczmarek, who’s been flying down slopes for more than 40 years. “When you get off that lift and you turn around and look down the hill, it’s just a great feeling. I like the feeling of independence. From day one, I’ve never gotten tired of it.”

Karczmarek is the trips director for the Baltimore Ski Club. Founded in 1947, the organization has about 250 members. This year, he’s helping to plan eight trips to places ranging from Colorado, Montana, and Maine to Austria. But the group also has outings to local slopes like Liberty, Roundtop Mountain, and Whitetail resorts.

“Skiing is skiing,” says Karczmarek, who’s taken on World Cup runs and the site in Switzerland where a famous ski scene in the James Bond movie On Her Majesty’s Secret Service was filmed. “If you want a weekend getaway or just want to go up to Liberty for a half a day, it’s still just great to be on the hill. Any place there’s a hill, a lift, and snow, you’re likely to see somebody from the Baltimore Ski Club there.”

The club’s members range in age from their 20s to their 80s. There’s even a member in his 90s who doesn’t ski anymore. That’s fine—there are plenty activities, like happy hours, lectures, and dinners, that don’t involve skiing. There are even two non-skiing trips, to Ireland and Switzerland, this year.

Karczmarek has some sage words of advice for those considering taking up the sport.

“I would recommend anybody to give it a shot no matter how old you are,” the 66-year-old says. “The one thing I would say is if you go that very first time, one of two things is going to happen. You’re either going to say, ‘Oh my gosh, I love this. Why didn’t I do it sooner?’ and you’re hooked. Or you’re going to say, ‘This isn’t for me. I’m heading to the bar.’” —Mike Unger

WISP RESORT

GET OUTSIDE

Downhill From Here

Baltimore isn’t Aspen when it comes to skiing, but there are mountains of fun within a day’s drive. Here’s a dozen of the best.

Blue Knob All Seasons Resort

1424 Overland Pass, Claysburg, PA, 814-239-5111

The highest skiable mountain in Pennsylvania’s scenic Allegheny range, Blue Knob offers 34 trails and plenty of long rides for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, with a vertical drop of 1,072 feet. The resort also gets high marks for its advanced glade trails—aka off-trail and defined woods trails. In addition, the resort boasts a ski school for beginners and advanced skiers and snowboarders alike, as well as a snow tubing park. Drive time: 2 hours, 50 minutes.

Canaan Valley Resort

230 Main Lodge Road, Davis, WV, 800-622-4121

A skiing destination for some 70 years and the site of West Virginia’s first commercial ski development, Canaan Valley Resort receives roughly 180 inches of annual snowfall. Skiers and snowboarders have nearly 50 trails to choose from, but there’s a lot more to do too, including outdoor ice-skating, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. There’s also a 1,200-foot snow tubing park worth tackling, especially with the kids. Drive time: 3 hours, 45 minutes.

Liberty Mountain Resort

78 Country Club Trail, Fairfield, PA, 717-642-8282

Given its proximity to Baltimore, just over the Frederick County line, Liberty Mountain is a place where generations of local new skiers have made their first downhill run. With an elevation of nearly 1,200 feet and a vertical drop of 600 feet, the nearby resort offers 16 trails and two terrain parks serviced by eight lifts—all lit for night skiing and snowboarding, with full snow-making coverage. Check the Ski and Ride School, too. Drive time: 1 hour, 15 minutes.

Massanutten Resort

1822 Resort Drive, Massanutten, VA, 540-289-9441

Built in the Shenandoah Valley more than 50 years ago, Massanutten offers 23 runs and seven lifts spread over 90 skiable acres, with a peak elevation of nearly 3,000 feet. Freestyle snowboarders and skiers will appreciate one of the best parks around—boasting a dozen rails and jumps—while beginner freestylers can get started in the resort’s “Easy Street” terrain park. The snowmaking infrastructure recently got a boost, too. Drive time: 3 hours, 15 minutes.

The Omni Homestead

7696 Sam Snead Hwy., Hot Springs, VA, 800-838-1766

This historic luxury hotel is more renowned for its famous guest list, which includes several presidents, and its legendary golf courses—note the address here—than its skiing. That said, the iconic Homestead is an ideal destination for families and novice skiers and snowboarders, with its laid-back, well-sculpted, and gentle terrain. Along with its nine trails over 45 acres, there’s also a snow-tubing park next to the slopes and mini snowmobile track for kids. Drive time: 4 hours, 30 minutes.

WISP RESORT

Roundtop Mountain Resort

925 Roundtop Road, Lewisberry, PA, 717-432-9631

As it’s a direct shot up I-83, newbie and intermediate skiers and snowboarders can quickly reach Roundtop’s slopes for a weekend, weekday, or even weeknight getaway. The whole mountain, which includes 21 trails, nine lifts, and snowtubing, is covered by snowmaking equipment. Roundtop is also a part of the Vail Resorts network, meaning a season pass can be purchased that includes skiing at Whitetail, Liberty, and dozens of other resorts. Drive time: 1 hour, 20 minutes.

Seven Springs Mountain Resort

777 Water Wheel Drive, Seven Springs, PA, 800-452-2223

With a diverse collection of 33 trails descending from a 2,994- foot mountain, plus another seven terrain parks, Seven Springs remains one of the most popular resorts in the area. Also, if you don’t ski but want to chill with friends who do on a weekend trip, this is the place. Seven Springs offers live music on weekends, bowling, roller-skating, indoor mini-golf, snowshoe and snowmobile tours, tubing, an indoor pool, fitness center, hot tubs, and loads of dining options. Drive time: 3 hours, 20 minutes.

Snowshoe Mountain Resort

10 Snowshoe Drive, Snowshoe, WV, 877-441-4386

With 60-plus trails and glades plus four terrain parks divvied up among three distinct ski areas over more than 240 skiable acres, Snowshoe may be a trek, but it’s worth the drive. With an elevation of 4,848 feet and a vertical drop of 1,500 feet, Snowshoe is one of the area’s largest resorts and it presents some of the best skiing south of Vermont. A genuine destination resort with all the amenities, Snowshoe also offers more than a dozen restaurants and a nightclub. Drive time: 5 hours.

Roundtop Mountain Resort

Timberline Mountain

254 Four Seasons Dr., Davis, WV, 304-403-2074

There’s a lot to love about tiny Davis, West Virginia, which is renowned for its mountain biking, and that includes Timberline, which has seen significant capital investment in recent years. The ski area’s claim to fame is its high elevation—and thus its big amount of annual snow. It also has a 3.12- mile run—plus two double black diamond runs, rare in this region. Overall, it offers 37 trails across 100 skiable acres. Drive time: 3 hours, 40 minutes.

Whitetail Resort

13805 Blairs Valley Road, Mercersburg, PA, 717-328-9400

Along with Roundtop and Liberty, Whitetail completes the trio of family-friendly, low-hassle resorts, just over the Pennsylvania line and 90 minutes from the Baltimore Beltway. The top elevation here is 1,800 feet, with a descent which supports 23 trails and two terrain parks—all serviced by 100-percent snowmaking coverage. Recent upgrades include a snow-tubing park, an expanded lodge, and as of 2019, a liquor license. Drive time: 1 hour, 35 minutes.

Wisp Resort

296 Marsh Hill Road, McHenry, MD, 301-859-3159

Located in the Deep Creek Lake area of Garrett County, Wisp is Maryland’s only ski resort, but with a 3,115-foot elevation and 172 skiable acres, it more than holds its own in the region. Twelve chairlifts and seven surface lifts take skiers and snowboarders to a mix of 33 beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails and three freestyle parks. Plus, there’s tubing, ice skating, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing—something for everyone, in other words—at this year-round resort. Drive time: 3 hours.—Ron Cassie

For a good cause

ICE ICE BABY

POLAR BEAR PLUNGE: PERMISSION FROM BALTIMORE SUN MEDIA. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

It was in 1996 that the first few brave souls took the Polar Bear Plunge in support of Maryland’s Special Olympians. “The story I’ve been told is that Special Olympics was simply looking for a way to raise money other than running around the state selling T-shirts,” says Kira Northrop, senior director of marketing and communications for the nonprofit. “I doubt they had any idea it would get this big.”

In its second year, the now-annual chilly dip in the Chesapeake Bay drew 300 people into the 35-degree water at Sandy Point State Park. By its third year, the number of “polar bears” in the Bay totaled 1,000, raising more than $200,000 for the cause. From the start, support for the event has been led by the Maryland State Police, whose officers provide logistical assistance and were among the first to participate. Also from the start, Maryland’s elected officials have backed the effort—though not always with the courage of former Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, who dove headlong into the surf back in 1999.

The Baltimore Ravens’ cheerleaders and pep band have been turning out for years to provide encouragement. Players going for a swim include former quarterback Joe Flacco and former nose tackle Haloti Ngata, who displaced a great deal of icy water in 2008 as a “super plunger”—a polar bear who pledges to take 24 dips over a 24-hour period.

Last year, the now multi-day Maryland Plunge raised more than $3 million for the state's 15,588 Special Olympians. This year—with five events between January 26 to February 3—10,000-plus plungers are expected to splash off in Sandy Point, helping fund the organization’s 27 sports, free training programs, and competitions. —Ron Cassie

Source

Twelve Ski Resorts Within a Day’s Drive of Baltimore

Mike Unger — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 13:30:00 +0000

—Karlo Gesner Photography

Trudging out to your car in the Monday morning freeze, slush in your boots, the sun peeking wanly over the horizon, it’s easy to forget that winter provides incredible opportunities for adrenaline-pumping recreation. While Mid-Atlantic skiing is admittedly a different experience than, say, hitting the slopes in Aspen or Sun Valley, the freedom to schuss down a mountain (regardless of its size) just a few hours later is yet another feather (or pom-pom) in Baltimore’s (ski) hat.

What follows is a list of our favorite ski resorts within a day’s drive of Charm City, encompassing spots in West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. So the next time you’re scraping the ice off your windshield and feel a Jerry Lundegaard-in-Fargo-style meltdown coming on, take a deep breath, focus on the weekend, and throw your skis in the car. It’s go time.

Blue Knob All Seasons Resort

1424 Overland Pass, Claysburg, Pa., 814-239-5111
Drive time: 2 hours, 50 minutes

Canaan Valley Resort

230 Main Lodge Rd., Davis, WV, 800-622-4121.
Drive time: 3 hours, 45 minutes

Liberty Mountain Resort

78 Country Club Trail, Carroll Valley, Pa., 717-642-8282.
Drive time: 1 hour, 15 minutes

Massanutten Resort

1822 Resort Dr., Massanutten, Va., 540-289-9441.
Drive time: 3 hours, 15 minutes

The Omni Homestead

7696 Sam Snead Hwy., Hot Springs, VA, 800-838-1766.
Drive time: 4 hours, 30 minutes

This historic luxury hotel is more renowned for its famous guest list, which includes several presidents, and its legendary golf course—note the address here—than its skiing. That said, the iconic Homestead is an ideal destination for families and novice skiers and snowboarders, with its laid-back, well-sculpted, and gentle terrain. Along with its nine trails over 45 acres, there’s also a snow-tubing park next to the slopes and mini snowmobile track for kids.

Roundtop Mountain Resort

925 Roundtop Road, Lewisberry, Pa., 717-432-9631.
Drive time: 1 hour, 20 min

Seven Springs Mountain Resort

777 Waterwheel Dr., Seven Springs, Pa., 800-452-2223.
Drive time: 3 hours, 20 minutes

Snowshoe Mountain Resort

10 Snowshoe Drive, Snowshoe, WV, 877-441-4386
Drive time: 5 hours

Timberline Mountain

254 Four Seasons Dr., Davis, WV, 304-403-2074
Drive time: 3 hours, 40 minutes

There’s a lot to love about tiny Davis, West Virginia, which is re nowned for its mountainbiking, and that includes Timberline, which has seen significant capital investment in recent years. The ski area’s claim to fame is its high elevation—and thus its big amount of annual snow. It also has a 3.12-mile run—plus two double black diamond runs, rare in this region. Overall, it offers 37 trails
across 100 skiable acres.

Whitetail Resort

13805 Blairs Valley Road, Mercersburg, PA, 717-328-9400
Drive time: 1 hour, 35 minutes.

Wintergreen Resort

Route 664, Wintergreen, VA, 434-325-2200
Drive time: 3 hours, 40 minutes.

Nestled deep into Virginia’s wine country down the Blue Ridge Parkway, the mountain here has an elevation of 3,515 feet with a vertical drop of 1,003 feet. Wintergreen is a year-round resort with luxury accommodations that offers skiing and snowboarding across 129 skiable acres with five chairlifts—including two high-speed lifts—24 trails and a terrain park continually reshaped for new challenges.

Wisp Resort

296 Marsh Hill Road, McHenry, MD, 301-859-3159
Drive time: 3 hours.

Located in the Deep Creek Lake area of Garrett County, Wisp is Maryland’s only ski resort, but with a 3,115- foot elevation and 172 skiable acres, it more than holds its own in the region. Twelve chairlifts and seven surface lifts take skiers and snowboarders to a mix of 33 beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails and three freestyle parks. Plus, there’s tubing, iceskating, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing—something for everyone, in other words—at this year-round resort.

Source

Featured Home: 21 Blythewood Road

Megan McGaha — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 21:03:29 +0000

Nestled on one of the area’s finest residential streets, the incredible home at 21 Blythewood Road once served as the residence of Howard Head, a visionary in the sports of tennis and skiing, who invented the oversized tennis racquet and laminated metal skis. Head meticulously redesigned the five-bedroom luxury home and grounds with wonderful living and recreational spaces. Located on nearly two acres in the highly desirable Blythewood community, this English country style five bedroom home welcomes guests into a garden courtyard accented by an antique lamppost. The beaded oak entry door opens into a classic vestibule and foyer. A wide cased portal leads into the adjoining living room featuring an oversized fireplace, concealed bar, built-ins, French doors to the front garden and a breathtaking window wall with sliding doors to the two-tier, 11,000 gallon koi pond and bluestone patio. Steps from the foyer lead to the solarium with two walls of glass and greenhouse ceiling as well as a wide stone planter open to the adjacent dining room with a fireplace and doors to the patio.

The tremendous, Trish Houck designed custom gourmet kitchen provides extensive cabinetry, quartz and granite counters, professional grade stainless appliances and an attached breakfast area, perfect to daydream over coffee through two full-length windows at the patio and pond. A hall leads to the chestnut library with built-in bookcases and cabinetry as well as floor length triple casement windows and a fireplace. A powder room and an exquisite family room with vaulted, wood paneled ceiling, built-ins, wet bar and billiard area complete the main level.

A large hall on the second floor flows to a seating area with a fireplace and banister overlook. A private hall provides entry to the primary bedroom suite where a window wall with sliding doors opens onto a large balcony overlooking the koi pond, pool and extensive woodland garden. Pocket doors lead into the attached dressing room with extensive custom fitted wardrobe cabinetry and a triple casement window and into the primary bath with heated porcelain tile floor, full-width cantilevered double vanity and glass-enclosed shower stall. Two additional, large en-suite bedrooms (one with fireplace) and a bedroom passage leads to bedrooms four and five as well as a hall bath. The third level provides a walk-in cedar closet and additional storage.

A back foyer on the lower level leads to the attached three-car garage while a separate hall opens to the laundry room, climate-controlled wine room, exercise room and bath. In addition to the extraordinary back patio and koi pond, extensive decking and patios lead to the picturesque pool complex with a hot tub, built-in bench seating, and a large custom built-in teak bar. The pool area overlooks the fabled tennis court, specifically designed below grade to ensure a natural barrier to wind. This competition quality tennis complex is one of the most beautiful private courts in the country. Terraced lawns accented by extensive stone garden walls lead to the wooded hillside garden area with floating curved steps, a man-made stream and waterfalls creating a fairytale setting. Designed throughout with state-of-the-art lighting and irrigation and stormwater management systems to maintain this lush venue and showcase it to the best advantage. Located on nearly two gorgeous and thoughtfully landscaped acres, this is a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most spectacular properties in Baltimore.

For more information, and to view other listings, click here:

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The 12 Best Ski Resorts Near Baltimore

Jess Mayhugh — Fri, 18 Feb 2022 15:57:20 +0000

My children are teenagers, which means our time together as a family seems increasingly precious to the adults and increasingly annoying to the kids. Skiing is one of the few activities I can suggest that doesn’t get adolescent eye rolls. We talk and laugh as we ride the lifts together, dare each other to try the toughest slopes, and enjoy the tired, cozy après-ski pleasures of sipping hot cocoa, warming ourselves beside wood-burning fireplaces, and, of course, bragging.

Below are 12 of the best ski resorts within a day’s drive of Baltimore, listed in alphabetical order. Most offer tubing, night skiing, terrain parks, snow making, lessons, equipment rental, evening entertainment, on-site restaurants, and much more. For brevity, only adult full-day lift ticket prices are listed. Holiday rates include vacation weeks and weekends. Restaurants and amenities are representative, not inclusive. Now, go ski!

Blue Knob Resort

1424 Overland Pass, Claysburg, PA, 800-458-3403,

Overview: The highest ski mountain in Pennsylvania offers furnished condos with fireplaces and kitchens.

Ski area: With a vertical drop of 1,072 feet and an elevation of 3,174 feet, Blue Knob divides its 34 trails into beginner, intermediate, advanced intermediate, and expert. Five lifts take skiers and boarders to 100 ski-able acres, including glade runs and a terrain park.

Hours: M-W: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Th: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Fr: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Sat: 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Sun: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Cost: A five-hour flex pass is $30 Sun.-Fri., $50 Fri. at 4 p.m. to Sun. at 2 p.m.

Other amenities: Indoor/outdoor pool, hot tubs, and saunas for guests who stay in the condos, ski school, equipment rental, snow tubing, cross-country skiing, Black Bear Inn, and Clubhouse Bar & Grill.

Driving distance: Three hours, 15 minutes.

Canaan Valley Resort

230 Main Lodge Rd., Davis, WV, 800-622-4121

Overview: With an average of 180 inches of natural snow a year, this is the place to ski, snowboard, ice skate, tube, or try air boarding on an inflatable sled that can be controlled for turns and stops.

Ski area: It has an elevation of 4,280 feet with a vertical drop of 850 feet, 42 trails, three chairlifts, two magic carpets that take tubers to the top of the hill, nightly grooming, and snow making on more than 75 percent of the mountain.

Hours: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily

Cost: Full-day lift tickets, $65 midweek and non-holidays, $80 weekends and holidays.

Other amenities: Arcade, gift shops, indoor heated pool, whirlpool spa, fitness center, massage services, drop-off child care, sleigh rides, tubing, lessons, and equipment rentals.

Driving distance: Four hours.

Liberty Mountain Resort

78 Country Club Trail, Carroll Valley, PA, 717-642-8282

Overview: Deals and packages, particularly for new skiers and boarders, plus an easy walk from the hotel to the slopes makes Liberty a great getaway.

Ski area: Elevation is 1,190 feet high with a vertical drop of 600 feet and 100 acres of ski-able terrain. It has 16 trails and three terrain parks, serviced by nine lifts, with complete snow-making coverage.

Hours: M – W: 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Th & Fri: 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat: 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun: 8 a.m.-8 p.m; Snow tubing is Th & Fri: 4 p.m.-10 p.m.; Sat & Sun: 12 p.m.-8 p.m.

Cost: $76+ midweek; $84+ weekends

Other amenities: Tubing, lessons, equipment rental, child-care center, and restaurants and bars. An exercise room, wireless Internet, and a hot breakfast buffet are included with hotel rates.

Driving distance: One hour, 24 minutes.

Massanutten Resort

1822 Resort Dr., Massanutten, VA, 540-289-9441.

Overview: There are so many activities and events at the Shenandoah Valley resort, that they have an Entertainment Guide to help you plan your time. The Pirates Program at the Kids’ Club is a popular activity for the little ones.

Ski area: It has a 2,925-foot summit with a vertical drop of 1,110 feet, 70 ski-able acres, two terrain parks, seven lifts, 14 trails, and 100 percent snow-making coverage.

Hours: Fri-Weds: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Tu-Th: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Cost: Lift-ticket prices had not been determined at press time.

Other amenities: Indoor water park, ski and snowboard lessons, equipment rental, tubing, outdoor ice skating, zip line (weather dependent), gift shops and boutiques, restaurants and cafeterias, and child care.

Driving distance: Three hours, 10 minutes.

The Omni Homestead

7696 Sam Snead Hwy., Hot Springs, VA, 800-838-1766.

Overview: The ski mountain is really just another amenity of the ritzy, historic hotel on the property.

Ski area: Forty-five acres of wide, well-groomed trails define this five-lift, six-trail mountain, with an elevation of 3,100 feet and a vertical drop of 700 feet.

Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends and holidays.

Cost: Lift tickets are $39 on weekdays, $49 on weekends, and $59 on holidays. Resort guests pay $35 on weekdays, $45 on weekends, $55 on holidays.

Other amenities: Ski school, ice-skating rink, an indoor pool fed by warm mineral springs, gift shops, dress-up dinners, a salon, and exercise sessions with personal trainers. You get the idea.

Driving distance: Five hours.

Roundtop Mountain Resort

925 Roundtop Rd., Lewisberry, PA, 717-432-9631.

Overview: Roundtop is an excellent choice for beginner skiers and snowboarders.

Ski area: Ten lifts take downhill enthusiasts to 16 trails, plus a terrain park with a super pipe and half pipe. Elevation is 1,400 feet with a vertical drop of 600 feet and about 103 ski-able acres.

Hours: Mon-Tues: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Weds.-Fri: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat-Sun: 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

Cost: An eight-hour lift ticket is $72+ midweek and non-holidays, $79 on weekends and holidays.

Other amenities: Fireside Pub and Grill, sports shop, ski and snowboard schools, and tubing.

Driving distance: One hour, 30 minutes.

Seven Springs Mountain Resort

777 Waterwheel Dr., Seven Springs, PA, 800-452-2223.

Overview: The resort is a kid-friendly, year-round entertainment center, where even non-skiers will find plenty to do.

Ski area: The mountain, at 2,994 feet, has a vertical drop of 750 feet and 285 acres of ski-able terrain, including through-the-trees glade runs and eight terrain parks. Ten chairlifts and a rope tow take skiers and snowboarders to 33 trails.

Hours: Sun – Weds: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Thurs-Sat and holidays 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Cost: Midweek all day: $74; Fri-Sun all-day: $95; Holidays all day: $98

Other amenities: Snowshoe and snowmobile tours, tubing, indoor miniature golf, indoor bowling alley, game room, roller-skating rink, late-night snowcat tours with the slope groomers, indoor-outdoor pool, fitness center, hot tubs, and 11 dining options. A sporting clays course is open year-round, weather permitting.

Driving distance: Three hours, 30 minutes.

Snowshoe Mountain Ski Resort

10 Snowshoe Dr., Snowshoe, WV, 304-572-5909.

Overview: Snowshoe is the choice for serious skiers with some of the most challenging slopes in the region.

Ski area: With 57 trails, 251 ski-able acres, an elevation of 4,848 feet and a vertical drop of 1,500 feet, Snowshoe is one of the larger ski mountains in the area. It’s divided into three areas: the Snowshoe Basin, Silver Creek, and Western Territory, with options that include glades skiing and terrain parks, all with 100 percent snow-making coverage.

Hours: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Snowshoe; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Silver Creek; M-Th: 12-9 p.m., Fri – Sun: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Cost: $70+ midweek, $100+ weekends, and $89 on holidays.

Other amenities: Off-road adventure tours, tubing, snowmobile tours, snowcat tours, an indoor playground with arcade games, a climbing wall, hot tubs, an indoor/outdoor pool, restaurants and food courts, lessons, and equipment rental.

Driving distance: Five hours, 15 minutes.

Timberline Four Seasons Resort

254 Four Seasons Dr., Davis, WV, 304-403-2074.

Overview: Its claim to fame is its high elevation, which makes it a snow magnet, averaging 200 feet or more a year. The Slopeside Hotel, as you can guess from the name, is within feet of the main lift.

Ski area: It has an elevation of 4,268 feet with a vertical drop of 1,000 feet, four lifts, 37 trails, 100 ski-able acres, and 100 percent snow-making coverage. It also has the longest run in the South—the two-mile-long Salamander.

Hours: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily

Cost: An eight-hour lift ticket ranges between $55-85.

Other amenities: Lessons, equipment rental, Timbers Pub and Fireside Grille with live music and karaoke, cross-country ski trails, and snowshoeing.

Driving distance: Four hours.

Whitetail

13805 Blairs Valley Rd., Mercersburg, PA, 717-328-9400.

Overview: This sibling of Roundtop and Liberty is another family-friendly, low-hassle choice, particularly for newbies. Packages for first-timers include equipment rental, lift tickets, and lessons, all for under $100.

Ski area: Elevation is 1,800 feet with a vertical drop of 935 feet. Nine lifts take skiers and boarders to 23 trails and two terrain parks, with 100 percent snow-making coverage.

Hours: Mon-Weds: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thurs-Sun: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Cost: Eight-hour lift ticket is $76+ midweek

Other amenities: Tubing, child care, ski and snowboard lessons, food court, slope-side Windows Restaurant, and adaptive snow-sports program for children and adults with mental and physical challenges.

Driving distance: Two hours.

Wintergreen Resort

Rte. 664, Wintergreen, VA, 855-699-1858

Overview: Luxury and outdoor adventure live side by side at the resort, where days of challenging skiing are followed by evenings of spa treatments and excellent food.

Ski area: Elevation is 3,515 feet with a vertical drop of 1,003 feet, and 129 ski-able acres. Five chairlifts bring skiers and snowboarders to 26 runs, plus two terrain parks that are continually reshaped for new challenges.

Hours: Sun-Wed: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Th-Sat: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Cost: Eight-hour lift tickets, $79 midweek; $99 on Fridays, Sundays and non-peak Saturdays; and $109 on Saturdays and holidays

Other amenities: Two snow-tubing parks, ice-skating, a winter zip line, pool and fitness center with year-round outdoor hot tubs and a therapeutic soak pool; Pilates and yoga classes; and Ridgely’s Fun Park, where children younger than 11 can enjoy snow shoes, a gentle tubing slope, and hot chocolate.

Driving distance: Three hours, 49 minutes.

Wisp Resort

296 Marsh Hill Rd., McHenry, MD. 800-462-9477

Overview: Maryland’s only ski resort is

in a town that is home to Deep Creek Lake and year-round outdoor activities. Stay at the Wisp Resort Hotel or rent a townhouse or condo.

Ski area: Wisp is 3,115 feet at its highest point with a vertical drop of 700 feet and 132 ski-able acres. Seven chairlifts and five surface lifts take skiers and snowboarders to 32 beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails and four freestyle parks.

Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun.-Thurs., 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri.-Sat. “First tracks,” for multi-day and season ticket holders, begins at 8 a.m.

Cost: $79 weekdays, $89 weekends and holidays.

Other amenities: Tubing, outdoor ice skating, canopy tour with five zip lines (limited winter operation), cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, a “mountain coaster,” and snowmobile tours.

Driving distance: About three hours, 30 minutes.

Additional fact checking by Reines Maliksi.

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