Skiing is just the tip of the iceberg. This Nelson County resort offers outdoor fun all year-round!
If you are looking for a new place to make memories this summer and fall, don’t let Wintergreen Resort’s seasonal-sounding name keep you away. Warm weather fitness opportunities for all ages and skill levels abound at this unique destination that’s located just an hour drive from the Hill City. “It feels like a world away,” explains Betsy Dunkerton, the resort’s director of marketing.
“But it’s very close.”
Still seeing snow? We asked Dunkerton and Zach Marlowe, Wintergreen’s director of ski operations, to give us the lowdown on the fun that’s happening there… in higher temperatures.
Hiking Wintergreen visitors can access 30 miles of hiking trails for hikers of all abilities—some are gentle strolls through the woods and others are more strenuous, leading to spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. A few of the “favorites” include The Plunge, Shamokin Falls and Paul’s Water Creek. You can also hike with a naturalist and learn more about the trees and wildlife in the Wintergreen area. Those hikes are available on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Tennis
Wintergreen has two tennis facilities—Devils Knob on the mountain and Stoney Creek in Rockfish Valley—for a total of 19 clay courts outside open spring through fall and three indoor deco-turf courts
open all year. According to Marlowe, many players prefer clay courts since they are easier on your joints. Another perk—the mountain breeze. “The beautiful thing about us is the weather at Wintergreen is so much nicer and cooler during the summertime… it’s much more inviting to play tennis up here,” he says.
Wintergreen also has been turning heads with its Tennis Academy, which is ranked as a top 10 resort tennis program in the world. There are clinics for adults and children as well as private lessons—the resort also hosts tournaments.
Discovery Ridge Adventure Center
Family fun awaits you here with so many activities to keep everyone busy, including ziplining, a bungee trampoline, tubing, archery, a climbing tower and mini golf. Brand new updates completed this year include gem mining and an indoor Ninja Warrior Course. “Every month we will change the course. So you can return and have a new experience each time,” says Marlowe.
Golf
Two golf courses on the mountain and in the valley are adjacent to the Devils Knob and Stoney Creek tennis courts and provide 45 holes of play in addition to a driving range. “The valley is the more forgiving course. The mountain course is more challenging… but the views are stunning,” says Marlowe. “Golf is a great way to connect with friends and take that two or three hours to be with each 
other and have fun.”
With their Golf Academy, Wintergreen provides schools, clinics and lessons for adults and children. “They tailor a lot of their lessons to what you need. The goal is to get you ready to play better golf and, ultimately, enjoy it more,” says Dunkerton.
Lake Monocan
A nearby outing at the 20-acre Lake Monocan gives you a chance to swim, fly-fish, kayak, canoe, play volleyball or—simply plop down and have a picnic. You can also get some steps in by taking a walk on the two-mile path around the lake. Lake Monocan is staffed daily with a lifeguard Memorial Day through Labor Day, weather permitting.
Learn more about these activities at Wintergreen Resort, and others, by visiting www.wintergreenresort.com.
