Welcome to Snowshoe Mountain! At 4,848 feet above sea level, your choices are endless. It's no secret your safest bet for finding top notch ski conditions in the mid-Atlantic and Southeast Region is to visit Snowshoe Mountain.
Snowshoe is open year-round with numerous outdoor activities. Might as well do some pre-arrival planning and booking so you can make the most of your time on the mountain. As we say, when in doubt, mountain more.
Winter Activities at Snowshoe Mountain
If it's your first time on the slopes, then you've come to the right place. There's no better mountain to learn to ski or ride on than Snowshoe. From our lessons to our terrain, it's a beginners paradise. But first things first - you need to book a lesson, find the right gear, know what to expect, and most importantly have fun!
We have a variety of group and private lessons that are specifically geared towards beginners of all ages. You'll learn how to strap-in, stop, and everything in between. Having the right gear can be the difference between a good day and a not-so-good day on the slopes. Nothing ruins a perfectly good ski day like being cold or soggy.
Daily lift tickets provide access to the Snowshoe Basin, Western Territory, and Silver Creek Ski Area. There are endless ways to adventure around the mountain this winter. Between our 3 unique ski areas, Snowmobile and Adventure Dining tours, the Coca-Cola Tube Park, and beyond. Choose one or choose all. You can't go wrong.
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With the perfect amount of vertical in all the right places; runs that are groomed with the same attention paid to top show dogs; and a slew of kickers, rails, and other flip-worthy features, each of our three distinct ski areas (the Basin, Western Territory, and Silver Creek) have personalities worth getting to know. Not to mention our some-say-too-generous snow guarantee always has your back.
Manicured cruisers or challenging steeps? Wicked features or hidden glades? Spicy cocktails or sweet desserts? Fluffy pillows or pumping beats? At 4,848 feet above sea level, your choices are endless.
Our lodging options are as varied as our 11,000-acre playground. Pass holder Perk: As an Ikon Pass holder you get 10% off all non-holiday lodging stays when you book through Snowshoe. All you have to do is call 877.441.4386 to book your discounted lodging. Lodging discounts are available on lodging stays of 2 nights or more. Discount cannot be combined with other offers or promotions.
Grab your daily lift tickets in advance to ensure availability and save. Welcome to Snowshoe Mountain.
Snowshoe Mountain Snow Report – Western Territory & Silver Creek Open!
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Summer Activities in Snowshoe
In the summer months, Snowshoe offers a downhill mountain program, golf, lake activities, razor tours and much more. Restaurants and bars provide additional opportunities for our guests.
Explore the Natural Beauty of Pocahontas County
Pocahontas County is a motorcycle mecca, with easy access to routes expanding into Virginia and into our neighboring West Virginia counties. From the Highland Scenic Highway to scenic US Route 219 on your way in, Pocahontas County's roads are in impeccable condition and provide road thrills all their own. History, hospitality and uniqueness all aid in making Pocahontas County an epic destination. Stay in an old company house and ride the scenic train at Cass Railroad State Park, or cruise by the world's largest steerable telescope at Green Bank Observatory.
Cranberry Glades Botanical Area
Cranberry Glades Botanical Area is one of the most unique areas in West Virginia. The Glade’s fascinating sphagnum bogs are similar to that found in “Muskegs” of the Artic Tundra. When you first enter the area, you will notice Red Spruce, hemlock and Yellow Birch trees. Along the left side of the Boardwalk, you may see a tree that has fallen over. The shallow roots so necessary for survival here do not adequately anchor trees against strong winds.
Carnivorous or insect-eating plants also make their home in the bogs. Keep a watchful eye as you walk through the area and you might spy some of these wild animals: American Black Bear, WV Northern Flying Squirrel, Red-tailed Hawk, American Bald Eagle, Red Fox, coyote, White-tailed Deer, Cooper Hawk, and Eastern Screech-Owl.
As you walk along the Boardwalk, you might see some of these plants: Bishop’s Cap, Jewelweed, False Hellebore, Indian Pipe, Turtlehead, Wild Raisin, Sundew, Grass Pink Orchid, and the Pitcher Plant. The Boardwalk and Nature Center also provide easy access to the Cranberry Backcountry & Wilderness areas. The Cranberry Glades Boardwalk is open year-round, and the Nature Center is open April-October. This attraction is a 35 minute drive from Elk River Inn & Cabins.
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Falls of Hills Creek
The 114 acre area sits off Highway 39, just 5 miles west of the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center, and is marked with a Monongahela National Forest Recreation sign. Turn down the gravel road and park in the small lot where rest rooms are also available. The handicap accessible boardwalk is 1,700 feet long and allows all to view the first waterfall. The rhododendrons and laurel flourish under the shade canopy. Continue on to the second waterfall along a dirt path and set of wooden steps.
At 45 feet tall and much wider than the first fall, you begin to appreciate the natural beauty of Hills Creek as the creek cascades and rolls over moss covered boulders. The dirt walkway, interspersed with rocks and small boulders, continues onward to the third and final waterfall that drops 63 feet. From this point on it is for the strong of spirit and body. The trip from the parking lot to the lower falls is over three quarter mile. Toward the end, the dirt path will turn to metal steps down a set of switchbacks to the overlook. The awesome view of the 63 foot fall is worth every step of the way. Two viewing decks provide great positioning for taking photographs or simply relaxing and enjoying. The gorge and towering trees allow only limited light into the lowest of the falls area. The Falls of Hills Creek is a spectacle to see in the winter as well. Falls of Hills Creek is a 45 minute drive from Elk River Inn & Cabins.
Greenbrier River Trail
Take your family on a bicycle ride - forget the city, the traffic and the rush. Beginner and intermediate mountain bikers will appreciate the packed gravel surfaces on the majority of the Trail. More advanced bikers will find greater challenges on the adjoining mountain trails and abandoned logging roads that characterize the national forest bordering the Trail. Amenities along the Trail include potable water and primitive camp sites. The Greenbrier River Trail is accessible from Elk River Inn & Cabins by bike or a 20-30 minute shuttle ride.
Historical and Cultural Attractions
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
Cass Scenic Railroad is home to the world’s largest collection of geared Shay steam locomotives. These Titans of Timber sliced into the mountains in the early 20th century transporting newly cut timber back to the sawmill in downtown Cass. An assortment of special events and excursions is available. In century-old Durbin, the Durbin Rocket Excursion Train is powered by the unique Heisler No.
Pearl S. Buck Birthplace Museum
Nobel Prize winner Pearl S. Buck won the hearts of Americans with her famous novel, The Good Earth, for which she won the Pulitzer Prize in 1932. Today, the birthplace of Pearl S. Buck in Hillsboro, West Virginia stands in loving memory of the woman who helped shape the 20th century through her writing, her efforts, and her example. Built in 1875, the house serves as a museum with original family furniture and other personal belongings. Knowledgeable guides will meet you and give you a thorough tour. This homestead is about 40 minutes south of Elk River Inn & Cabins.
Where to Stay
Elk River Inn & Cabins has provided affordable lodging since the very first season Snowshoe opened in 1974, and we're conveniently located only 11 miles from the top of Snowshoe's ski area. It usually takes about 15 minutes on the well maintained state roads. We are the perfect place to stay and play at Snowshoe while saving money on lodging and ski equipment rentals if needed.