Winterplace
Winterplace Ski Resort is an independently owned ski and snowtubing destination in Ghent, West Virginia, operating 28 trails, 100% snowmaking, and the largest snowtubing park in WV, serving beginner skiers, families, and youth groups in the Southeast U.S.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1983
- HeadquartersGhent, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Winterplace does
Winterplace Ski Resort is an independent, privately-held ski and winter recreation operator located in Ghent, West Virginia, founded in 1983 and operated continuously under family/private ownership. The resort spans 90+ acres with 28 slopes (40% beginner, 35% intermediate, 25% advanced), 11 lifts, a 603-foot vertical drop, 100% snowmaking coverage, and the largest snowtubing park in West Virginia with up to 14 lanes. It also operates two terrain parks (Heaven Holler and Fire Tower Park), the latter introduced for the 2024-2025 season.
Winterplace runs a direct-to-consumer model with multiple revenue streams including single-day, multi-day, and night lift tickets, full and night season passes ($449-699 adult full season), Rossignol ski/snowboard equipment rentals, group and private ski lessons delivered by a PSIA Level III certified school, the SkiWee and Snow Explorers children's program (ages 5-12), a Junior Developmental Racing program, scouting and club group programs, food and beverage across three on-mountain venues (Mountain Mama's, Snowdrift Lounge, Mountain House), two retail shops, gift cards, and summer event rentals of its 10,000-12,000 sq ft venues. Distribution is handled through on-site box offices, an e-commerce platform (shop.winterplace.com), and a dedicated group sales department serving organizations of 15 or more.
The customer base is dominated by beginner skiers and families in the Southeast U.S., supplemented by school, scout, and youth group channels, with a longer-tail of regional day-trippers and IndyPass-affiliated visitors. Ancillary lodging is supplied through a network of third-party partners including on-site cabins and nearby hotels and condominiums rather than owned hotel rooms. The company is privately held, has no disclosed institutional funding, no M&A activity, and operates on a roughly December-to-mid-March core season with summer event revenue as a secondary stream.
Winterplace firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Winterplace
- Legal name
- Winterplace Ski Resort
- Website
- https://winterplace.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1983
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Winterplace Ski Resort is an independently owned ski and snowtubing destination in Ghent, West Virginia, operating 28 trails, 100% snowmaking, and the largest snowtubing park in WV, serving beginner skiers, families, and youth groups in the Southeast U.S.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Winterplace industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Ski Resort & Winter Recreation
- NAICS
- Skiing Facilities (71392)
- SIC
- Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Integrated Ski & Mountain Resorts (Lift-Served Skiing/Riding) (THAAAJAA)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Snow Tubing, Sledding & Winter Fun Parks (THAAAJAG)
Keywords
Where Winterplace is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Ghent
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Winterplace business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Lift Tickets: Primary revenue driver. Single-day, multi-day, and night lift tickets sold to individual skiers and snowboarders. Pricing varies by age group (adult, junior/senior) and duration.
- Season Passes: Full season and night season passes offering unlimited access. Adult passes range from $449-699, Junior/Senior from $225-499 depending on timing and type.
- Equipment Rentals: Ski and snowboard equipment rentals including boots, poles. Also offers helmet rentals. Multi-day consecutive rental options available.
- Ski School Lessons: Group lessons, private lessons, and specialized programs for children (SkiWee). Starting at $40 for group lessons, $119+ for private lessons.
- Snowtubing: Separate snowtubing tickets for the largest snowtubing park in West Virginia. Group rates available for 15+.
- Food & Beverage: Three dining venues: Mountain Mama's Food Court (breakfast, lunch, dinner), Snowdrift Lounge (21+, serves beverages), and Mountain House mid-mountain food court.
- Retail Shops: Two retail shops located at Resort Center upper level and Mountain House selling ski/snowboard gear and merchandise.
- Group Programs: 4-Week Club Program for groups of 15+ including lift tickets, rentals, and optional lessons at $170 plus tax.
- Snowtubing Group Rates: Group snowtubing sessions for 15+ at $35 per person for 2 hour 45 minute sessions.
- Gift Cards: Digital gift cards starting at $25, usable throughout the ski area including lift tickets, rentals, food courts, and retail shop.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Full Season Pass - Unlimited skiing/riding with no blackout days |
| Subscription | Annual | Night Season Pass - Valid 4PM-9PM Thursday-Monday |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Equipment Rentals - Daily and multi-day options |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Group Lift Tickets - For groups of 15+ |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Group Equipment Rentals - For groups of 15+ |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Group Ski/Snowboard Lessons - For beginners ages 8+ |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | 4-Week Club Program - Groups of 15+, 4 visits |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Snowtubing Group Rates - For 15+ |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Individual Lift Tickets |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Snowtubing Individual Tickets |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Gift Cards |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels9 records
Winterplace product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Winterplace Ski Resort is a full-service ski and snowboard resort in Ghent, West Virginia, selling lift tickets, season passes, equipment rentals, ski/snowboard lessons, and snowtubing access across 28 slopes and the largest snowtubing park in West Virginia. The resort operates on 90+ acres with 100% snowmaking coverage and offers ancillary services including terrain parks, night skiing, dining, retail, group programs, summer event rentals, and on-site lodging. Its primary customers are beginner skiers, families, schools, youth groups, and organizations in the Southeast U.S.
Product overview
Winterplace Ski Resort operates as a single-site ski resort and winter recreation destination, not a software platform. Its core offering is centered on physical skiing and snowboarding recreation, supported by a portfolio of integrated service products. The primary products include lift ticket access (day, night, and multi-day), Season Passes for unlimited season-long access, and Equipment Rentals (Rossignol skis and snowboards with boots and poles). These are bundled with or supported by ski and snowboard lessons ranging from first-timer group lessons to private lessons and the SkiWee & Snow Explorers children's program (ages 5–12). The resort also operates the largest snowtubing park in West Virginia (a separate activity from skiing), accessible via its own tickets. Group programs (4-Week Club, Ski/Board Group Rates, Scout Programs) serve organizational clients with discounted bundled pricing. Ancillary services include two terrain parks (Heaven Holler and Fire Tower), night skiing, dining across three on-mountain venues (Mountain Mama's Food Court, The Snowdrift Lounge, The Mountain House), retail shops, and a summer event rental business (Mountain House, Snowdrift Lounge, Resort Center venues). Lodging is facilitated through third-party on-site cabins and nearby partner properties.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Lift Tickets
Companies that use Winterplace
Customer profileSegments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Winterplace technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
Winterplace partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- IndyPassminorIndyPass is a ski pass program that provides access to multiple independent ski areas. Winterplace is listed as a ProudPartner, offering cross-promotional benefits for pass holders.
- Cabins at WinterplaceminorOn-site cabin accommodations at the resort, available for youth groups and families. Can accommodate up to 15 people per cabin with bunk beds. Includes breakfast at Mountain Mama's Cafe.
- Winterhaven Condosminor
- Snow LodgeminorLarge ski-in/ski-out cottage slopeside. Sleeps up to 30 people over three floors. Perfect for youth or scout groups. Full kitchen, 4 full bathrooms.
- Snowflake Inn, Place 2 Be, Place 2 Be 2minorSlopeside accommodations. Contact: (704) 888-5078. Chalets and condos available.
- Ashwood Slopeside CondosminorSki-in/ski-out condo units on the slopes. Recently renovated with modern finishes. Contact: 704-258-6601. 13 condos, 2 bedroom plus bunkroom, sleeps 8-11.
- Ski Right InnminorSlopeside lodging. 5 bedrooms, 12 beds, 3 bathrooms. Sleeps up to 20 guests. Located directly on slopes.
- Skyline LodgeminorHotel across the street from resort. Bus parking available, free Wi-Fi, restaurant on site. Newly renovated. Contact: (304) 787-6201.
- The Resort at Glade SpringsminorFull-service resort with shuttle to Winterplace. Features include bowling, game room, cinema, spa, fitness center, indoor pool, tennis, basketball, laser tag. Located at I-64 Exit 125 or I-77 Exit 28.
- Cabins at Pine Havenminor12 miles from Winterplace. Lodge and conference center for large groups. Private decks/hot tubs, fireplaces. Book at cabinsatpinehaven.com.
- Adventures On The GorgeminorLocated 40 minutes from Winterplace at New River Gorge National Park. Rustic retreats to deluxe cabins with hot tubs. 50% off winter lodging. Features Tree Tops Zip Line Canopy tour.
- Bunkhouses at Summit Bechtel ReserveminorNext to New River Gorge National Park. Bunkhouse rooms (sleeps 6) or hotel-style rooms (sleeps 4). 15% discount for groups of 15+. 40 minutes from Winterplace.
- National Ski Patrol SystemcoreMember of National Ski Patrol System ensuring professional ski patrol and safety services.
- Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA)coreLevel III PSIA certified ski school using American Teaching System for instruction.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Winterplace competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Snowshoe Mountain Resort: West Virginia's largest ski resort, also serving the Southeast beginner and family market from the same state. Closest direct competitor and the dominant destination ski operation in WV, comparable in target customer (drive-to Southeast skiers) and integrated snowmaking/lift/lodging model.
- Ober Mountain: Tennessee ski area and snowtubing park in Gatlinburg, directly comparable as a small Southeast ski and tubing destination targeting drive-to family visitors.
- Canaan Valley Resort: West Virginia state-park ski area with similar trail count, snowmaking, and beginner-friendly positioning. Competes head-to-head with Winterplace for the same regional WV market.
- Massanutten Resort: Virginia ski resort and four-season resort targeting the same Mid-Atlantic beginner and family ski segment, with a comparable indoor waterpark and lodging strategy that diversifies beyond skiing.
- Sapphire Valley Ski Area: Small North Carolina ski resort focused on beginners, families, and tubing — directly comparable in scale, market positioning, and snow-dependent seasonality.
- Wintergreen Resort: Virginia four-season mountain resort with skiing, tubing, and lodging — directly competing for Mid-Atlantic family ski vacations and offering similar snowtubing and learn-to packages.
- Bryce Resort: Small Virginia ski area with learn-to-ski programs, snowtubing, and night skiing — comparable scale (small mountain, beginner focus) and customer base in the same Southeast regional drive market.
- Appalachian Ski Mountain: Family-owned North Carolina ski area with night skiing, snowmaking, terrain parks, and learn-to programs. Closest comparable independent Southeast resort with similar beginner-and-family positioning and scale.
- Timberline Mountain: Independent ski area in West Virginia offering day and night skiing with snowmaking. Comparable scale and Southeast positioning, competing for the same regional beginner and family skier base with similar lift ticket pricing.
- Cataloochee Ski Area: Small family-owned North Carolina ski area emphasizing learn-to-ski and family experience with 100% snowmaking. Near-identical business model and target customer to Winterplace.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Winterplace social profiles
Digital presenceWinterplace financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Winterplace leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Winterplace funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Winterplace M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Winterplace
What does Winterplace do?
Winterplace Ski Resort is a full-service ski and snowboard resort in Ghent, West Virginia, selling lift tickets, season passes, equipment rentals, ski/snowboard lessons, and snowtubing access across 28 slopes and the largest snowtubing park in West Virginia. The resort operates on 90+ acres with 100% snowmaking coverage and offers ancillary services including terrain parks, night skiing, dining, retail, group programs, summer event rentals, and on-site lodging. Its primary customers are beginner skiers, families, schools, youth groups, and organizations in the Southeast U.S.
Is Winterplace a public or private company?
Winterplace is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Winterplace founded?
Winterplace was founded in 1983. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Winterplace based?
Winterplace is headquartered in Ghent, United States, in the North America region.
How does Winterplace make money?
Ten revenue lines are on record. Lift Tickets are the primary driver. The others are season Passes, equipment Rentals, ski School Lessons, snowtubing, food & Beverage, retail Shops, group Programs, snowtubing Group Rates and gift Cards.
Who are Winterplace's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Snowshoe Mountain Resort, Ober Mountain, Canaan Valley Resort, Massanutten Resort, Sapphire Valley Ski Area, Wintergreen Resort, Bryce Resort, Appalachian Ski Mountain, Timberline Mountain and Cataloochee Ski Area.
Does Winterplace have an API?
No public API is recorded for Winterplace.
What industry is Winterplace in?
Winterplace's product category is Ski Resort & Winter Recreation. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAAAJAA, Integrated Ski & Mountain Resorts (Lift-Served Skiing/Riding), with a secondary code of THAAAJAG, Snow Tubing, Sledding & Winter Fun Parks. Its NAICS code is 71392 and its SIC code is 7900.