Keep cabin fever at bay by renting a… wait for it… cabin. If you’ve been considering skiing as a family sport, this is the perfect year to opt in. This outdoor activity has built in social distancing and—bonus—masks! To reduce exposure to high-touch points and public spaces, we did the legwork and sussed out the best ski-in ski-out rentals near Washington, DC. Bypass the lodges and restaurants and enjoy a cozy holiday at these chalets and slope-side townhouses for the ultimate kid-friendly ski vacation.
WEST VIRGINIA
Snowshoe Mountain
Townhouse—Snowshoe, WV
This townhouse is just steps away from Upper Flume, a kid-friendly, beginner ski trail at Snowshoe Mountain. Stop in for lunch or take a safe bathroom break at this ski-in, ski-out location. The 5-bedroom townhouse is also conveniently located to Snowshoe's Main and South Villages. With three sets of bunk beds, this rental is the perfect place for large families or vacation plans with your favorite pod fam. Warm up in the hot tub after a day of hitting the slopes and enjoy the scenic views of West Virginia's wildlife and mountains.
Sleeps: 14
Cost: $381/night
Online: airbnb.com/rooms/20890148
Winterplace Ski Resort
Snowed Inn Cabin—Ghent, West Virginia
You can by-pass the busy lodge and lines when you stay at this property. Strap on your skis and head out the door; this first-floor condo is located just yards away from Winterplace Ski Resort. Zip in for a hot meal and zip back out to hit the slopes. This 1000-square-foot residence boasts floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room so you can enjoy the mountain views while you relax after a full, active day. In addition to skiing, little ones will enjoy the area's snow tubing. In fact, you'll find a steep slope (with convenient steps) perfect for sledding right out the front door!
Sleeps: 9
Cost: $189/night
Online: airbnb.com/rooms/22942728
MARYLAND
Wisp Resort
Let the Good Times Roll Townhouse—McHenry, MD
This property is perfect for a family of mixed skill levels; with easy access from Chairlift 4 & 5, you can hit the beginner and intermediate slopes of Wisp Resort. An expert trail is also near-by. The best part? The chair lift floats skiers right out your front door! It's the perfect people watching for kids (and adults!). This 4-bedroom townhouse comes equipped with a ping pong table and an air hockey machine for aprés ski fun. Don't forget to warm up cold toes and fingers in the hot tub.
Sleeps: 10
Cost: $428/night
Online: airbnb.com/rooms/29385322
Whitetail Resort
Four-Season Townhome—Mercersburg, PA
When you want a family escape, but you can't leave work behind, head here for superfast and reliable internet service. You can juggle telecommuting with distance learning all while squeezing in some runs on the slopes. When you're off the slopes you can still enjoy the skiing action; cuddle up on the couch and get ready to watch skiers get whisked up the mountain from the comfort of the living room.
Sleeps: 10
Cost: $214/night
Online: airbnb.com/rooms/30879240
VIRGINIA
Wintergreen Resort
Wintergreen Highlands Condo—Wintergreen Resort, VA
This condo is just steps away from Highlands Express Ski Lift and Upper Cliffhanger, Upper Wild Turkey and Outer Limits ski runs at Wintergreen Resort. After an all-day ski adventure, take a short 3 minute walk to unwind at Wintergreen Spa, grab a bottle of wine at Devines Cafe and Wine Shop (located directly across the street from Wintergreen Highlands Condo) and return back to your rental to enjoy one of the best sunsets in VA. There is a small, outdoor area for kids to play and dogs to stretch their legs (bonus: this rental is pet-friendly!). Before turning in, be sure to cozy up to one of the two wood-burning fireplaces with your glass of vino from Devines.
Sleeps: 7
Cost: $157/night
Online: airbnb.com/rooms/40505851
PENNSYLVANIA
Liberty Mountain
The Chateau Below—Chalet Fairfield, PA
Located in Carroll Valley, this chalet is just steps away from Liberty Mountain Ski Resort. While technically not a ski-in property (it sits on flat land), it is within walking distance of the Resort. Conveniently warm up mid-day at your rental next to one of the two electric fireplaces or strike up some flames in the fire pit. This cozy home boasts Lodge-like decor and sits on an ample 2-acres, so little ones can build snowmen, hike in snow shoes and get their wiggles out away from the crowds.
Sleeps: 8
Cost: $299/night
Online: airbnb.com/rooms/3798292
—Meghan Yudes Meyers
featured photo: Visit Almaty via Pexels
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