Massanutten: 8 Winter Must-Do’s as a Family

A couple of weeks ago, we took the kids to spend the weekend at Massanutten ^[1]. It’s a four season resort, so you can ski in the winter and golf in the summer. Our plan was to spend a couple of hours snow tubing, then enjoy the on-site waterpark, but I quickly realized there is so much to do at Massanutten Resort ^[2] and for every member of the family. Take a look at these eight ways to enjoy Massanutten in the winter:

1. Go Snow Tubing: Of course, you’ll want to reserve a two-hour block for snow tubing at the Peaked Mountain Express Tubing Park ^[3]. You’ll need to buy your tickets in-person the day you plan to go tubing, but resort guests can buy tickets a day ahead. Go tubing in the morning for fewer crowds. My oldest daughter, Clare, was even brave enough to take a short video as she sped down the tubing run.

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2. Race Down the Mega Zip Line: Adjacent to the snow tubing park is the Mega Zip Line, so you’ll get all hooked up in a harness and race down the mountain on a 750-foot zip line, which spans the length of the tubing park. Race tubers if you like, or race a friend or family member, since there are two lines.

3. Take Ice Skating Lessons: Massanutten has converted a tennis court into an outdoor ice rink. There are plenty of open-skate sessions, as well as skating lessons ^[5] throughout the week. My six-year-old spent an hour in a learn-to-skate lesson while my older girls skied. They also have Parent & Tot skating lessons, as well as private ice skating lessons.

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4. Take Ski Lessons: Given Massanutten is largely a ski area, it only makes sense to gear up in ski jackets, snow pants and goggles for a few trips down the slopes. My kids signed up for the four-hour ski lesson package ^[7], which included two one-hour lessons and a two-hour lift ticket. I loved the way this package worked because you did not need to take the lessons back-to-back. You could take a lesson, try out what you’d learned on the ski slopes, then come back for another one-hour lesson. Ideal. Lessons are available for kids as young as four.

5. Splash Around at the Indoor Waterpark: After a morning of skiing or snow tubing, nothing beats escaping the cold at the on-site indoor waterpark ^[8]. My kids loved going down the slides and floating along the lazy river ^[9]. My oldest daughter even tried her skills body boarding on The Pipeline.

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6. Relax at the Spa: Since I was spending time with my littles watching them ice skate and feed the animals, I did not get a chance to partake in the spa ^[12]. However, if you have a chance, it’s worth a visit. Look for massages, manicures, facials and all kinds of body treatments. Perfect after a day on the slopes.

7. Feed the Animals at the Petting Farm: While my older girls took a ski lesson, I took my younger two kids (ages 4 & 6) to the petting farm. They fed sheep, llamas and goats. We even got to visit with zebras, a pot-bellied big, turkeys and plenty of chickens. This was the perfect activity for little ones.

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8. Enjoy a Pony Ride: Adjacent to the petting farm is a stable that offers two options: one-hour trail rides and pony rides around a ring. Since my kids are so small, we opted for the pony rides, which consisted of three times around a ring. It was a perfect way to finish off our trip to the petting farm.

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Massanutten also hosts festivals throughout the year, features fantastic dining and has plenty to do for every member in your family. Before you go, download the most up-to-date Entertainment Guide ^[15] for all that’s going on at the resort during each season. Have fun!

Disclaimer: I received six complimentary snow tubing and waterpark passes to use at Massanutten. However, all opinions expressed here are my own.