Snowshoe Mountain Resort (877.441.4FUN; www.snowshoemtn.com) lies 260 miles east of Washington, D.C., within the Alleghany Mountains, entirely surrounded by West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest. The property encompasses 11,000 acres and has trails open to hiking, horseback riding, and cross-country and downhill mountain biking from May to mid-October (depending on weather conditions).

Cross-country cyclists will find all varieties of terrain, from extreme downhill to low-key single- and doubletrack trails, and can take advantage of the lift and shuttle services (same fees apply), while downhillers have their pick of options: 18 lift-access trails; two National Off-Road Bicycling Association (NORBA) race courses; an extensive terrain park with drops, seesaws, and ladder bridges; a drop park at the top of the Ballhooter lift; and a planned 1,500-foot-long jump trail. Terrain level is varied, and all suggested skill levels for each trail are marked both on the trail map and at each trailhead.

In addition to the lower-octane cross-country trails, Snowshoe is also a great staging point for reaching the Greenbrier Trail, a gravel-surface 75-mile bike route with a 1 percent grade that travels alongside the Greenbrier River and its scenic woodland surrounds.

Trail Access, Lift Tickets, and Rental Costs
Snowshoe has constructed a good degree of flexibility into their access fees. Cross-country riders interested in riding within the 11,000-acre property can pay a $10 daylong entry fee, providing access to both the downhill and cross-country routes, but this pass does not offer lift access. For $20 you can secure a Park Pass, which includes access to the bike park and use of the Ballhooter lift. Access to the entirety of the resort, including the shuttle that runs from the base of the Western Territories to the top of the mountain every half hour, costs $35. Those interested solely in the shuttle can purchase half- and full-day passes for $15 and $25, respectively. Special packages, guided and instructional tours, and season passes are also available.

You can bring your own bike to Snowshoe, and they also have a variety of high-quality Kona bikes for rent. Prices vary by the style of bike you want. Cross-country bike rentals, which include a helmet, water bottle, and trail map, run $25 for half a day, and $35 for a full day. Freeride bikes—a full-suspension cross between cross-country bike and full-on downhill bike—start at $75 per day, and come with a full-face helmet and arm and shin pads. A downhill bike starts at $125 a day, and includes a full-face helmet, arm and shin pads, and body armor. There are discounts available for multi-day rentals, and you can also rent the helmets, arm and shin pads, and body armor without renting a bike.

Lodging
Snowshoe Mountain is an all-inclusive resort. It’s also a reverse resort, meaning that the majority of the resort infrastructure is positioned at the top—not the base—of the mountain (The Inn at Snowshoe being the exception). As with all ski resorts, you have a variety of lodging options, from multi-room condos to hotel-room-like accommodation in the Rim Fire Lodge. Prices vary depending on how many amenities you desire, and how close you want to get to the Village Center at the top of the mountain. Contact Snowshoe Mountain Resort (877.441.4FUN; www.snowshoemtn.com) for additional information.

Places to Eat
There are a good number of restaurants within the resort, but prices—as you’d expect—run a bit high. Some rooms have full and half kitchens, and there’s a grocery store at the intersection of Route 219 and Route 66, just west of the mountain base. Up top, Wildcat Provisions will keep you well stocked with beer, snacks, and various sundries.

Mid-ride, consider the sandwiches at Route 66 Sub Shop, just opposite where the Western Territories shuttle bus collects riders every half an hour.