I am making my first trip to Snowshoe (from Richmond) and am wondering what the best way to go is. Should I use the directions from the SnowShoe website, 81S...42...39..219, or should I go 81...250...28...66? Alternatively, triski.com recommends US-250 West to Monterey, US-220 South to Vanderpool, VA, then VA-84 to Frost, WV, WV-92 North to WV-66 West through Cass and on to south entrance to Snowshoe via Red Gate Road and continue approximately 2 miles to top of resort and Snowcrest on the right side of road. Has anyone ever gone that way? Anyone help or insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Take the triski.com route. I have tried several different routes from the Shenandoah Valley and found that to be the best. I have been using it the last several years.

What is the drive like from the base of Snowshoe to the resort? Any recommendations on restaurants? parking at the resort?

Go the triski way trust me!!!!!!!

It is by far the best way from Richmond.

When are you leaving?

I am leaving from Chester at 9am.

The drive isnt too bad. The resort road is actually better on the Cass end coming up (but then again, thats AFTER 66 which is not a ton of fun). I recommend the Junction restaurant (I hear the Red Fox is good too...). And park at Top of the World when you get there, you can ski down from the top of Widowmaker Lift.

Just thought I would chime in on my favorite way from Richmond. 64 to 81 to 33 in Harrisonburg... 28/92 to 66.
It seems like you would be going way out of your way by going up to Harrisonburg and then coming back, but the mountain passes on this route are far superior to any others that I have tried. Also 33 is a great scenic drive and 28 is almost a flat straight shot. I have made it to Richmond in about 5 hours going this route.
Just my .02

That's basically the same route I take. I live in Fairfax and I come 66W to 81S to 33W and then then same route you mentioned. I agree that even though 33 gets twisty in spots, the road is fairly wide, had nice guard-rails, etc. The WV28 stretch is indeed mostly straight. My $.02 worth as well
-Warren-

Hey here is a some information from a local to a local.. growing up in Richmond and doing Day trips to snowshoe...yea that's alot of driving for 8 now 71/2 hours skiing. Here we go From parham rd area takes 3 hours 15 min if you can drive the mountains like you should. 64-81 north exit woodrow wilson pky. Right on 250 take 260 to Monterey make left on 220 south. 3-4 miles take a right on 84. Follow 84 through the valley take a right at the 92 intersection it's a "Y" Follow towards Greenbank take left 2 miles before greenbank on 66 follow through Cass up to the new road. If it's snowing this isn't the best route but it is the fastest if you can drive tight narrow roads. A safe bet is always 42 39 but it will run you 3.5-4 hours for the same trip and is natorious for state PD in Craigsville. The new road is steep for some sections but with 4 wheel drive in the snow and patience it is faster front wheel drive with snow tires will do fine but keep in mind there is a section with a 12% grade.
-good luck bring some snow.
Turns on upper shays were lofty today lower cupp had a nice line of packed powder down the center