GHENT, W.Va. (WVDN) – Winterplace, home to West Virginia’s largest snow tubing park, invites families and outdoor sports enthusiasts to start the New Year with healthy fun on the slopes. This season, guests can look forward to flexible ski and snowboard programs for all ages and weekly ski events, featuring opportunities for skill-building, friendly competition, and active winter recreation.
“Winter is the perfect time to get outside and stay active while making lasting memories with family and friends,” said Josh Faber, General Manager at Winterplace. “Whether you’re learning to ski or snowboard for the first time, tubing with the kids, or testing new skills in our terrain parks, Winterplace offers something for every age and skill level.”
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 news 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 2, 9 Race Clinics, 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Friday, January 16, 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.
Heaven Holler Rail Jam #1
Sunday, January 4, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Winterplace Ski Resort will host a Freestyle Rail Jam on Sunday, January 4, bringing riders together for a high-energy, laid-back competition in the Heaven Holler Terrain Park. Open to skiers and snowboarders of all ages and ability levels, the event features a nonstop rail jam format with no heats, allowing participants to drop in and ride at their own pace. Categories will be determined based on participation, with one winner per category. Registration will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the main resort, with practice laps running from 1 to 2 p.m. The event kicks off at 2 p.m. and continues until completion, followed by awards. A valid lift ticket is required to compete, and participants under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian present. Spectators are encouraged to attend and enjoy the action from the terrain park or nearby viewing areas. Prizes will be awarded for the most stylish, creative, and technical performances.
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.
To stay up to date on the latest conditions and available terrain, please visit the Snow Report.
