With cold weather and snow fast approaching, many ski resorts in the surrounding area are beginning to open for the season, although  opening dates are TBD at the moment.

Whitetail ski resort and Liberty Mountain ski resort are among the most popular resorts for Northern Virginians. Both are located in Pennsylvania about an hour and a half from Sterling, making them easily accessible.

Best for a Beginner: http://www.libertymountainresort.com/

Location: Mercersburg, PA

Summit Height: 1,190 feet

Snow Tubing: yes

Rentals: yes

As the smaller mountain of the two, Liberty is a great opportunity for beginner skiers, although it does offer a few challenging trails and moguls for the more advanced skier.  Junior Evelyn Kim, an avid skier, believes that Liberty is geared towards beginners because “it has more bunny trails and classes” than other resorts like Whitetail and Seven Springs. It also has a terrain park where skiers and snowboarders can practice tricks with jumps, butter boxes, and pipes. Liberty’s indoor area, eating space, and locker space are more equipped to handle crowds than its sister resort, Whitetail.

Best for Local Intermediate/Advanced:

http://www.skiwhitetail.com/winter

Location: Fairfield, PA

Summit Height: 1,800 feet

Snow Tubing: yes

Rentals: yes

Whitetail resort is just a little farther out than Liberty Mountain, but its longer and more varied trails are worth the drive. The resort has more of a variety of blue, black, double black  diamonds, and even two terrain parks for more advanced skiers to enjoy. With high speed ski lifts, you have more time to spend on the slopes! For first time skiers and snowboarders, day classes are offered and there are a few bunny trails to practice on.

Best for Intermediate/Advanced: http://www.7springs.com/

Location: Seven Springs, PA

Summit Height: 2,994 feet

Snow tubing: yes

Rentals: yes

At Seven Springs, 26 out of their 33 trails are range from more difficult to expert, making it the perfect place for people looking for a challenge. They also have terrain parks and bunny trails. It’s more of a resort feel, so when you’re done skiing, there are plenty of other activities for you to do like snowmobile and snowshoe tours, carriage rides, and even snowcat rides. When you’re tired of the outdoors, head back inside to play some mini golf, bowling, or roller-skate.