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A winter getaway in Virginia has its own kind of magic: crisp mountain air, snow-covered slopes, cozy places to warm up, and family-friendly activities beyond the ski hill. You may be surprised by just how much Virginia mountain resorts offer. Skiing and snowboarding may bring you to the mountain, but they’re only part of the trip. 

If you're planning a Virginia mountain getaway, you might also be comparing ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú vs. Wintergreen. 

Both resorts offer skiing and snowboarding, snow tubing, mountain lodging, and dining. But no two mountain trips look exactly alike, and the right resort comes down to how you’d like to spend your time away.

We know ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú best, of course, but Wintergreen has long been part of Virginia’s mountain scene, too. If you’re deciding between the two, here’s how the experiences compare. 

ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú vs. Wintergreen at a Glance

Skiing and Snowboarding at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú and Wintergreen

Beyond the numbers, the two mountains offer different experiences once you're on them. Wintergreen's village and amenities sit near the top of the mountain, so guests start by skiing down. At ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, you start at the base, ride the lift up, and ski back down.

At ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, the base of the mountain is a lively gathering spot. You'll find instructors helping first-timers get comfortable on snow, families warming up around the firepits at Base Camp, and guests watching friends and family come down the slopes. It's a place where everyone can experience the energy of the mountain, whether they're skiing or not.

Planning a First Ski Trip?

Both ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú and Wintergreen offer instruction for first-time skiers and snowboarders. At ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, there's lots of space to find your footing. 

For new skiers and riders, ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú offers:

• Six runs classified as easiest terrain
• A dedicated Learning Area with four carpet lifts
• The Meadow, a wide, low-traffic area ideal for beginners to practice
• Private instruction and adult beginner lessons
• Theo's Cub Club, a group lesson program for ages 7–12 
• Kids 6 and under ski free

Wintergreen also offers beginner instruction, including private, group, family, and children's lesson options.

For first-timers at either resort, our advice is simple: take the lesson! A little instruction can make the first day on snow much more enjoyable, especially when you're traveling with littler ones. Booking ahead is also a great idea for popular weekends and holidays.

Snow Tubing: No Skis Required

Skiing isn't the only way to pick up some speed on the mountain. Both resorts offer snow tubing for guests looking for a different kind of downhill fun.

Wintergreen's The Plunge sends riders down a tubing hill stretching more than three football fields.

At ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, our Family Adventure Park's tubing hill spans 14 lanes and a 900-foot run, with a conveyor lift to carry you back up for more runs. After dark, Northern Lights Tubing adds neon lights and music for a different kind of ride.

Tubing can also be a great addition for families and groups with different comfort levels on the mountain. No ski lesson required.

What Can You Do Beyond the Slopes?

Wintergreen offers recreation beyond skiing and snowboarding, including tubing, Discovery Ridge Adventure Center, spa and aquatics experiences, hiking, and racquet sports.

At ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, winter doesn't have to mean spending every hour outside. Our year-round Indoor Waterpark is a favorite for families, and there's lots more to explore around the resort. 

• Take a spin around the outdoor ice rink
• Get creative with an arts and crafts class through ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Select
• Catch live music or check out seasonal events happening around the resort
• Trade snow boots for swimsuits at the year-round Indoor Waterpark
• Play a round in the Topgolf Swing Suites at Perfect Break
• Challenge your group to an escape room
• Ride Mountain Mayhem, our new mountain coaster next to the tubing hill
• Enjoy a winter horseback ride 
• Settle in for dinner after a day on the mountain

For groups with skiers and non-skiers, that flexibility can make planning a lot easier. Some can hit the slopes while others make a day of everything else the mountain has to offer. 

Which Virginia Mountain Resort Is Better for Families?

A family full of experienced skiers may build its weekend very differently from one introducing the kids to snow for the first time. Both resorts offer skiing, lessons, tubing, lodging, dining, and activities for families. The question is what your family wants the trip to include.

At ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, it's easy to mix things up. Start with ski lessons, spend an afternoon tubing, trade snow gear for swimsuits at the Indoor Waterpark the next day, and finish with dinner together.

That's one of our favorite things about winter here: there's more than one way to enjoy it.

Mass Tip: Use our Adventure Planner to choose your season, pace, and travel style, and get a custom itinerary built just for your trip. 

Lodging and Dining

Turning a mountain day into a weekend gives you more time to experience everything each resort has to offer.

ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú offers hotel accommodations and one- to four-bedroom condos across the resort. Depending on the accommodations you choose, features may include kitchens or partial kitchens, additional living space, fireplaces, and decks. 

Wintergreen offers condo accommodations and vacation homes in a range of sizes, including options for larger groups.

Both resorts also have dining on property. At ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, that ranges from casual favorites and pizza to BBQ, mountain dining, apres drinks, and quick bites between activities.

ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Tip: Traveling with a group? We offer adjacent condo bookings so everyone can stay close together. 

So, Is ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú or Wintergreen Better for Your Trip?

We hate to say "it depends," but it really does come down to what you want from your time in the mountains.

If skiing is your main priority, it's worth comparing terrain, lessons, lift access, and the overall mountain experience at both resorts. But if you're looking for a winter getaway with much to do on and off the slopes, ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú brings a lot together in one place.

We're proud of the welcoming atmosphere, the people who make each ski day possible, and the generations of families who have made winter getaways here a tradition.

Ready to see what winter looks like at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú?