Winter is here which means it’s time to hit the slopes! We recently had the chance to check out Winterplace in Ghent, West Virginia. It was an ideal spot for beginners as well as more experienced skiers.
We started the day off with private ski lessons for the first two hours of the day. We had a great instructor who was very patient even with the rainy conditions. Once we had our lessons we decided to go a step up after several runs and the kids loved it.
Our family had the best time at Winterplace. It is the most accessible and affordable ski resort in the Southeast. It’s perfect for beginners learning the ropes and seasoned skiers to level up. With over 90 skiable acres, 100% snowmaking, 27 trails, terrain parks, and 10 lifts, there’s something for everyone.
Winterplace is also home to West Virginia’s largest snow tubing with 14 lanes of pure fun! No wonder it earned top honors in the 2025 USA TODAY 10BEST awards for Best Ski School and Best Snow Tubing. A perfect winter getaway from December through March! From Knoxville it is only a 3.5 hour drive so very accessible for us East Tennesseans.
Winterplace does not have lodging accomodations on site, but there are plenty of places to stay nearby. We stayed at The Resort at Glade Springs, and it didn’t disappoint. It has a huge leisure center where you can go bowling, play laser tag, have fun at the arcade, play basketball, ping pong, or tennis. They also have a movie theater to watch movies, an indoor pool, and their very own escape rooms.
Winterplace also offers some great programs and deals during the winter season!
SPECIAL SKI & BOARD PROGRAMS
Winterplace 4-Week Club Program
Winterplace Ski Resort is offering groups an affordable way to hit the slopes this season with its 4-Week Club Program. Designed for groups of 15 or more, the program includes four evening visits to the mountain with lift tickets, ski or snowboard rentals, and an optional 90-minute group lesson on the first visit — all for $170 plus tax per participant. Perfect for schools, youth clubs, and organizations, the program combines skill-building, camaraderie, and fun, making it easy to plan a memorable winter experience. New this year, smaller groups can take advantage of the Night Tracks 4-Pack Lift, a flexible lift and rental bundle. Ideal for fans of the Club Program who don’t have 15 participants, the bundle provides four evening lift tickets and rentals, usable any night the resort is open (excluding Saturdays) during the 2025/2026 season. For reservations and more information, visit, https://winterplace.com/tickets-passes/club-program.
“SkiWee” & “Snow Explorer” Children’s Program (Ages 5-12)
Winterplace “SkiWee” and “Snow Explorer” Children’s Program is designed for kids ages five to 12. Priced at $135 per session if booked online in advance, each program includes an area ticket, ski or snowboard equipment rental, helmet and on-snow instruction. Families can choose either a morning (9 a.m. – 12 p.m. or afternoon (1 p.m. – 4 p.m.) session. The program combines the fun of discovery and the excitement of mastering new skills, all in a safe environment. Children are led by skilled Winterplace instructors. The Program is offered through March 2026. To book online, visit, https://www.winterplace.com/tickets/skiwee-and-snow-explorers/.
Winterplace Development Race Team (Ages 6-14)
Junior skiers with a need for speed and interest in some friendly competition can join the Winterplace Development Race Team. Designed for beginner to intermediate skiers ages 6-14, it concentrates on building basic skill development with a focus on entry level racing. It is taught in a fun and active manner by instructors with an expertise in junior ski teaching. The program goal is to develop better skiing skills in an atmosphere of friendship and camaraderie. Practice times take place on Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information, visit, https://www.winterplace.com/development-race-team.
JANUARY SKI & BOARD EVENTS
Friday Night Gates
Friday, January 23 and 30 Races, 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Every Friday night at 6 p.m., Winterplace Ski Resort is turning up the excitement with Friday Night Gates, a race league for skiers and snowboarders ages 18 and up. The series begins with optional clinics on January 2 and January 9, giving participants a chance to sharpen their skills before racing officially kicks-off on January 16. Designed for riders who enjoy friendly competition and après-worthy bragging rights, the weekly events feature head-to-head racing on a rotating slope under the lights. Participants can choose to purchase a league pass for the full series or register on a per-race basis. Top finishers each week will earn prizes and accumulate World Cup Points toward the season standings, with every run counting toward the ultimate goal. At the end of the series, the competitor with the most points will be crowned the Friday Night Gates Grand Champion, receiving the grand prize and permanent recognition on the mountain. Friday Night Gates delivers high-energy racing, community vibes, and a fresh way to experience Winterplace after dark.
Throwdown Thursdays
Thursday, January 22 and 29, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
First-timers to seasoned pros are encouraged to meet up for the resort’s weekly “Throwdown Thursday” park sessions. It’s a great opportunity for freestylers to learn new techniques and build confidence with the park features in a fun and social atmosphere.
In addition to the ski and board events, Winterplace has a full calendar of events taking place all season long, For more information and a full calendar, visit, https://www.winterplace.com/calendar.
As mostly first time skiers and one more experienced skier, this was a great experience for the whole family. Don’t miss out on this winter fun be sure to book at trip to Winterplace soon!
