5 Family-friendly places to ski within driving distance from the Mid-Atlantic Region

The official start of winter is just around the corner, and there is no telling what Mother Nature has in store. But if you love winter activities like skiing and snowboarding and live in the Mid-Atlantic region of the country, there are a surprising number of family-friendly ski resorts within a 3-4.5 hour drive of the DC area. The mountains may not be as tall as the Rocky Mountains, and most operate with some combination of natural and man-made snow, but know that many of these places also offer other activities such as snow-tubing, ice skating, snowshoeing, and indoor swimming. When winter is in full force and the snow starts to fall, check out these five family-friendly places to ski within driving distance from DC, Maryland, and Virginia.  
*This post was updated for the 24-25 ski season

*This post contains affiliate links; if you purchase something familyTravelsUSA may receive a small commission. As always, opinions are my own. 
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1. Wisp Resort, a four season resort  in western Maryland attracts many visitors from the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area. With a vertical drop of roughly 700 feet, Wisp offers 11 miles of trails with about 45% considered intermediate level. In addition to skiing, snowboarding and tubing, if there is enough natural snow, there are options for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Find more information about what to do in the Deep Creek Lake area. The recently renovated Lodge at Wisp offers a range of accommodations from suites to efficiencies. Plus there are a number of lodging partners in the area offering everything from treehouses to modern cabins. Deep Creek Lake is home to numerous lakeside rental homes that can accommodate families of all sizes. Find the latest Wisp mountain reports here.
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2. In nearby West Virginia, Snowshoe Mountain boasts an average annual snowfall of 150 inches with a vertical drop ranging from 800’ to 1500’. Check their website often for updated deals throughout the winter such as mid-week packages or consecutive night deals. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, explore the list of other activities, which include snow-tubing along with off-road tours for kids age 12+ with adults. Lodging comes in all sizes, including many spacious home options. Book early for the best deals and choices. The resort is also home to the Spa at Snowshoe. Learn more about all the fun winter activities at Snowshoe.

3. Another great family resort is Seven Springs Mountain Resort, just off the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Somerset County. Besides offering many family-friendly ski packages, if there is enough natural snow, nearby winter adventures include snowmobile and snowshoe tours. Kids will also enjoy many of the off-slope activities such as bowling, mini golf and roller skating. Accommodations range from the renovated, slope side Main Lodge Hotel to condos, townhomes, cottages, and chalets, all perfect for larger families. Check here to find affordable options for families throughout Pennsylvania. 

4. Camelback Mountain Resort, in the Poconos, has often been voted the #1 ski resort in Pennsylvania.  Although a bit longer drive from the DC area, it typically has more snow and is home to the biggest snow tubing park in the US! The mountain is home to 39 trails with a 800 foot vertical rise. Reserve tickets to the Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark, to combine all the outdoor winter activities on the mountain with indoor fun. This popular indoor waterpark falls in the top 5  in the USA in the 2024 USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice travel awards. The resort also offers indoor rock climbing and an escape room adventure! 

5. For those looking for a low key way to introduce their kids to skiing or snowboarding, Liberty Mountain, just over the Pennsylvania border, is a laid back  place for a day trip. With just 16 trails and a vertical drop of 620 feet, it’s perfect for a day trip or young skiers. They offer Ski & Snowboard lessons for all levels, and especially to help beginners get comfortable on the slopes, in addition to 2 terrain parks for all levels of snowboarders. Find out more about what you need to know before you visit. 

Other spots to consider for winter fun include Wintergreen Resort and Massanutten Resort, both in Virginia, along with Timberline Mountain  in Canaan Valley, West Virginia (close to the White Grass Ski Touring Center for cross country skiing).  

A good resource for centralized ski information is Ski Central. In addition to resorts listed by region and states, you can find current snow conditions as well as lift ticket deals and discounts. If you are planning on skiing out west, you might be interested to know that Snowshoe Mountain and Camelback Resort are included in the Ikon Pass, while Ski Liberty and Seven Springs are included in the Epic Pass. Learn more here.