West Virginia, Usa · Ikon
Snowshoe
61 runs, 1,502ft vertical, 257 acres in West Virginia's Alleghenies. Ikon Pass, summit village layout.
Season 2025 - 2026
Opens
28 Nov 2025
Closes
13 Apr 2026
Days open
136
Annual snow
15ft
The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Snowshoe's summit reaches 4,848 feet, dropping 1,502 vertical feet to a base at 3,346 feet across 61 runs spread over 257 acres in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia. Terrain splits 38 per cent beginner, 30 per cent advanced, 24 per cent intermediate and 8 per cent expert. Average annual snowfall reaches roughly 180 inches, high for the Mid-Atlantic region. The resort operates on the Ikon Pass under Alterra Mountain Company ownership.
Snowshoe's defining feature is its Village, built near the summit rather than at the mountain's base, an unusual layout among North American resorts. Shuttle buses connect the summit village to the base lodge, roughly six miles and a 15-minute drive away. The 1,502-foot vertical drop and 180-inch average snowfall make Snowshoe the largest and snowiest resort in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. Twelve lifts serve the 61-run network across the mountain.
The site was logged from around 1905 to 1960 before being abandoned, until dentist and ski area developer Thomas 'Doc' Brigham, who had previously built North Carolina's Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain, identified it as a resort site. Snowshoe opened to skiing on 13 December 1974. Tokyo Tower Development Company, a Japanese leisure developer, bought the resort in 1990, selling it to Canadian operator Intrawest in 1995. Intrawest was acquired in 2017 by a joint venture of KSL Capital Partners and Henry Crown and Company, forming Alterra Mountain Company, Snowshoe's current owner and the operator of the Ikon Pass.
Ikon Pass holders receive access to Snowshoe alongside dozens of other Alterra-owned and partner resorts worldwide. Adult day tickets range from 89 to 125 US dollars depending on date, with multi-day and lodging package options also available. The resort suits Mid-Atlantic and Southeast skiers seeking the region's largest terrain and highest snowfall, without needing to travel to the Rockies or New England. Its summit-village layout gives it a distinctly different feel from base-village resorts elsewhere on the Ikon network.
1,503ft
Vertical
61
Runs
257 acres
Skiable
15ft
Annual snow
Ikon
Pass
The Terrain
61 runs across 257 acres skiable
Snowshoe spreads 61 runs across 257 acres skiable of terrain. It leans beginner at 38%, with 23 beginner runs to find your feet and 23 advanced or expert runs when you want to push.
Terrain split
61
runs
61 runs across 4 grades
Beginner23 runs · 38%
Intermediate15 runs · 24%
Advanced18 runs · 30%
Expert5 runs · 8%
Time it right
When to visit Snowshoe
The 2025-26 season at Snowshoe ran from 28 November 2025 to 13 April 2026, a roughly nineteen-week window, long for a Mid-Atlantic resort. The mountain's relatively high summit elevation of 4,848 feet for the region supports an extended season compared with lower Appalachian ski areas. Season dates can shift based on early and late-season snowfall and snowmaking capacity. This length places Snowshoe among the longer operating Mid-Atlantic seasons.
Average annual snowfall of roughly 180 inches is exceptional for the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, a result of Snowshoe's high elevation within the Allegheny Mountains catching more snow than surrounding lower terrain. This natural snowfall advantage, combined with extensive snowmaking, gives Snowshoe more reliable conditions than most regional competitors. Base depth builds through midwinter, supported by both natural accumulation and machine-made snow. The mountain's position makes it something of a snow island relative to the broader Mid-Atlantic region.
January and February typically bring the most reliable natural and machine-made conditions, consistent with the broader Appalachian storm pattern. Holiday periods from Christmas through New Year bring the heaviest crowds given Snowshoe's role as the region's premier destination. March offers a balance of strong snow totals and improving weather, extending into the mid-April close. Weekday visits are generally quieter than weekends throughout the season.
Snowshoe's summit-village setting supports a range of on-mountain dining and lodging options through the season, distinct from base-village resorts elsewhere. As part of Alterra's Ikon Pass network, specific event programming ties into the broader Ikon calendar alongside local operations. The resort's Mid-Atlantic and Southeast draw means it functions as a true multi-day destination rather than a day-trip hill. Its scale and snowfall keep it distinct from smaller regional competitors throughout the season.
Season 2025 - 2026
28 Nov 2025
Opens
13 Apr 2026
Closes
136
Days open
15 ft
Annual snow
Getting there
Getting to Snowshoe, and where to stay
Snowshoe sits in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia, with a base elevation of 3,346 feet and a summit at 4,848 feet across a 1,502-foot vertical drop over 257 acres. The resort's Village sits close to the summit rather than the base, an unusual layout among North American ski areas. This is Pocahontas County, a rural, mountainous part of eastern West Virginia. The surrounding Monongahela National Forest adds to the area's remote, forested character.
There is no substantial town immediately adjacent to Snowshoe; the resort itself functions as the area's primary settlement, with the small community of Snowshoe, West Virginia, centred on the resort. Slatyfork and Marlinton are the nearest towns of any size, providing additional services beyond the resort itself. The broader region carries a rural Appalachian character rather than a ski-town identity. Charleston and other West Virginia cities lie a considerable drive away.
West Virginia state routes provide the main access to Snowshoe, climbing into the Allegheny Mountains from the surrounding lowlands. The drive from Charleston takes roughly three hours, while Washington DC is around four hours away, making Snowshoe accessible to a large Mid-Atlantic population. Winter driving on the mountain approach roads can include snowpack and ice, standard for a high-elevation Appalachian route. No public transport service reaches the resort, making a car necessary for access.
Yeager Airport in Charleston, West Virginia, is a regional option, though many visitors fly into Washington Dulles International Airport, roughly four hours away, given the larger range of flights available there. Pittsburgh International Airport in Pennsylvania offers another regional alternative. No rail service reaches Snowshoe directly. Most visitors drive from the Washington DC, Pittsburgh or Charlotte metropolitan areas rather than flying into a small regional airport near the resort.
Where to stay
Search all stays →Hotels and lodges near Snowshoe, powered by Stay22.
Latest News
From the SnowStash desk
Sundance Mountain Resort Is Getting a New High-Speed Quad and More Back Mountain Terrain This Winter
Sundance Mountain Resort's back mountain is finally getting a proper lift. The Electric Horseman Express opens for 2026-27, unlocking a new bowl next to Bishop's Bowl and three expert gladed chutes across roughly 105 fresh acres - on top of the Storyteller ridge run that debuted in preview form last season. It's Sundance's biggest expansion since 1985, and it turns a three-lift slog into a single six-minute ride to Bearclaw Summit.
19 Aug 2026
Nassfeld Invests €13 Million in New 6-Seater Chairlift for 2026/27 Season
Nassfeld is putting €13 million into a new 6-seater chairlift, the Tressdorfer Almbahn, connecting Sonnleitn with the Tressdorfer Alm from December 2026. It replaces three ageing drag lifts and will run through summer too, from June 2027, moving up to 2,500 people an hour on the roughly three-minute ride. It's the latest step in Carinthia's largest ski resort building out a genuine year-round offering, following last year's Gartnerkofelbahn gondola.
17 Aug 2026
Stelvio Glacier Suspends Summer Skiing, Leaving Continental Europe Without a Lift-Served Slope
Italy's Stelvio Glacier has pulled the plug on summer skiing from August 15. It was the last lift-served ski option left standing in continental Europe, and now there's none. Operator SIFAS pointed to persistent heat, storms, and a snowpack that simply wasn't refreezing overnight anymore. The cable car keeps running. Whether skiing comes back later this summer depends on the weather turning - and right now, nobody's promising anything.
15 Aug 2026
Maverick Mountain's Only Chairlift Destroyed as Sand Creek Fire Tears Through Montana Ski Area
Firefighters saved every base building at Maverick Mountain, Montana, but the resort's sole chairlift didn't survive the Sand Creek Fire. Owners Erik and Kristi Borge say the lift is "most likely" out for the 2026/27 season after flames tore through the mountain on August 8. The wildfire has since grown past 27,700 acres with zero percent containment. It's a gutting result for the tiny, one-lift operation near Dillon - though the lodge, groomers and equipment all made it through untouched.
15 Aug 2026
Fairmont Niseko: New Luxury Resort Revives Stalled La Plume Site for Early 2028 Opening
Fairmont is bringing its second Japanese property to Niseko, and this one's got history. The 165-room resort will rise on the site of the stalled La Plume project, which collapsed into bankruptcy in 2025 before J-Will Partners bought the site for redevelopment. Set between Mount Yotei and Mount Annupuri, it's slated for an early 2028 opening - putting it in play for the 2027/28 season. Expect two restaurants, a spa, onsen bathing, and a kids' club, a short drive from Niseko Village and Hirafu.
12 Aug 2026
Saas-Fee Closes Its Glacier to Summer Skiing as Heat Wave Drags On
Saas-Fee is closing its glacier to summer skiing from Monday, August 10 - the second major Swiss resort to shut in under two weeks after Zermatt suspended operations on August 1. Persistent heat and warm nights that won't let the glacier refreeze are behind the call, per Saastal Bergbahnen. That leaves Italy's Stelvio as the only glacier ski area open in the Alps. Reopening could come as early as August 17, though nothing's confirmed - and racing teams are already looking south instead.
8 Aug 2026
Silvretta Montafon Plans New 10-Person Gondola to Replace Ageing Hochjoch Lift
Silvretta Montafon wants to retire one of its most distinctive lifts. The plan: a single 10-person gondola running direct from Schruns to 1,870 metres, replacing both the two-stage Hochjoch cable car and the 1985 Kropfen chairlift in one move. Capacity jumps from 620 to 3,000 people an hour, and the mid-station transfer disappears entirely. The public hearing lands August 27, 2026 - construction hasn't been confirmed yet, though lift databases are pointing to 2027.
5 Aug 2026
Ski Pass on Your Smartphone: Dolomiti Superski's Plans for the Next Three Years
Dolomiti Superski's general assembly has unanimously re-elected Andy Varallo for a third consecutive term, running through 2029. Alongside the leadership renewal comes a bigger shift: a Smartpass that puts your ski pass on your smartphone, more AI in guest services, and an expanded Dolomiti Supersummer program. The 46-year-old Alta Badia cable car entrepreneur says the region's marketing is moving beyond skiing alone, toward positioning the Dolomites as a year-round destination.
4 Aug 2026
Lift tickets
Ikon11 pass options
Single-day passes
Adult 18–64
Adult Full Day
US$89up to US$125 peak
Full day access to Snowshoe Mountain Resort with 61 slopes and 14 lifts. West Virginia's premier ski destination offers the best skiing and snowboarding in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Buy passYouth 13–17
Youth Full Day
US$79up to US$110 peak
Youth daily ticket for Snowshoe Mountain in West Virginia. Experience Mid-Atlantic skiing with varied terrain and excellent snow conditions near Washington DC.
Buy passChild 7–12
Child Full Day
US$69up to US$95 peak
Children's lift ticket at Snowshoe Mountain Resort. Family-friendly West Virginia skiing with beginner terrain and excellent ski school programs in the Allegheny Mountains.
Buy passChild 0–6
Child (6 & Under)
Free
Free skiing for children 6 and under at Snowshoe Mountain. West Virginia's largest ski resort welcomes families with convenient access from the Mid-Atlantic region.
Buy passSenior 65–99
Senior Full Day
US$79up to US$110 peak
Senior lift ticket for Snowshoe Mountain Resort. Discounted access to West Virginia's premier skiing with 61 slopes across two mountain areas in the Allegheny Mountains.
Buy passAdult 18–64
Freedom Lift Ticket
US$105up to US$140 peak
Freedom ticket provides access to both Snowshoe and Silver Creek areas during the day plus night skiing at Silver Creek. Best value for full mountain access.
Buy passAdult 18–64
Lodging Package Deal
US$67up to US$94 peak
Package lift tickets with Snowshoe Mountain lodging for up to 25% off daily ticket rates. Includes access to Snowshoe Mountain Hotel amenities and on-mountain dining.
Buy passHalf-day passes
Adult 18–64
Half Day
US$69up to US$95 peak
Half day skiing at Snowshoe Mountain starting in the afternoon. Perfect for shorter visits to West Virginia's largest ski resort with access to both resort areas.
Buy passAdult 18–64
Night Skiing
US$45up to US$65 peak
Night skiing at Silver Creek area of Snowshoe Mountain. West Virginia's premier night skiing experience with lighted slopes and terrain park features.
Buy passMulti-day passes
Adult 18–64
Multi-Day (3-Day)
US$225up to US$315 peak
Three-day lift ticket package at Snowshoe Mountain with savings over daily rates. Perfect for extended West Virginia ski vacations in the Allegheny Mountains.
Buy passSeason passes
Adult 18–64
Unlimited Season Pass
US$899
Unlimited access to Snowshoe Mountain all season with no blackout dates. Includes retail discounts, lodging benefits, and access to partner resort discounts.
Buy passSnowshoe lift tickets & passes
The 2025 - 2026 season at Snowshoe closed on Apr 13, 2026. Check back for next season's opening date and ticket pricing.
Day passes start from US$45, with peak rates up to US$140.
Lift tickets FAQ
How much does a Snowshoe day pass cost?
Snowshoe day passes range from US$45 to US$140 depending on the date and advance booking.
Can I buy Snowshoe lift tickets online?
Yes, you can purchase tickets directly from the resort website or at the resort ticket office.
Are there discounts for multi-day passes?
Yes, multi-day packages typically offer significant savings compared to individual day passes. The per-day cost decreases with longer stays.
What is included with a Snowshoe lift ticket?
Full access to all lifts and trails at Snowshoe, including mountain safety and patrol services.
What is the difference between Snowshoe lift tickets and ski passes?
"Lift tickets" and "ski passes" refer to the same thing at Snowshoe - your access to the mountain's lifts and trails for your chosen duration.
When should I buy Snowshoe lift tickets for the best price?
Purchase tickets at least 7 days in advance for the best rates, and consider weekday visits for further savings over weekend rates.
Does Snowshoe offer group discounts on lift tickets?
Group discounts are typically available for parties of 10 or more. Contact Snowshoe directly for group booking information and rates.
How can I check current conditions before buying tickets?
Before purchasing, check the live snow report and mountain webcams to see current weather, snow conditions, and lift operations at Snowshoe.
More Snowshoe intelligence: snow report, webcams, resort overview.