Ski & Ride in Wintergreen

Kim Chappell is a graduate from the Realtor Institute and is an agent with Wintergreen Resort Premier Properties, the official real estate office of Wintergreen Resort.  Kim also lists and sells property in beautiful Nelson County.  Contact Kim Chappell at kim@ExperienceNelsonCounty.com or 434-238-2430.  The Free Daily Blog is posted on both www.ExperienceNelsonCounty.com and www.ExperienceWintergreen.com

New for Ski Season 08/09

NEW:  Ridgely’s Fun Park opens for the 08/09 Ski Season!  Families with small children will find all the excitement they need at this new park.  Open on weekends and holidays with one-hour sessions.  The new park will have snow forts, tubing and a carousel.  One hour sessions are only $10.

Guaranteed Learn to Ski or Ride:  Wintergreen brings back their popular program for another year.  If you want to learn to ski or ride, this is a value-packed program.  Find out details on the resort web site, www.WintergreenResort.com 

Tubing:  Wintergreen has Virginia’s largest tubing park.  Tickets are sold for two-hour sessions.  Pricing includes $18 for mid-week and $25 for weekends and holidays. 

Kid’s Programs:  Again this year, Wintergreen Resort will host a wide range of kid’s Winter activities for ages 2 ½ to teen.  Request the guide by mail for full details and pricing. 

Breakfast Before Hitting the Slopes

This has been a popular question lately!  Everyone is looking for a hot breakfast before hitting the slopes.  Well, Nelson County has everything from southern biscuits to hot breakfast sandwiches to a full sit-down weekend buffet. 

Southern Biscuits:  For some of the best biscuits that you will eat, stop by Graves Grocery and Gas on Rt. 151. (between Nellysford and the turn at Beech Grove Road)  They open early, around 6AM.  They also have hot coffee and hot chocolate plus snack bars, Gator-Aid and other slope-friendly food.

Hot Breakfast Sandwiches:  Stop by Ambrosia in Nellysford for a breakfast sandwich. (to go or eat-in)  They have breakfast croissant sandwiches that are very popular.  Call ahead and they will have it waiting to go or can even pack a lunch.  They open at 8AM, Wednesday-Sunday.

Coffee & a Muffin:  If you are looking for a muffin, bagel or pastry with a hot cup of coffee, stop by Colony Coffee in the Mountain Inn on Wintergreen mountain.  They open at 7AM and also have specialty coffee drinks and hot chocolate. 

Breakfast on a Plate:  Get your lift tickets and then head to the Copper Mine, next to the Mountain Inn.  While you are waiting for the slopes to open, have a real, sit-down breakfast with great service.  During the week, you can order off of a nice menu.  On the weekends, enjoy the best breakfast buffet in Nelson County. 

Review of Ridgely’s Fun Park in Wintergreen

Yesterday, Ridgely’s Fun Park opened in Wintergreen Resort.  To compile this review, I sent a 2 year old and her family to the grand opening. (My step-daughter Paula, son-n-law Jeff and granddaughter Lainie)

First, what is Ridgely?  That’s Wintergreen’s mascot bear.  He arrived for the ribbon cutting on Wintergreen’s new amenity and will be showing up at the park on a regular basis. (think:  theme park character)

The fun park is located near the Dome on Discovery Ridge in Wintergreen.  (near the Tubing Park too)  The park sells one-hour tickets for $10 each, child or adult.  The park will be open on weekends and holidays throughout ski season. (weather permitting)

This park was created to provide a snow area for little children.  There is a mini, easy tubing park, a tubing carousal, a snow fort, a tee-pee, snow trails, obstacle course and lots of fun.  Our 2 year had a great time, but keep in mind that this park is not for older children—such as those who know how to ski or ride.  The park is a great solution for the little ones who need a safe place to play in the snow.  It is also a great opportunity for family photos.  Bring your camera and have some family fun!

Learn to Ski or Ride…Guaranteed

I learned to ski on the Potato Patch slope in Wintergreen Resort when I was 9 years old.  That was a long time ago, and the resort didn’t offer the Guaranteed Learn to Ski & Ride Program.  I have heard many positive reviews from clients about this WTG program, so I want to mention it in today’s blog.  Since today is the official start of the ski & ride season, it is the perfect day to post information about this popular program. 

First, note that the Guaranteed to Learn Program is for kids and adults.  If you want to learn to ski or ride, then a visit to Wintergreen Resort is a must.  They are the only resort in the region with such a program.  It is also a great program for those who can ski but want to learn to ride. 

Here is what Wintrgreen says about their program:

            “For first-time skiers and riders (age six and older) Wintergreen Resort guarantees that our excellent teaching staff will have you turning, stopping, and even riding a lift by the end of your first lesson! If not, you can repeat the lesson at no charge. If you've ever thought about learning or are considering introducing a youngster to skiing or snowboarding, you'll want to take advantage of this Wintergreen Resort offer.”

After you complete the first class, you are issued a special ID card, with photo, that provides a deeply discounted price to visit Wintergreen for two additional times, with lessons and gear rental.  Even after you complete the third visit, Wintergreen adds a deep discount to a Season Pass.  I want to add that I have heard rave reviews from everyone who has participated in this series of classes.  For all the details, and rates, visit the resort’s web site at: 

http://www.wintergreenresort.com/ski_and_ride/learn_to_ski_ride.aspx