Wintergreen Resort
Nelson County, Virginia
Armed with one of the world’s most sophisticated snowmaking systems, Wintergreen Resort officials announced today it would begin snowmaking operations tomorrow (Friday, Nov. 14) – the earliest start date ever at the property and nine days earlier than last year when the resort experienced a banner season. Located in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains 45 miles southwest of Charlottesville, the resort also announced the mountain plans to open for the winter season on Thanksgiving weekend, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 29-30.
“The colder than normal conditions in the forecast are perfect for snowmaking,” said Hank Thiess, general manager, Wintergreen Resort. “The water tank is full, winter is coming fast, and we’re ready to go!”
Thiess added the resort is expecting “stellar conditions” beginning from the outset when many trails, lifts as well as the tubing park, The Plunge, will be operating. For Thanksgiving weekend (Saturday and Sunday only) and the following weekend (Dec. 6-7), the mountain will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The normal seven-day operating schedule, including night skiing Tuesdays through Saturdays, will start Saturday, Dec. 13.
Wintergreen Resort’s state-of-the-art “SnowPower” snowmaking system, featuring more than 400 snowguns and 45 weather stations, will be producing snow at up to 8,000 gallons per minute. The result, Thiess said, will be optimal, gold standard surfaces – hailed by skiers and snowboarders alike – with a uniformity of depth and consistency from top to bottom.
With 24 slopes on 130 skiable acres for skiers and snowboarders, the resort features the region’s most extensive beginner-to-expert terrain, with 23 percent beginner, 35 percent intermediate and 42 percent expert. Fourteen slopes are lighted for night skiing, while the resort’s longest run is 1.4 miles.
Lift tickets range from $30 to $53 weekdays, and $30 to $75 weekends. In addition, the resort offers an array of ski or snowboard lessons for all ages and ability levels. For the upcoming season, the resort has overhauled its stock of rental equipment, so there is a wide selection of new boots, skis, snowboards, and helmets available to both adults and kids. Lift tickets discounts for November 29-30 and early season will be determined at a later date.
Accommodations at Wintergreen Resort are ideal for families during the winter as they include 230 villa-style condominiums and rental homes, from studio suites to seven-bedroom homes, each offering a fully equipped kitchen and a comfortable living area, most with fireplaces and a balcony or deck.
For additional information about Wintergreen Resort, visit www.wintergreenresort.com or call (434) 325-2200. For current mountain conditions and the most up-to-date winter information, visit the resort’s Mountain Message blog.
