The 6 Best Ski Resorts Near Washington, D.C.

1. Snowshoe Mountain Resort, West Virginia

• Distance From Washington, D.C.: 221 miles (4 hours, 15 minutes drive)
• Vertical: 1,500 feet
• Number of Trails: 56

The best ski resort near Washington, D.C. also happens to be the furthest from D.C. featured on this list and the region's largest. Snowshoe Mountain Resort is an anomaly for the American Southeast. The resort stands tall, with an impressive 1,500 feet of steep vertical terrain in its Western Territory and over 150 inches of annual snowfall.

The drive to Snowshoe is worth it if you're looking for a long weekend or extended vacation getaway. The resort has ample accommodations in its base village (which is actually located at the top of the ski area) and plenty to do off the hill.

2. Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Pennsylvania

• Distance From Washington, D.C.: 191 miles (4 hours drive)
• Vertical: 704 feet
• Number of Trails: 33

The former home of freeskiing great Tom Wallisch, Seven Springs Mountain Resort has developed quite a reputation for itself. The ski area is known for having one of the best terrain park setups anywhere in the country and for its rather large footprint.

Seven Springs boasts an impressive 135 inches of annual snowfall, 10 lifts, and seven terrain parks and has nearly 100% of its trails lit for night skiing. The mountain also has more than 400 slopeside rooms to make your weekend getaway easy.

3. Wisp, Maryland

• Distance From Washington, D.C.: 187 miles (3 hours, 15 minutes drive)
• Vertical: 700 feet
• Number of Trails: 33

Wisp is a four-season resort located on Deep Creek Lake in western Maryland. As Maryland's only ski resort, the mountain is a popular destination for vacation and day trippers alike.

Wisp isn't as big as Seven Springs or Snowshoe, but feels larger thanks to descents on three aspects of the mountain. The mountain is known for attracting deep snowfall totals thanks to its high elevation, so be prepared to test your mettle in the glades and steeps like 'Squirrel Cage,' 'Devil's Drop,' and 'Eye Opener.'

4. Whitetail Resort, Pennsylvania

• Distance From Washington, D.C.: 85 miles (2 hours drive)
• Vertical: 935 feet
• Number of Trails: 23

Whitetail is one of the closest ski resorts to Washington, D.C., making post-work evenings and weekend day trips possible. The mountain boasts an impressive near-1,000' vertical and offers night skiing on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights weekly.

Whitetail is owned by Vail Resorts, the purveyors of the ever-popular Epic Pass. If you plan on visiting Whitetail a few times this season, consider buying an Epic Pass to access the mountain. Use it as much as you want, and then book a trip to one of Vail's Colorado, Vermont, or Utah world-class ski resorts.

5. Timberline Mountain, West Virginia

• Distance From Washington, D.C.: 178 miles (3 hours drive)
• Vertical: 1,000 feet
• Number of Trails: 22

Timberline Mountain is a gem located in the tall Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia. The resort has undergone extensive upgrades in recent seasons, including a new high-speed six-person chairlift that runs from the base to the summit.

The resort has a slopeside hotel and night skiing on the lower half of the mountain for skiers looking to make the most of their trip. If you're looking to explore somewhere a bit off the beaten path, consider taking the extra drive out to Timberline.

6. Liberty Mountain Resort, Pennsylvania

• Distance From Washington, D.C.: 73 miles (1 hour drive)
• Vertical: 620 feet
• Number of Trails: 16

Liberty Mountain Resort is the closest ski resort to Washington, D.C., at just over an hour's drive from the city center. Also owned by Vail Resorts, avid skiers should consider purchasing an Epic Pass to access Liberty on a weekly basis and a larger destination resort for a big trip.

The mountain has 100% of its terrain lit with night skiing starting after 3 p.m. on a daily basis throughout the season. Liberty offers daily lessons for skiers looking to improve and snow tubing for those looking for other thrills.

With its close proximity to D.C., Liberty is the perfect close getaway or evening excursion when the slopes are calling your name.

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