You're 50 feet above ground, soaring down a 900-foot drop going 40mph... and this is OK? Where are you? Probably at Wintergreen Resort (Route 664, Wintergreen, Va), flying down the mountain zip line.
Located in central Virginia about three hours from D.C., Wintergreen Resort sits on 11,000 wooded acres on the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The resort is open year-round, offering luxuries and amenities galore.
With Christmas around the corner, consider wintry fun at the resort's Blue Ridge Mountain Christmas. From Dec. 23 to Dec. 31, enjoy story readings, Santa on the slopes, Christmas dinners, broomball and much more. You'll need the perfect hotel package for all those holiday celebrations though -- try either the Stay, Learn and Ski package or the Ski and Tee package.
The Stay, Learn and Ski package is a overnight ski package where you can exchange your lift ticket for a $25 credit toward any Ski or Ride program. The Ski and Tee package allows you take your same-day lift ticket down the valley to Stoney Creek Golf Course and hit the course for free (cart fee not included).
Worth the Trip
Something new this season is the Get on Board program ($49). All the non skiers/snowboarders in your group get a lift ticket, rental equipment and a 75-minute group lesson with hopes to become better skiers and snowboarders. It's a pretty good deal, considering the normal going rate is $125.
Moving on: The word "tubular" is a grossly underused word -- but it's a great word to describe the Plunge Snow Tubing Park at the resort. Whether you're going down alone or you want to hook tubes together to glide down the hill, this is one of the resort's fastest growing activities. Book in advance because they sell out quickly!
If you prefer to not shoot down a mountain, consider staying on level (but slippery) ground. The Shamokin ice pond is located in the heart of the mountain village. A 90-minute session is $11; skate rental is $3.
Kids can check out Ridgely's Fun Park. In the winter, the park has a mini-tubing carousel, tunnels and a gentle hill for tubing. In a teepee, they can bundle up and make s'mores and you may just see the mascot, Ridgely the Bear. He makes frequent stops. The kids' park is open weekends and holidays only.
