This Virginia Snow Tubing Spot Lets Non-Skiers Join The Winter Fun

Think winter fun stops at skiing? Think again.

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Wintergreen Resort proves that snowy adventures belong to everyone, not just the slope-shredders. This sprawling Virginia playground transforms cold-weather recreation into something the whole crew can enjoy, with snow tubing taking center stage for anyone who’d rather slide than ski.

Perched at 39 Mountain Inn Loop in Nellysford, this mountain escape spans over eleven thousand acres of pure winter magic, where families gather, friends reconnect, and memories pile up faster than fresh powder. Sure, the ski runs draw their share of enthusiasts, but it’s the tubing hill that steals hearts and sparks laughter echoing across the mountainside.

Cozy condos, stunning views, and activities galore make this spot a go-to for Virginians craving mountain vibes without the intimidation factor. Ready to discover why non-skiers are flocking to this Blue Ridge gem?

Snow Tubing Takes Center Stage

Forget strapping on skis or wrestling with snowboard bindings. The Plunge at Wintergreen Resort delivers pure adrenaline with zero learning curve, making it the ultimate equalizer for winter fun seekers.

Grab an inflatable tube, climb aboard, and surrender to gravity as you zip down groomed lanes carved specifically for maximum speed and giggles. Kids squeal, adults holler, and everyone arrives at the bottom grinning like they just discovered the fountain of youth.

What makes this experience shine is its accessibility. No lessons required, no equipment rental confusion, just straightforward mountain thrills that work for virtually any age or ability level.

Groups love it because everyone participates together, unlike skiing where skill gaps can split up the fun. The resort keeps lanes well-maintained with snowmaking technology ensuring consistent conditions throughout the season.

Sessions run about an hour and fifteen minutes, giving you plenty of runs to perfect your technique or just scream your way down repeatedly. Lines move efficiently thanks to organized staff and multiple lanes operating simultaneously.

Virginia families particularly appreciate having this non-skiing option, transforming winter getaways from spectator sports into full-participation adventures. The Plunge proves mountains belong to everyone, not just the athletically inclined or coordination-gifted among us.

Mountain Accommodations With Serious Views

Sleeping arrangements here range from compact studios perfect for couples to sprawling ten-bedroom estates that house entire family reunions. Every option shares one common thread: those jaw-dropping Blue Ridge Mountain panoramas that make mornings feel like movie scenes.

Studios come equipped with kitchenettes, ideal for travelers who prefer brewing their own coffee and keeping snacks handy without breaking the budget on every meal. Step up to condos and you’ll find separate bedrooms, living areas with fireplaces crackling ambiance, and full kitchens ready for home-cooked feasts.

The loft-style units get particularly high marks from guests who appreciate the extra vertical space and unique architectural flair. Many accommodations feature private balconies or patios where you can sip hot cocoa while watching snow dust the peaks.

Location matters here too. Some units sit slope-side for ski-in access, while others nestle near golf courses or trails depending on your preferred activities.

The resort manages many properties directly, ensuring consistent quality and responsive service when issues arise.

Room service availability adds convenience for lazy mornings or post-adventure evenings when nobody wants to venture out. Free WiFi keeps everyone connected, though honestly, those mountain views might just convince you to unplug completely and soak in the scenery instead.

Eleven Thousand Acres Of Adventure Territory

Size matters when you’re talking resort properties, and Wintergreen’s massive footprint means you’ll never feel cramped or run out of exploring options. This isn’t some tiny ski hill with limited terrain; it’s a genuine mountain kingdom sprawling across Virginia’s most scenic real estate.

The acreage translates to diversity. Ski slopes occupy one section, golf courses another, while hiking trails spider-web through forested areas connecting various activity zones.

You could spend a week here and still discover new corners worth investigating.

Proximity to Lesesne State Forest and Sherando Lake Recreation Area extends your adventure radius even further for day trips. Nature enthusiasts find themselves in paradise with endless opportunities for wildlife spotting, photography, and peaceful wandering.

Seasonal shifts transform the landscape dramatically. Winter blankets everything in white, spring explodes with wildflowers, summer offers lush green escapes from lowland heat, and fall paints the mountains in legendary Virginia color displays.

The resort thoughtfully spaces facilities across this vast property, creating distinct neighborhoods with unique personalities. Mountain Inn anchors the mountaintop village, while other clusters offer quieter, more secluded vibes.

Getting around requires either driving between areas or utilizing resort shuttles, which some guests appreciate for the changing scenery and others find slightly inconvenient. Either way, that expansive feeling beats crowded, cramped alternatives hands down.

Dining Options Beyond Ski Lodge Basics

Fueling up between adventures gets surprisingly sophisticated here. The Edge serves casual favorites with a twist, featuring seasonal appetizers and savory sandwiches that beat typical resort cafeteria fare by miles.

Their locally crafted beer and cider selection showcases Virginia’s thriving brewing scene, letting you taste regional flavors without leaving the mountain. The atmosphere stays relaxed and welcoming, perfect for families with hungry kids or groups unwinding after outdoor exertion.

The Copper Mine elevates things considerably, blending Old World culinary traditions with contemporary techniques for meals that feel special occasion-worthy. Think carefully prepared dishes that respect ingredients while pushing creative boundaries just enough to keep things interesting.

Terrace Café handles the grab-and-go crowd brilliantly, positioned perfectly for morning coffee runs and pastry pickups before hitting activities. Located near Mountain Inn’s staircase, it’s become a beloved ritual stop for regulars who appreciate quality caffeine without fuss.

Additional seasonal options rotate availability depending on visitor volume and time of year. Some reviewers note prices run higher than off-mountain alternatives, which makes sense given the captive audience and logistical challenges of mountain food service.

The resort even maintains its own gas station, surprisingly convenient for guests who’ve driven up and need to refuel vehicles or grab forgotten essentials. Smart planning means fewer reasons to leave once you’ve arrived and settled in.

Skiing For Those Who Actually Ski

While non-skiers dominate this article’s focus, the actual ski operations deserve recognition for quality execution. Slopes separate by difficulty level into distinct areas, letting beginners practice without dodging expert speedsters and vice versa.

Snowmaking technology compensates for Virginia’s sometimes-fickle winter weather, ensuring consistent coverage even when Mother Nature gets stingy with natural precipitation. Grooming crews work nightly to maintain smooth surfaces and repair wear from daily traffic.

Lift operations move efficiently on normal days, though holiday weekends predictably bring longer waits as crowds surge. Staff handle the volume professionally, keeping lines organized and lifts running safely despite the pressure.

Some reviewers warn that true beginners might find even green runs challenging, particularly early season when ice patches appear more frequently. The terrain suits intermediate and advanced skiers better than absolute first-timers still mastering basics.

Rental equipment and lessons are available, though costs run higher than some competing resorts in neighboring states. The trade-off comes in proximity for Virginia residents and the resort’s overall amenity package beyond just skiing.

Safety remains a concern mentioned in several reviews, with occasional incidents of out-of-control skiers and understaffed ski patrol during peak periods. The resort continues working on these issues, though visitors should maintain awareness and ski defensively regardless of location.

Year-Round Recreation Beyond Winter Sports

Winter gets the headlines, but Wintergreen operates twelve months annually with constantly rotating activity menus. Golf courses carved into mountainsides offer spectacular play for hackers and serious golfers alike, with elevation changes that make every hole memorable.

Tennis courts, swimming pools, and fitness facilities keep active types busy regardless of season. Zip-lining courses let adrenaline junkies soar through treetops, while archery ranges test precision and patience in equal measure.

The climbing wall challenges various skill levels, and children’s programs give parents precious breaks while kids stay entertained and supervised. Hiking trails explode with popularity during shoulder seasons when temperatures moderate and crowds thin out.

Summer transforms the property into a cool mountain refuge for lowland Virginians escaping sweltering heat and humidity. The elevation difference creates genuinely refreshing conditions compared to coastal or piedmont regions.

Fall foliage season might actually be the resort’s most visually stunning period, with hardwood forests erupting in reds, oranges, and golds that photograph like postcards. Leaf-peepers flock here for both the views and the comfortable lodging.

Spring brings wildflowers and renewed greenery, plus smaller crowds and often better pricing than peak winter or fall periods. Event spaces host weddings, corporate retreats, and family reunions, taking advantage of the scenic backdrop and comprehensive facilities.

This year-round operation means the resort maintains infrastructure and staff continuously rather than shuttering between seasons, generally improving service consistency and property upkeep.

Spa Services And Relaxation Options

Not every mountain visitor craves constant motion and adventure. The on-site spa caters brilliantly to folks who define vacation as deliberate deceleration and pampering rather than adrenaline spikes.

Treatment menus include massages targeting sore muscles from skiing or hiking, facials addressing winter skin damage, and various body treatments promoting relaxation and rejuvenation. Booking ahead is smart, especially during peak visitation periods when appointment slots fill quickly.

The spa environment itself promotes tranquility, designed to feel worlds away from the active buzz happening elsewhere on the property. Soft lighting, calming colors, and professional therapists create experiences worth the splurge for special occasions or well-deserved self-care.

Hot tubs scattered across the resort offer casual relaxation options, though some reviews mention maintenance issues and cleanliness concerns that the resort should address more consistently. When properly maintained, these facilities provide perfect après-ski or après-hike soaking opportunities.

Indoor pool areas give families with young children temperature-controlled swimming options regardless of outdoor conditions. The combination of spa luxury and family-friendly pool access covers a wide demographic range within single groups.

Fitness centers let health-conscious guests maintain workout routines even while vacationing, equipped with cardio machines, weights, and sometimes group classes. Some facilities show age and wear according to recent reviews, suggesting renovation investments might be overdue.

Overall, these amenities transform Wintergreen from pure activity resort into more comprehensive wellness destination capable of satisfying diverse vacation philosophies.

Pet-Friendly Policies Welcome Four-Legged Family

Leaving pets behind ruins vacations for devoted animal parents, which makes Wintergreen’s pet-friendly accommodations genuinely appreciated by a significant guest segment. Designated units welcome furry companions, letting families travel complete rather than scrambling for pet-sitters.

The expansive property provides excellent walking opportunities for dogs who need exercise and bathroom breaks. Trails and open spaces mean Fido gets mountain adventures too, not just confinement in a hotel room.

Policies and fees apply, naturally, covering cleaning and potential damage risks. Booking pet-friendly units requires advance planning since availability stays limited compared to standard accommodations.

Responsible pet ownership expectations include leashing, waste cleanup, and noise control so other guests aren’t disturbed. Most pet parents appreciate these reasonable guidelines that let everyone coexist peacefully.

The resort’s location near state forests and recreation areas extends dog-walking options even further for guests willing to drive short distances. Sherando Lake welcomes leashed pets on many trails, creating additional exploration opportunities.

Winter considerations include protecting paws from ice, salt, and cold temperatures during snowy periods. Summer heat requires shade awareness and hydration, though mountain elevations generally stay cooler than lowland Virginia regions.

Reviews from pet-owning guests generally praise the accommodation quality and outdoor access, though some mention wishing for designated off-leash areas or pet-specific amenities like washing stations. Still, the basic pet-welcome policy beats many resorts that ban animals entirely.

Meeting Spaces And Event Hosting Capabilities

Corporate retreats and special celebrations find ideal settings here, with indoor and outdoor event spaces accommodating groups from intimate gatherings to substantial conferences. The mountain backdrop automatically elevates any event’s visual appeal and memorable factor.

Wedding venues particularly shine, offering ceremony sites with natural beauty that minimizes decoration needs while maximizing photo opportunities. Couples appreciate having lodging, dining, and activities all contained within one property for multi-day celebration weekends.

Business groups benefit from the change-of-scenery effect that mountain settings provide, breaking people out of office mentality and encouraging fresh thinking. Meeting rooms come equipped with modern technology and business center support.

Team-building activities abound, from group ski lessons to zip-lining adventures that build camaraderie through shared challenges. The variety means planners can customize experiences matching group dynamics and objectives.

Catering services handle food and beverage needs for events, drawing from the resort’s restaurant operations and kitchen capabilities. Menu flexibility accommodates dietary restrictions and preferences within reasonable parameters.

Shoulder season pricing often makes events more budget-friendly compared to peak winter or fall foliage periods. Groups willing to schedule flexibly can capture significant value while still enjoying full property access and amenities.

Dedicated event coordinators guide planning processes, though some reviews suggest communication consistency could improve. Overall, the venue potential outweighs minor service hiccups for most groups seeking mountain settings over urban convention centers.

Accessibility And Location Considerations

Reaching Wintergreen requires navigating mountain roads that can challenge nervous drivers, particularly during winter weather conditions. The scenic route rewards with stunning views but demands attention and appropriate vehicle capabilities.

Distance from major population centers varies considerably. Virginia Beach residents face roughly three and a half hours of driving, while Richmond and Charlottesville sit closer.

Washington DC area travelers should budget similar time to coastal Virginia visitors.

The resort’s elevation means weather conditions can differ dramatically from departure points. Checking forecasts and road conditions before traveling prevents unpleasant surprises or dangerous driving situations.

Once arrived, getting around the sprawling property requires either personal vehicles or resort shuttles connecting different activity areas. Some guests find this inconvenient compared to compact resorts where everything sits within walking distance.

The relative remoteness creates both advantages and drawbacks. Isolation from urban distractions promotes relaxation and focus on resort amenities, but also means fewer off-property dining or entertainment alternatives nearby.

Cell service and internet connectivity generally work well thanks to infrastructure investments, keeping guests connected despite the mountain location. The on-site gas station provides crucial convenience for guests who’d otherwise need to descend the mountain for fuel.

Overall, Wintergreen succeeds as a destination resort where you arrive, settle in, and stay put rather than using it as a base for exploring surrounding areas. That model works perfectly for some travelers while frustrating others preferring more flexibility and variety.