In the winter months, it is easy to become bogged down and not want to venture out of the house, especially when temperatures drop and snow begins to fall. Despite being a major metropolitan city, there are many opportunities for recreation just a few hours’ drive outside D.C., including a weekend getaway to some of the best skiing on the East Coast. Whether you are a beginner or expert downhill daredevil, we’ve got your guide to the best ski spots near D.C.
WHITETAIL RESORT
13805 Blairs Valley Rd
Mercersburg, PA 17236
Located just 90 minutes outside D.C. in Pennsylvania, Whitetail Resort is a great place for a quick weekend or even day trip full of skiing and snowboarding. It is the tallest mountain and largest resort within two hours from D.C. and its 23 trails are open all day and lit through 10 PM for night skiing so that you can make the most of your trip. There are runs for beginners as well as experts, and the resort partners with a number of local lodging, including the Whitetail Mountainside Village rentals – available for both short or long term stay – and The Mercersburg Inn, a historic mansion with 17 luxurious rooms and fine dining on site.
WISP RESORT
296 Marsh Hill Rd
McHenry, MD 21541
High in the Maryland mountains three hours from D.C., you’ll find Wisp Resort, a novice-friendly ski destination offering an abundance of fresh snow and beginner slopes. Well-known by many in the Mid-Atlantic, Wisp is one of the longest running operations in the area and receives over 100 inches of natural snow every year. The Lodge at Wisp is conveniently located at the foot of the mountain and is the ideal ski-in / ski-out hotel to retire to after a long day on the slopes. The Lodge offers a mix of guest rooms and suites perfect for families and many other winter resort activities, including snow tubing, ice skating and snowshoeing, are available from the lodge.
SEVEN SPRINGS MOUNTAIN RESORT
777 Water Wheel Dr
Champion, PA 15622
For thrill seekers of all ages, Seven Springs Mountain Resort three hours outside of D.C. in Pennsylvania is the perfect place for a weekend escape filled with skiing and snowboarding. With trails for kids and adults of all skill levels, the mountain at Seven Springs is overflowing with jumps, halfpipes and terrain park features. Lessons are available for those just starting out as well as those looking for an introduction to freestyle skiing and snowboarding. A number of family-friendly lodging options are available nearby including a newly renovated Lodge Hotel, condos and townhouses, cottages and chalets.
