The snowmaking team was able to resume snowmaking last night and the slopes are starting to be covered in a blanket of snow. The team will be on standby with promising temperatures in our 10-day forecast. SNOWPOWER, our fully automated snowmaking system, takes advantage of every opportunity when temperatures permit. Over the summer, 16 of the world’s most advanced fan guns were added as well as improvements to the overall system allowing for maximum efficiency and better precision. The mountain will be a winter wonderland before you know it. Keep an eye on our website and social media for updates on opening day as snowmaking progresses over the next 10 days.
I say try it. When it is fully open and bluebird on a weekday it is terific. Weekends are a zoo with those from Richmond, Norfolk, and DC. The highlands express lift is 1k vertical of 'black diamond' runs that can be a lot of fun and the Acorn lift is good for change of pace where Tryo is a great blue run for chasing your kids. On the downside, it's on the wrong side of the Blue Ridge and gets minimal natural snow and the resort is a total condo jungle. Generally, the rule is don't drive south to ski.
wfyurasko wrote:
I've never been to Wintergreen, but I'm willing to try it. How does it compare with other ski areas within 3 hours of Alexandria/DC? I've skied Massanutten, CV, pre-perfect T-Line and Blue Knob. I ski 1-3 times most winters. I'm usually on blues and some blacks.
wfyurasko wrote:
I've never been to Wintergreen, but I'm willing to try it. How does it compare with other ski areas within 3 hours of Alexandria/DC? I've skied Massanutten, CV, pre-perfect T-Line and Blue Knob. I ski 1-3 times most winters. I'm usually on blues and some blacks.
The advantage of Wintergreen over Massanutten is that the Highlands has a high-speed lift for black trails only. These trails aren't nearly as steep as the blacks at Timberline. The disadvantage is that there are no lights there and you have to ride another lift to get back to a parking lot. On weekends, the line for the other lift can take 15-20 min even in the late afternoon. From a driving standpoint, note that Wintergreen's "base" is at the top of the mountain so mountain driving is required. A lot less than driving in WV though.
Personally, from DC I would drive to Timberline instead of Wintergreen. But keep in mind I drive past Wintergreen to ski at Massanutten. For either Tline or Wintergreen, Sunday is much better than Saturday. There is a reason that non-property owners can't get a season pass for Wintergreen that includes Saturdays 9am-4pm.
While Wintergreen has a lot of snowguns and a 5 million gallon water tank, in recent years they have run into water supply constraints when daytime snowmaking could be possible for 3-4 days in a row. That can mean it takes a bit longer than you might expect to build a base that can withstand the inevitable warm days in Jan and/or Feb.
oldensign wrote:
I could see snow making on the cams this morning. Hoping for some holiday boarding:)!!
Update from the website:
Wednesday, December 14, 2022
Snowmaking Update
The snowmaking team was able to resume snowmaking last night and the slopes are starting to be covered in a blanket of snow. The team will be on standby with promising temperatures in our 10-day forecast. SNOWPOWER, our fully automated snowmaking system, takes advantage of every opportunity when temperatures permit. Over the summer, 16 of the world’s most advanced fan guns were added as well as improvements to the overall system allowing for maximum efficiency and better precision. The mountain will be a winter wonderland before you know it. Keep an eye on our website and social media for updates on opening day as snowmaking progresses over the next 10 days.
Anyone know what trails are open for night skiing (when they are open for that)?
Tried to figure it out on the website...but like all things Wintergreen it was confusing.
I generally check the Wintergreen Mountain Blog for updates about what's open or anticipated openings.
rusty wrote:
“Have gotten a few different answers so thought I would ask here. Does anyone know if you can uphill travel at wintergreen?”
Uphill is available at Silver Creek (Snowshoe). $20 a day or $75 for the season. Open till 9:00 nightly & you can access non lighted runs with a headlamp.
Ok that's pretty cool
Shotmaker wrote:
Open till 9:00 nightly & you can access non lighted runs with a headlamp.
Wintergreen was nice today. The Highlands is open but only one trail. Good coverage on what is open but nothing on what is not. Looks like they tried on a few spots and gave up.
Of course, mid-week skiing is always nice. I find Wintergreen unwelcoming and a zoo on the weekend.
Join the conversation by logging in.
Don't have an account? Create one here.
