Visit Virginia's Mountain Resorts This Winter

Virginia's four mountain resorts, Massanutten, Wintergreen, The Homestead and Bryce, offer families the chance to completely connect on a winter vacation in Virginia. New programs, packages and special celebrations are just a few of the offerings that make Virginia an ideal place for families looking to hit the slopes together to learn how to ski this winter. Find highlights below, with more information available at www.Virginia.org/winter.

Celebrate 40 Years of Winter Fun at Massanutten Resort

Massanutten Resort is a four season resort located on more than 5500 acres near Harrisonburg. The resort features 70 skiable acres encompassing 12 ski slopes, two terrain parks, 12 lanes of winter tubing and extensive lesson programs. The resort also has an indoor/outdoor WaterPark.

The upcoming ski season marks the 40th anniversary of the ski area. To celebrate, Massanutten installed a new ice skating rink and prepared anniversary activities, specials, giveaways and events. The Ski Area Birthday Bash will take place on February 10, 2012 in the Ski Lodge with birthday cake and a 40th anniversary DVD and slideshow. During the birthday bash, the resort is showing its appreciation to any past Massanutten season pass holders by giving them a free four-hour slope-use ticket. And, anyone with a birthday on February 10th gets a free eight-hour slope-use ticket on February 10. The resort is also having a photo contest and asking folks to submit photos from past ski trips at Massanutten to be used in their 40th anniversary slideshow. The best photo wins a six-night stay with four extended day slope-use tickets.

On certain dates from now until the end of the ski season on March 1st, the resort is offering a 40th Anniversary Lodging Package that includes two eight-hour slope-use tickets and two nights in a one bedroom condo for $400. Also, as part of Learn to Ski Month, receive one four-hour Pathway Program for $40 on January 8th. Or, take advantage of the Four Hours for $40 deal and receive a four-hour slope-use ticket and rentals for only $40 on specified dates.
Hit the Slopes as a Family at Wintergreen Resort

Wintergreen Resort is one of the Mid-Atlantic's premier ski areas and a favorite for families that hit the slopes together. The resort is located adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway near Charlottesville and features the region's most extensive terrain, with ample slopes for beginners, intermediates and experts alike. The Plunge, Wintergreen's snowtubing park where riders can reach speeds of 30 miles per hour, Shamokin Ice rink, which debuted last winter, and a variety of indoor activities add to the winter recreational offerings.

Get On Board Virginia is a new program this year where guests sign up on the website and receive a coupon for lift ticket (limited area), rentals and group lesson for $49. A bounce back offer for a repeat visit is included.

For 2011-12 the resort's Winter Escape Package starts at $69 per person per night and includes lodging and a full (8-hour session) lift ticket, unlimited use of the Aquatics and Fitness Center and mountain shuttle access. The winter escape package is available daily through the entire season with rates varying depending on the date of stay.

The Homestead A Winter Wonderland

Southern charm and luxury have been staples at The Homestead since 1766. One of America's oldest resorts, The Homestead offers history and hospitality in a 3,000-acre setting in the Allegheny Mountains of southwestern Virginia. This historic resort is set to kick off the winter season with a whirlwind of activities at great package rates.

For families looking to hit the slopes, The Homestead ski area opens December 17 with 45 acres of well-maintained trails for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. And, new thi