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Virginia Ski Vacation Options: Massanutten Vs. Wintergreen

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Massanutten Ski Resort in VirginiaMassanutten or Wintergreen: Options Vs. Affordability

Planning a Virginia ski vacation? Massanutten and Wintergreen ski resorts are practically neighbors, making many take a step back, head cradled in hands, and wonder, which one of these winter adventures is right for me? While they both offer amazing amenities, they do have their differences—including price! Figuring out which resort works best for both pleasure and budgetary reasons can be difficult—this all-inclusive comparison will have you seeing the real differences between Massanutten and Wintergreen Resort, so that you can make the best decision for your next getaway on the slopes in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.

Virginia Ski Resort Wintergreen

Ski & Ride the Slopes

Massanutten Ski Resort is the first for many things in Virginia– first place to offer snowboarding, tubing, chairlifts, and even light the trails at night— but does their seniority mean they hands-down have better slopes? Although they boast the longest vertical plunge in Virginia, at 1,100 feet, they only offer 14 trails; I say only because current competitor, Wintergreen Resort, has a whopping 26 trails to blaze!

The majority of Wintergreen’s terrain is for advanced skiers and boarders, while Massanutten has instead evened out the number of trails for all skill levels. Wintergreen has so many trails to offer though, that even with so many advanced trails, they still have a superb variety for all other levels of boarders and skiers as well. Both offer 2 amazing terrain parks that snowboarders will never get bored of; it’s a goal of both resorts to change the layouts and obstacles daily.

Dining

Dinning at Virginia's Ski ResortsWintergreen offers more options in terms of dining than Massanutten. In fact, Wintergreen appeals to those who want to enjoy more than just good food, but a decent nightlife scene as well. Wintergreen has a great variety of both fine dining and casual dives, some of their restaurants even offer entertainment so that you can hit the slopes all day, then be entertained throughout dinner.

Massanutten also offers a wide variety of restaurants, most of which are casual dining places, which include but are not limited to, a pizza joint, sandwich shop, and a buffet that overlooks the water park. If you’re not the type to fuss with fine dining while enjoying a day of carefree fun, the selection at Massanutten will perfectly suit your needs, and food cravings!

Other Winter Sports

kid snow tubing Both parks offer a similar selection of sports including tubing, the fast paced thrill of flying down a snow-capped mountain while riding inside an oversized tire. Wintergreen has taken it one step further; they have added a zip line you can ride, gliding high above the mountains, your body dangling in the air. Massanutten fights back with the larger ice rink of the two– if you love to ice skate, I suggest checking out their 4,250 square foot ice haven. Wintergreen also has an outdoor skating rink but it is far smaller in comparison at less than 1,000 square feet.

Kid Friendly Factor

Wintergreen offers plenty of fun activities for kids of all ages, including a whole park that even includes a collection of miniature hills for kid-friendly tubing! While Massanutten offers ski lessons to kids 4 years and older, they do not place the same level of attention on entertaining children, especially those that are younger than 4.

Higher Cost, More Options

Weekends at Massanutten will run you $46 for an all day, 8-hour, lift ticket. At Wintergreen, you will pay $72 per adult admission for the same 8-hour lift ticket. Clearly, Massanutten costs less money to enjoy but it also lacks the same endless amounts of space and has fewer activities for both kids and adults to partake in. Of course, this does not mean it’s any less of a resort—Massanutten has a lot to offer at affordable rates. If you don’t have small kids to entertain or you lack the need for more than 14 slopes, these options are pointless to have. On the other hand, if you need these options, the higher price to hit the slopes at Wintergreen will be of worth to you.

Cabin Creekwood Virginia Mountain Cabin RentalsSpecial thanks to Stan Horst for the great information about Virginia Ski Resorts. Cabin Creekwood, in close proximity to Wintergreen Ski Resort, the George Washington National Forest, and Sherando Lake, is a popular Blue Ridge Mountain family vacation getaway. Located near the central Shenandoah Valley town of Lyndhurst, Va., they feature a variety of quality vacation rental cabins that are perfect for families with children. You and your kids will love the swimming pool and the secluded historic log cabins. Within easy reach of Richmond, Washington DC, and Norfolk. Visit their website at www.CabinCreekwood.com or see their vacation rental store at RentItToday.com.

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Timing Your Trip To North Carolina For Peak Fall Foliage

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Fall Foliage in NCNorth Carolina is known for many things. One of its biggest claims to fame is the fall foliage that descends upon the mountainous area along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Did you know, however, different parts of North Carolina experience their peak in foliage at varying times of the season? It’s true! Based on the averages of what has occurred over years past, the best times to visit North Carolina to view the fall foliage are as follows:

  • Late September to Early October – Western NC Highest Elevations
  • Early to Mid October – Western NC
  • Mid to Late October – Western to Central NC
  • Late October to Early November – Central NC

As you plan your fall foliage journey to North Carolina, be sure to secure the perfect cabin to go with the experience. Through Rent It Today, and partnering companies including 4 Seasons Vacation Properties, you can find a cozy cabin for two or a chalet rental for the entire family. Choose from relaxing amenities including fire pits, hot tubs, wrap around deck, and wood fireplaces. Other options include number of bed and bathrooms, satellite television, game tables, charcoal grill, and computer access. Some cabin and cottage rentals are even pet friendly!

Find your North Carolina cabin, cottage, or chalet rental today before the beautiful colors fade away!

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Discover Massanutten Resort, Virginia’s Winter Playground

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Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountain Ski Vacation Rentals

Massanutten Ski Resort, located in Central Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley just east of Harrisonburg, VA is a spectacular four seasons resort.  Best known for its winter sports, Massanutten certainly does not disappoint and is an ideal place to plan a Virginia mountain cabin getaway.

The ski vacation destination has hosted over three million skiers and snowboarders, and boasts over 1,110 feet of vertical drop.  This drop is the greatest elevation change for any ski vacation destination in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.  There are 10 ski-able acres, with 14 trails stretching to nearly 4 .25 miles throughout this Blue Ridge Mountain Ski Resort.  There really is something for everyone. Difficulty levels range from beginner to black diamond.

Lessons are available for beginners and intermediates.  Choose from group or private instruction.  There is even adaptive instruction available to help physically challenged individuals overcome personal handicaps and enjoy winter sports.

Trail Maps for the Massanutten Resort AreaTwo terrain parks provide opportunities for those just learning and for those more advanced.  The CMB Terrain Park is the premier park in the region, and is open to snowboards, snowblades, and skis.  It even has its own dedicated lift.  The Easy Street Terrain Park uses smaller features, making it perfect for those just learning the sport.  Both terrain parks are groomed, shaped, and changed daily to keep your experience interesting.  Between the two, you’ll find tons of rails, boxes, and other challenging features to conquer.

If streaking down the hill at breakneck speeds with one or two skinny boards strapped to your feet isn’t your idea of fun, perhaps you’d enjoy snow tubing.  Massanutten’s snow tubing park, known as the Peaked Mountain Express, opened in 1998, and boasts a 900 foot hill that is certain to give you a rush as you speed down the slope with no worries about bumping into other participants.  The tubing lanes are designed in such a way as to keep each tube in its own space, much like the lanes of a bowling alley, but with berms along the sides instead of gutters.

The snow sports are slated to open early to mid-December, depending on the weather conditions.  You can check out their webcam overlooking the slopes right here.

Ice skating at Massanutten is brand new for 2011.  The 4,250 square foot outdoor facility, located at the LeClub Recreation Center, is able to accommodate up to 132 skaters at a time.  The rink is open from mid-December through mid-March.  Ice skating lessons are available, in either a group format or as private instruction.

Massanutten Resort WaterparkThere are plenty of other activities at Massanutten Resort.  On warmer days, check out the Woodstone Meadows Golf Course.  This 18-hole, 65-par course is open all winter.

The Indoor Water Park is a great way to reflect back on summer even while it is still bitter cold outside.  At a constant 84 degrees, you’ll want to break out the bathing suits.  There are so many rides and features, the whole family will be entertained for hours.  Try your hand at surfing on the Pipeline, the largest FlowRider in Virginia.  For the little ones, the Frog Pond is perfect, with a maximum depth of 12”.  There are swings, water spraying noodles, and a frog slide.  Maybe floating lazily down a river is your idea of relaxation at its best.  You can, in the Blue Ridge Rapids.  The central feature, known as the Massanutten Meltdown, contains water cannons, waterfalls, five slides, a giant tipping bucket, and more.

Water slides are always popular.  Thrill to the insane speeds, twists, and turns of the Avalanche and the Skyline Falls body slides.  Both are 250’ long with a 39’ vertical drop.  If you’d rather slide in a tube, check out the Country Cooler, the Peak Splash, and the Melting Mogul.

The Shenandoah Cove family friendly pool is great for hanging out, splashing around, and generally relaxing.  And no wintertime water activity would be complete without a hot tub.  The Shenandoah Hot Springs is an indoor/outdoor hot tub that will soak away the soreness in those muscles that came from a long day of skiing.

In addition to all the above, the staff at Massanutten plans literally hundreds of classes and activities, so you’re sure to find something of interest.  Popular options include horseback riding, volleyball, scuba lessons, horseshoe tournaments, exercise classes, and bingo.

With all this activity going on, Massanutten Resort is the perfect day trip or overnight stay for today’s active families.

Written by +Stan Horst for +RentItToday.

Stan is the owner and manager of Cabin Creekwood, a popular destination featuring pet friendly cabins and Shenandoah Valley cabin rentals.  Their comfortable, fully-furnished and well-equipped cabins in the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains will make you feel right at home.  The staff is friendly and extremely knowledgeable about things to see and do in the area, including information on local ski resorts such as Massanutten.

Visit Cabin Creekwood’s Virginia Mountain Cabin Rentals on Rent It Today.

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How to Plan the Perfect Cabin Getaway

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There’s nothing quite like relaxing in a mountain cabin rental while on vacation to set your mind and body completely at rest. The planning you put into your getaway will determine whether that rest becomes a reality, or a frustrating nightmare that just won’t go away, even long after your vacation is over. Here are eight questions to ask yourself to help in that travel planning process.

Water Fall in the Shenandoah National Park Virginia

Why do you Want to Go?

There are many reasons you might choose to rent a cabin. Perhaps you’re looking for a romantic getaway with that special someone. Maybe you’re an author looking for a place to write. Perhaps photography is your forte, and you’re trying to find the perfect place for some outdoor scenic images. Maybe you’re simply looking for lodging near an attraction that you’ve always wanted to see. Whatever your reason, the first step in choosing your vacation rental cabin is figuring out why you want to go. Once you know that, you’ll be able to eliminate some options, and focus specifically on those that fit your needs.

What amenities are an Absolute Must?

Some amenities are nice, some wouldn’t interest you at all, but some are absolutely essential. Make a list of those amenities that are a must-have, and you’ll be that much closer to selecting a getaway that will make you happy. Be sure to take into consideration everyone who is going. If dad is happy, but the kids and mom have nothing to do, dad will wind up miserable too.

What amenities would Add to your Experience?

Some things are not essential, but would help your cabin getaway to be even more enjoyable. Do a little brainstorming with the whole crew, and make a list of things that you’d like to have if possible. You might think of features like a pool table, cable television, fireplace, hot tub, swimming pool, air conditioning, etc. You see, the word “cabin” covers a wide range of rental facilities, from very rustic to very modern. Make sure you know what you’d like before you start looking, and you’ll be that much more likely to wind up with a good experience.

What options do I have?

Now it’s time to start looking. The internet is a good place to begin, as most rental cabins have websites to show off what they offer. Do searches such as “Virginia cabin rentals,” or “cabin rentals near (attraction or city). Quickly eliminate any that don’t have your absolute musts, and evaluate carefully the ones that are missing your desires. Hopefully you can narrow it down to a small selection of cabins that meet nearly all of your expectations.

Don’t forget to ask your friends for their advice. They can be a tremendous source of information, especially if they’ve rented something similar to what you’re looking for.

What exactly do they have?

Carefully review each of the cabins on your short list. Compare each one with your list of amenities and desired features, and rank them with your first choice being number one, second choice number two, etc. Make sure to spend time looking at pictures. Most will have either a photo album or a video walkthrough. You might find even more pictures on their Facebook page. Look through the whole website and carefully evaluate everything you see. Pay special attention to details, as the little things can make or break your vacation.

How much will this cost?

Carefully evaluate the total cost for your getaway. Be sure to check the website for the rate, the taxes, and any additional fees. Many cabin rentals charge extra fees for linens, cleaning, processing, extra persons, damage deposits, and so on. If you’re not absolutely certain from looking at the internet, pick up the phone and give them a call. This is your vacation and your money, and finding out about hidden costs at check-in will certainly put a bad taste in your mouth, and negatively affect the rest of your vacation.

Can I talk to somebody?

Use the phone to do some of your research. Talk to the owners/managers, and get a feel for what they’re like. Someone who patiently answers all of your questions would likely be a good person to rent from. Ask questions about anything you’d like to know, especially things you don’t quite understand. It may be useful to find out how far you’ll have to drive to find restaurants, gas stations, and stores. If you want to visit any specific attractions, be sure to ask how long it will take to get there. Check on what is provided, and what you need to bring along.

How do I get there?

Make sure you know the way. GPS’s are nice, but don’t depend on them entirely. Many cabins are located in remote areas, and the GPS may not find them accurately. Sometimes, even Mapquest will take you the long way around, on roads that are not the ideal choice. No one knows the best way like the folks who live there, so trust their directions. They can even help you with problems like road construction or seasonal closures. They probably have directions posted on the website, but if not, you can get them via phone or email.

Finding the answers to these eight questions will help you plan the perfect getaway, so that when you arrive, all that’s left is to kick back and relax.

About the Author:
Stan Horst, his wife Deb, and their two teenagers, have been renting out cabins since 1995 to guests from all over the world! They pride themselves on providing a quality Blue Ridge Mountain experience, with no hassles and no surprises. To find out more, visit their website at http://www.cabincreekwood.com.

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Virginia Ski Vacations in The Blue Ridge Mountains

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Winter is on our heels which means its time to start planning your next Ski Vacation. Featuring winter ski resort destinations, is a popular theme on Rent It Today’s blog, as a result of all the related winter rental resources found at RentItToday.com. Today’s Travel Destination article takes us to the Shenandoah Valley, part of the Blue Ridge Mountains, in Virginia.  There are two great ski resorts in Central Virginia, Massanutten Ski Resort and Wintergreen Ski Resort.

Blue Ridge Mountain Ski Vacations

Stan Horst, owner of Cabin Creekwood, is an expert when it comes to planning a Virginia ski vacation in the Blue Ridge Mountains…

Virginia Ski Vacation RentalsIt always amazes me when I talk to folks who think they have to go to West Virginia, or even further north, to find great skiing.  There are quite a number of ski resorts in the Southeastern United States, including a great option right here in Central Virginia.

Wintergreen Resort, voted “Best Ski Resort” two years running by the Washington Post, boasts 24 trails and 8 lifts with a total vertical drop of 1,003 feet.  The longest run is 1.4 miles long.  Trails from beginner to expert ensure you’ll have slopes to fit your experience level, and their lift capacity of 9,200 per hour helps to cut down wait time so you can ski more. Wintergreen has a number of lighted trails for those who enjoy night skiing. New to skiing?  Their “Guaranteed Learn To Ski & Ride” program for ages 6 and older promises that by the end of your first lesson, you’ll be turning, stopping, and riding a lift like a pro.  If not, you’re welcome to repeat the lesson at no charge.  Lessons are also available for all ages and skill levels, so if you’d like to improve your skiing or snowboarding skills, this is the place.

Other winter activities include a terrain park with rails, tabletops, spines, and hips for those wishing to learn or hone their freestyle skills.  The Plunge Tubing Park is Virginia’s largest tubing park, where riders zoom down a ten-story hill at speeds reaching 30mph, then relax while the conveyor transports rider and tube back to the top for another run.  Ridgely’s Fun Park is the perfect place for children to play in the snow, including a more gentle tubing slope.

After a day in the snow, rejuvenate your body and spirit at the Wintergreen Spa.  Services include massages, body wraps, skin care treatments, and nail care.  The Aquatics and Fitness Center provides cardiovascular and strength workout opportunities, plus additional ways to relax with heated pools, hot tubs, steam rooms, and saunas.

When you’re hungry and looking for a place to eat, you can choose from the casual Copper Mine Bistro, the Devils Grill, the Edge Restaurant, or take a short drive to the Stoney Creek Bar & Grill.  With all these options, you’re sure to find something you like.

There are plenty of lodging opportunities within the resort, but for those folks wanting a quieter getaway away from the crowds, Cabin Creekwood, located just 3 miles from Wintergreen’s entrance, provides fully furnished VA mountain cabins. These cabin rentals in Virginia provide all the comforts of home while helping you to escape from the routines of life, and enjoy the great outdoors without roughing it.  Choose from a pre-Civil War log cabin all the way to a modern mountain home.  With sizes from one to three bedrooms, Cabin Creekwood can accommodate groups of varying numbers, at prices significantly less than you’ll find in the resort.

The best way to enjoy winter sports for less is to visit midweek and to stay at Cabin Creekwood.  Prices are lower for both your lodging and your lift tickets, and the crowds will be much smaller, making your time on the slopes more fun and productive.

Whether you are looking for ski resort vacation lodging, interested in renting a snowmobile, or need ski equipment rentals, Rent It Today is a great resource for planning your next ski vacation.

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Travel to Shenandoah Valley and Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains

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Fresh air, breath taking mountain views, unlimited outdoor activities, and a chance to get away from the daily grind are all part of traveling to The Blue Ridge Mountains in Central Virginia.  Today’s article features The Shenandoah Valley, a popular vacation destination in the mountains of Central Virginia, along with vacation cabin rentals in the area.  Shenandoah Valley Cabin Rentals with Mountain Views

Enjoy the Outdoor Wonders of Central Virginia

People who love outdoor activities will not find a better place to vacation – or to live – than Central Virginia.   There are so many things to do and natural wonders to explore, you’ll never tire of the Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

When Stan Horst moved to Central Virginia 20 years ago, he found the perfect place to live.  Stan and his wife, Debbie, a Virginia native, own and operate Cabin Creekwood, a vacation rental business near Waynesboro.

Novice and expert hikers alike will find trails to suit their preference for a walk in the woods or a serious hike while taking in views from a mountain top or a cascading waterfall.  Some of the options for hiking are:

•    The Appalachian Trail covers over 2100 miles from Maine to Georgia and is the nation’s longest marked footpath.   The Appalachain Trail in Central Virginia crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway a number of times and can be easily accessed just two miles from Cabin Creekwood.
•    Humpback Rocks Trail leads to Humpback Rocks, to Humpback Mountain and to the Humpback Rocks picnic area.  From this trail, ambitious hikers take a spur trail to a strenuous 700 foot climb providing amazing views of the Rockfish and Shenandoah Valleys.  Continuing one more mile, hikers reach the summit of Humpback Mountain with views of the mountain ridges to the north.
•    Spy Rock Trail is one of the Horst’s favorite hikes just for the incredible views offered.   According to legend, Confederate Soldiers used Spy Rock as a lookout for Union Troops.  Once you reach Spy Rock you’ll understand why.
•    Crabtree Falls is said to be one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Virginia and the highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi.   This natural wonder with five cascades is definitely a must-see for visitors to the area.  Anyone can enjoy Crabtree Falls as the first cascade is handicapped accessible.  After walking to the bottom of the lowest falls, the trail becomes dirt and you are on one of nine switchbacks that take you to the top of the Falls.  With guardrails on the steeper parts, the trail is well maintained and there are railed observation points for the most scenic overlooks.  It may be tempting to climb over the stone wall to the uppermost falls but resist the urge as the rocks are covered with algae and are very slippery.
•    Torry Ridge Trail is 7 miles long and follows the crest of Torry Ridge, providing great views of wilderness areas.

Caverns are a popular tourist destination in the Shenandoah Valley.  The closest caverns to Cabin Creekwood, Grand Caverns, are less commercialized than many similar cavern attractions perhaps due to being operated by a regional park authority.  Stan often recommends Grand Caverns as his personal favorite.  The Cathedral Hall, which is 289 feet long and over 70 feet high, is an awesome sight with its massive columns, rippling flowstone, and rare “shield” formations.  This cave was visited by both Confederate and Union Soldiers and has over 230 verified signatures of Civil War soldiers.

Luray Caverns are perhaps the best known caverns in Virginia attracting people from all over North America and more than 50 foreign countries.   Well-lighted walkways wind through huge chambers with breathtaking stalactites and cathedral sized rooms then lead to mirror-perfect pools of water.  Guides at Luray share stories about the science behind the natural wonders and how the caverns were discovered.   This is the home of the world’s only “stalacpipe organ” which plays haunting music on natural formations.

-Stan Horst

Cabin Creekwood Virginia Mountain Cabin RentalsCabin Creekwood, located in Lyndhurst, is a great Blue Ridge Mountain vacation rental company.  They offer a variety of Shenandoah Valley vacation rental cabins. From historic log cabins, to Virginia cabins for rent that are perfect for families with children, Cabin Creekwood has a mountain accommodation that is perfect for your holiday getaway. Their is a nice pool that is available for guests as well. While the cabins are secluded, Lyndhurst’s central Shenandoah Valley location means you’re only a few short miles from exciting attractions like Wintergreen Ski Resort, the George Washington National Forest, and Sherando Lake. The cabins are two hours from Richmond, three hours from Washington DC, and four hours from Norfolk.

Stan’s website www.CabinCreekwood.com is a fantastic resource for people interested in traveling to the mountains of Central Virginia. Let Cabin Creekwood be your guide for popular and exciting outdoor activities like fly fishing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and more.  If golfing is always part of your vacation plans then check out golf courses near the area.

Sherando Lake Canoe Rentals in Central VirginiaCabin Creekwood also provides kayak rentals & canoes for rent which can be delivered to guests or picked up for use at one of The Shenandoah Valley’s many lakes, rivers and streams: Sherando Lake, South Fork Shenandoah River, Tye River, James River, Mossy Creek, St. Mary’s River, Staunton Dam, Elkhorn Lake, Lake Nelson, South River, and Back Creek.

Contact Cabin Creekwood:
www.CabinCreekwood.com
Phone: 888-942-2246
Email: info@cabincreekwood.com
Cabin Creekwood on Facebook
View all of Cabin Creekwoods Blue Ridge Mountain Vacation Rental Cabins at RentItToday.com

Additional Virginia Travel and Vacation Rental Resources:

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