By WP BrandStudio
November 19, 2018
Virginia’s Wintergreen Resort is only about 150 miles southwest of Washington, D.C. But out among the old-growth forests and crystal-clear air of the eastern Blue Ridge Mountains, it feels like another world. This combination of easy accessibility and pristine climate—at 3,800 feet of elevation, the air is about 15 degrees cooler than along the seaboard—make Wintergreen one of the premier ski spots in the Eastern United States.
“Wintergreen is a short, scenic drive from Washington, but it’s a world away,” said Betsy Dunkerton, marketing manager for the resort. “It’s a place to unplug and reconnect with family and friends, a comfortable getaway to be as active as you want or as relaxed as you need to be.”
On top of being nestled on 11,000 acres in a beautiful spot, Wintergreen is as technically advanced as a resort can be. They have continually updated their snowmaking system and it now covers 100 percent of their ski trails, the Nastar race course and the terrain park with the only fully automated system on the east coast. Comprising more than 400 snow guns that are fed by a five million gallon water tank, the system is designed to maximize snow-making opportunities to create the best possible condition for skiers and boarders of all abilities.
The draws to Wintergreen don’t stop at their innovative snowmaking tactics. The resort also boasts world-class food and drink, an array of family-friendly options, and indoor activities up and down the mountain, making for great après-ski fun—or a full day of offerings for those who don’t consider themselves ski bums (not yet, at least.)
Food and wine inspired by the Blue Ridge
Wintergreen takes advantage of its location in Virginia’s Nelson County by connecting with local farms and breweries to source food and drink for its eateries. This is how Michael Hammes, Wintergreen’s director of hospitality, has woven the eat-local movement into every single one of the restaurants and bars he oversees. Hammes came to Wintergreen about a year ago and reconcepted all its food and drink; he streamlined operations, brought in a fresh team and hired a new executive chef to develop menus and drink programs that draw heavily from the abundance of farms, breweries and wineries in the area. The result is a modern, specialized array of dining options that have strong ties to the community.
One such dining option is The Edge, the largest and busiest restaurant on the property, which does farm-fresh casual pub food—most notably a burger made of non-GMO, all-natural beef from nearby Seven Hills farm. Contrast that with Devils Grill, an upscale, farm-to-table restaurant reserved exclusively for Wintergreen guests and members that sits right next to the Devils Knob golf course, with a beautiful patio, heaters for the winter, and a kitchen run by certified Master Chef Edwin Scholly, who has cooked for four presidents as a chef in the White House. And in the heart of the Mountain Village, the Copper Mine Bistro has a Mediterranean-influenced dinner menu and extensive wine list—but breakfast is the star, featuring crab cake eggs Benedict and a dynamic breakfast buffet.
There are a number of seasonal dining options as well. Hammes cites Checkerberry Cabin as the “signature” seasonal spot; located at the base of the Blue Ridge Express, a high-speed, ski passenger lift, it was converted last year into the hopping barbecue and tacos joint it is today, where skiers can pop in after a run.
“We have refocused our approach to optimize the food culture at Wintergreen,” said Hammes. “We’ve taken a renewed approach to deliver fresh, local food with passion and consistency. And our guests are loving it.”
Off-site, there is even more to eat and drink. In Nellysford, Basic Necessities is a cozy café serving French fare and wine. And in nearby Roseland, Devils Backbone brewery is one of several local breweries, distilleries, wineries and cideries whose products are available at Wintergreen. (The idea for Devils Backbone, incidentally, was sparked by a ski trip—in Nelson County.)
Unplug from technology and plug into family time
For visitors bringing children, Wintergreen has plenty of activities for young ones who are looking to have fun in the snow. At the resort, the Snowsports School offers skiing and snowboarding lessons to adults and children of all ages at Wintergreen.
“We’re here to ensure that everyone succeeds in learning how to ski or snowboard, and we make it fun,” said Pierce Byrd, manager of the school, where she oversees all of its offerings.
Prior to joining Snowsports School, Byrd managed the programs at Wintergreen’s Treehouse, which she dubs “Kid Headquarters.” It’s the segment of the Snowsports School that is specially structured for children ages two-and-a-half to 12, with full- and half-day ski camp programs taught in small groups by dedicated instructors. The Treehouse has such a rich history of teaching children to ski that alumni are now bringing their children back for ski lessons at Wintergreen. And many of the teenagers who grew up skiing at Wintergreen now work at the resort as instructors themselves.
“We’re proud of our learn-to-ski programs. Every year we strive to improve the experience and meet the needs of families, especially those with younger children,” Byrd said.
For a little less formalized family fun, visitors head over to Ridgely’s Fun Park, where parents and their children can enjoy the snow together. Located near Wintergreen’s Discovery Ridge Adventure Center, Ridgely’s is the “main hub for all family activities,” said Byrd. It includes a fenced-off area for playing in the snow, a gentle tubing hill, and bear paw snowshoes for romping around.
And Discovery Ridge is a good place to be when the weather turns uncooperative, since it’s also a hub of indoor activity: There’s a lounge with gaming systems and big-screen TVs; a theater that shows sporting events and videos; and a game area with foosball, billiards and air hockey. And for guests with little ones, there’s even a toddler-safe inflatable bounce house.
Spas, shopping and historical sites: Rounding out a Wintergreen vacation
Food and outdoor recreation are the key players at Wintergreen, but they’re not the only things to do in and around the resorts. After a long day on the slopes, guests can pay a visit to Wintergreen’s on-site spa, where the menu of selections includes favorite offerings, such as facials and nail care. And for those who want a little extra pampering after skiing or snowboarding, massages—including sports massages—are available.
In addition to the well-loved standards, Wintergreen’s spa has specialty services, including wedding packages, men’s services, tween-and-teen options, as well as seasonal treatments—this season, they’re offering a winter rose rejuvenation and a warm stone peppermint body treatment.
A spa session is a nice way to complement the natural serenity of the landscape. Wintergreen lies at the heart of the eastern temperate forest region, dense with migratory birds and dozens of types of ferns and wildflowers. The ridge turns brilliant shades of red and gold in the fall before the leaves fall from the trees in the winter, revealing a stark beauty. The Nature Foundation leads educational hikes in the area all year round, a good option for any visitors interested in learning more about the diversity of wildlife in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
“The pace of life is relaxed and peaceful and the setting is stunningly beautiful,” said Dunkerton. “And our location—at the southern end of the northern ecosystem, and the northern end of a southern ecosystem—makes it an interesting place to enjoy all kinds of different plants and animals.”
For those who have ventured off-site to hike or check out a restaurant or brewery, a day of vintage shopping could be in store. The treasures at Tuckahoe Antiques are a must-see and are a short drive away on Route 151. And the Treasure Chest Thrift Store at the Rockfish Valley Community Center is a great place to do some vintage shopping.
The area is home to an array of other fun, low-key things to do, too. There’s an array of historical sites, including Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, Appomattox Courthouse and the Frontier Culture Museum. There are also orchards, wineries, and nature havens like the Rockfish Valley Foundation Natural History Center, which hosts gentle hikes and educational events promoting the historical, ecological and agricultural resources of the Rockfish Valley. And it’s all easily accessible from Wintergreen, making it doable in a single trip. (Though once you’ve paid a visit, you’ll surely want to come back.)
“Wintergreen offers tons of fun activities for the whole family, whether you are an avid skier or just love being away in the mountains,” said Dunkerton. “From fun games on the slopes to Snowcat rides to the thrills of tubing or the zen of unwinding, there’s plenty to do all the time. That’s why we call it Winter(green) wonderland.”
Insider tips
Courtesy of director of mountain operations Zach Marlowe, here are some insider tips to make your trip to Wintergreen a smooth one:
1. For full resort access and exclusive amenities, be sure to book your lodging with Wintergreen Resort
2. Pre-register online for equipment rentals
3. Buy lift tickets in advance
4. Join the Wintergreen e-club for news, events, special offers and more
5. Dress in layers and bring sunscreen. Outdoor Elements, Wintergreen’s onsite recreation shop, offers everything you need for comfort and safety on the slopes.
6. Allow plenty of time to get to the slopes and try on rental gear to ensure it fits properly.
7. Check the weather, and go to Wintergreen’s website to view the mountain cameras and see what conditions are like.
To book your trip to Wintergreen Resort, visit wintergreenresort.com
Photos provided by Wintergreen Resort
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7uK3SoaCnn6Sku7G70q1lnKedZK%2Bzrc2dZKyspZm2sHvWqWZraGFtfHJ9jmpwaJ2opbKztcSnmp5lp567tbHRZqqpp6KpwG7DyK2fZpldqcSqv9NmmK1lp567tbHRoKmenZ5iv6a%2FzquraA%3D%3D