Massanutten started daily ops today and opened up the Mass Transit/Yee Ha route, making it easier to bounce between the Peak and Ridge Triple lifts. I'll probably be out there tomorrow morning for Day 2.
It also looks like snowmaking on No Hess has started
Single digits at Massanutten tonight, Dec. 14. At midnight, the snowguns are blowing on the lower mountain trails, but not on the tubing hill or the upper mountain. Should be plenty of open trails for the holiday period.
Fair to say I've never seen this many trails open by mid-December in the 20 years I've been paying attention to Massanutten. From the morning ops report on Dec. 15, 2025.
👀
I think I may be giving my sons an early Christmas present this year...
I have wanted to ski Massanutten in December for years, but they never have both Paradice and DJ open. This situation should be rewarded.
Stephen wrote:
Have they dropped the 4 hour ticket this year?
Sure looks that way.
Mnut has implemented dynamic pricing for 2025-26.
Quite a list of open trails for Christmas week at Massanutten! Even managed to get Meadow open, which means beginners can spread out more. Here's the Snow Conditions report for Dec. 23, 2025, 7:44am:
Perhaps there is a correlation between this and dynamic pricing...
I will miss the four hour pass though.
wfyurasko wrote:
Perhaps there is a correlation between this and dynamic pricing...
I will miss the four hour pass though.
Massanutten was one of the first resorts in the region to have a 4-hr and 8-hr option about twenty years ago, instead of having all day tickets 9:00-5:00. Definitely helped to spread out people getting started in the mornings on weekends.
My guess is that relatively few people who stay overnight bought the 4-hr unless they were never-evers. For those people who take a lesson, not being rushed is probably better in the long run.
When buying a 2-day ticket, night skiing on both days is included. That's useful with kids because can ski 9:00-11:30, take a long lunch at the condo, and then return mid-afternoon and ski into the lights until dinner time.
Note that holiday Mondays are not peak rates for lift tickets. Most people who stay on resort don't use the chairlifts on Monday since they have to check out by 10:00am and usually start driving home around lunch time. Tubing tickets for Monday mornings sell out very early on.
I really liked the 4 hour ticket, but it wasn't much cheaper than the 8 hour ticket to make a lot of sense. I liked it psychologically. I can loop the mogul trails until I'm exhausted and then get kicked out, vs. not getting myself to stop when I really shouldn't do one more run.
Window ticket prices at most places are ridiculous. Just to go up and ski one day for a reasonable price without a season pass is fleeting. Massanutten has been able to provide that, and the 4 hour ticket helped. Will I ever see a $50 lift ticket again anywhere like I enjoyed last year?
On that note, not necessarily directed just to you marz, I listened to a podcast with Vail CEO, and the Southeast got some strong mentions. The interviewer commented on how the industry grew more than Vail, and the CEO said that a lot of that was because of the Southeast (and the midwest) where they don't have much presence. First of all, with their bank of resorts just over the border into Pennsylvania, they do have a big presence. Second, we have some particular needs that maybe they don't understand as well, snowmaking, snowmaking, and snowmaking. Massanutten and Timberline have pulled ahead, because they get it. I also heard just now that Wintergreen has invested a lot more recently too. Next, I would say a lot of it is about window ticket prices. How do you get started as a beginner these days? Either you're rich or you have a pass, and beginners don't go out and buy a pass. I think a big reason is that our region is one of the only places left in the country where the window ticket prices are still accessible, because they haven't bought into the big pass model of a cheap pass bought well ahead of time and out of sight window ticket prices. That model gives the resorts some insurance against a bad weather year, but it keeps new people out of the sport. It seems to me dynamic pricing is the best answer, because holiday lines are ridiculous.
marzNC wrote:
wfyurasko wrote:
Perhaps there is a correlation between this and dynamic pricing...
I will miss the four hour pass though.
Massanutten was one of the first resorts in the region to have a 4-hr and 8-hr option about twenty years ago, instead of having all day tickets 9:00-5:00. Definitely helped to spread out people getting started in the mornings on weekends.
My guess is that relatively few people who stay overnight bought the 4-hr unless they were never-evers. For those people who take a lesson, not being rushed is probably better in the long run.
When buying a 2-day ticket, night skiing on both days is included. That's useful with kids because can ski 9:00-11:30, take a long lunch at the condo, and then return mid-afternoon and ski into the lights until dinner time.
Note that holiday Mondays are not peak rates for lift tickets. Most people who stay on resort don't use the chairlifts on Monday since they have to check out by 10:00am and usually start driving home around lunch time. Tubing tickets for Monday mornings sell out very early on.
Check out the lift ticket prices in the northern midwest (WI, MI, MN, OH). As with real estate . . . location, location, location . . . applies to cost of operations and pricing for consumers.
The Indy Pass is a game changer for many people who only ski 4-10 days a season. Massanutten was on Indy from the first season. So was Bryce. Wintergreen, Wisp joined as well. All my skiing at CV was using Indy.
I joined the Indy pass this year too. I also have a Timberline season pass and bought several Massanutten four packs.. I’m looking forward to hitting a lot of the local mountains this winter.
Weekends at Timberline have become unbearable from MLK to President’s weekend.
marzNC wrote:
Check out the lift ticket prices in the northern midwest (WI, MI, MN, OH). As with real estate . . . location, location, location . . . applies to cost of operations and pricing for consumers.
The Indy Pass is a game changer for many people who only ski 4-10 days a season. Massanutten was on Indy from the first season. So was Bryce. Wintergreen, Wisp joined as well. All my skiing at CV was using Indy.
I am admittedly biased because of a longstanding family connection to the mountain, but Wintergreen has absolutely stepped it up with the snowmaking. Last year was incredible -- 100% of the resort open for most of the season. This year the new manager has also been aggressive with the snowmaking. Heck, they were even blowing at above freezing (but below on wet bulb, obviously) this past Sunday, and opened new terrain on Monday. I appreciate the early season aggressiveness!
Stephen wrote:
I really liked the 4 hour ticket, but it wasn't much cheaper than the 8 hour ticket to make a lot of sense. I liked it psychologically. I can loop the mogul trails until I'm exhausted and then get kicked out, vs. not getting myself to stop when I really shouldn't do one more run.
Window ticket prices at most places are ridiculous. Just to go up and ski one day for a reasonable price without a season pass is fleeting. Massanutten has been able to provide that, and the 4 hour ticket helped. Will I ever see a $50 lift ticket again anywhere like I enjoyed last year?
On that note, not necessarily directed just to you marz, I listened to a podcast with Vail CEO, and the Southeast got some strong mentions. The interviewer commented on how the industry grew more than Vail, and the CEO said that a lot of that was because of the Southeast (and the midwest) where they don't have much presence. First of all, with their bank of resorts just over the border into Pennsylvania, they do have a big presence. Second, we have some particular needs that maybe they don't understand as well, snowmaking, snowmaking, and snowmaking. Massanutten and Timberline have pulled ahead, because they get it. I also heard just now that Wintergreen has invested a lot more recently too. Next, I would say a lot of it is about window ticket prices. How do you get started as a beginner these days? Either you're rich or you have a pass, and beginners don't go out and buy a pass. I think a big reason is that our region is one of the only places left in the country where the window ticket prices are still accessible, because they haven't bought into the big pass model of a cheap pass bought well ahead of time and out of sight window ticket prices. That model gives the resorts some insurance against a bad weather year, but it keeps new people out of the sport. It seems to me dynamic pricing is the best answer, because holiday lines are ridiculous.
marzNC wrote:
wfyurasko wrote:
Perhaps there is a correlation between this and dynamic pricing...
I will miss the four hour pass though.
Massanutten was one of the first resorts in the region to have a 4-hr and 8-hr option about twenty years ago, instead of having all day tickets 9:00-5:00. Definitely helped to spread out people getting started in the mornings on weekends.
My guess is that relatively few people who stay overnight bought the 4-hr unless they were never-evers. For those people who take a lesson, not being rushed is probably better in the long run.
When buying a 2-day ticket, night skiing on both days is included. That's useful with kids because can ski 9:00-11:30, take a long lunch at the condo, and then return mid-afternoon and ski into the lights until dinner time.
Note that holiday Mondays are not peak rates for lift tickets. Most people who stay on resort don't use the chairlifts on Monday since they have to check out by 10:00am and usually start driving home around lunch time. Tubing tickets for Monday mornings sell out very early on.
Given how many trails are open, sounds like a pretty good holiday week overall at Massanuten. Of course, more like spring skiing then early season.
Outer limits is my leading indicator of it's time to try to go to WG.
&please tell me blue ridge pig is still open :)
wgo wrote:
Great news about Wintergreen stepping it up - having several good options in central virginia is definitely a good thing. Highlands is a very fun area when it is fully open and Outer Limits is bumped up.
Blue Ridge Pig is indeed still open and good as ever. Outer Limits is on the next round of terrain to open … hopefully this next cold snap holds!
pagamony wrote:
Outer limits is my leading indicator of it's time to try to go to WG.
&please tell me blue ridge pig is still open :)wgo wrote:
Great news about Wintergreen stepping it up - having several good options in central virginia is definitely a good thing. Highlands is a very fun area when it is fully open and Outer Limits is bumped up.
ok good, otherwise no pig no reason to go.
natehurst wrote:
Blue Ridge Pig is indeed still open and good as ever. Outer Limits is on the next round of terrain to open … hopefully this next cold snap holds!
pagamony wrote:
Outer limits is my leading indicator of it's time to try to go to WG.
&please tell me blue ridge pig is still open :)
wgo wrote:
Great news about Wintergreen stepping it up - having several good options in central virginia is definitely a good thing. Highlands is a very fun area when it is fully open and Outer Limits is bumped up.
Snowmaking on No Hess in earnest. There was a note in the Daily Report about daytime snowmaking.
Massanutten Daily Report for December 30, 2025:
I may be there tomorrow with my daughter. Feel free to say hello if you see me.
marzNC wrote:
wgo wrote:
Mnut 100% openWay to start the New Year! I'll be there this Sunday.
Natehurst-I had a season pass at Wintergreen for many years. The bumps on Outer Limits many years ago got me back into skiing the mid Atlantic regularly. I used to feel that Wintergreen was the best place in our area. But, they aren't doing as well now. Still much of the Highlands isn't open, and they aren't letting Outer Limits bump up like they used to. They used to brag that they could open the entire mountain in just 5 days of good snowmaking weather, and I remember some years where that was true. We've had plenty of cold weather, and there are years past where they would have been fully open with this much great weather.
natehurst wrote:
I am admittedly biased because of a longstanding family connection to the mountain, but Wintergreen has absolutely stepped it up with the snowmaking. Last year was incredible -- 100% of the resort open for most of the season. This year the new manager has also been aggressive with the snowmaking. Heck, they were even blowing at above freezing (but below on wet bulb, obviously) this past Sunday, and opened new terrain on Monday. I appreciate the early season aggressiveness!
Had a good time at Massanutten today. Pretty empty in general. I drove up the mountain about 10:00 and there were plenty of cars heading down, presumably people who had just checked out of resort lodging. Snow was best on Showtime, per usual. MakAttack was a steep groomer, as was Slot. Snowmaking overnight should make for a good time on Monday morning.
Photos taken around 11:30am, January 4, 2026.
The lines did pick up after 1:00, but it was still manageable. I didn't see you there, but we were all over the mountain. It was fun. Did the beginner runs more than the expert runs. This was my first time using Phantom wax on my skis that I applied. I heard about the stuff from you, marz, thanks. I put them on these skis, because they were new skis last season, and the wax only lasts like three days. I've had that problem on old skis, but never new skis. Anyway, they were very slick, and faster than everyone else. I've never had that experience. So, the next question, we'll see how long it lasts.
zNC wrote:
Had a good time at Massanutten today. Pretty empty in general. I drove up the mountain about 10:00 and there were plenty of cars heading down, presumably people who had just checked out of resort lodging. Snow was best on Showtime, per usual. MakAttack was a steep groomer, as was Slot. Snowmaking overnight should make for a good time on Monday morning.
Photos taken around 11:30am, January 4, 2026.
Stephen wrote:
This was my first time using Phantom wax on my skis that I applied. I heard about the stuff from you, marz, thanks. I put them on these skis, because they were new skis last season, and the wax only lasts like three days. I've had that problem on old skis, but never new skis. Anyway, they were very slick, and faster than everyone else. I've never had that experience. So, the next question, we'll see how long it lasts.
Phantom is not a wax. It initiates a chemical reactions that changes the composition of the bases. So even after a stone grind, your skis will still be treated.
Since there was snowmaking overnight and into the morning all over Massanutten, the skiing on Monday was fabulous! I spent the entire morning on upper mountain trail with a friend who is a local. We started in Mueller's Mile and worked our way over to MakAttack. Slot, No Hess, and Upper MakAttack are steep groomers at this point. Showtime had the most dry snow.
Even though it felt cold, it was clear by mid-morning that the snow was softening a bit. In general, stayed better than Sunday afternoon. Perhaps mostly because there were fewer people on the slopes.
Snowmaking around 8:00am, January 5, 2026
Paradice remains my favorite trail
Is it still working for you? Did you get a grind, and it still works? In practice.
marzNC wrote:
Stephen wrote:
This was my first time using Phantom wax on my skis that I applied. I heard about the stuff from you, marz, thanks. I put them on these skis, because they were new skis last season, and the wax only lasts like three days. I've had that problem on old skis, but never new skis. Anyway, they were very slick, and faster than everyone else. I've never had that experience. So, the next question, we'll see how long it lasts.
Phantom is not a wax. It initiates a chemical reactions that changes the composition of the bases. So even after a stone grind, your skis will still be treated.
Stephen wrote:
Is it still working for you? Did you get a grind, and it still works? In practice.
marzNC wrote:
Stephen wrote:
This was my first time using Phantom wax on my skis that I applied. I heard about the stuff from you, marz, thanks. I put them on these skis, because they were new skis last season, and the wax only lasts like three days. I've had that problem on old skis, but never new skis. Anyway, they were very slick, and faster than everyone else. I've never had that experience. So, the next question, we'll see how long it lasts.
Phantom is not a wax. It initiates a chemical reactions that changes the composition of the bases. So even after a stone grind, your skis will still be treated.
The first pair of skis that I treated with Phantom was good for 100+ days, mostly in the east on manmade snow. Never waxed them after the DIY treatment with Version 1. All my other skis have been treated. Those I've done a stone grind are just as good as they were before the grind.
For skis I take out west, I sometimes wait until a stone grind makes sense before treating with Phantom. I only used to wax the skis I took to the Rockies once a season. The skis I've used the most have had Phantom since 2019. Probably have skied them 25+ days each season since on soft snow.
Pretty direct report for Massanutten this afternoon . . .
We are closing Upper Mak Attack and Masstransit for the rest of today because it is a sheet of ice. Slot and No Hess will remain closed today. Muellers mile is TBD based on mountain operation assessments. The snowmaking team plans to fire up as soon as proper temperatures arrive this afternoon giving the mountain a refresh.
We suffered from the same weather event up at Killington - trail count dropped from 140 to 95. Been mostly groomed runs the last 2 days. Mountain ops has done a good job with these and a couple of the blacks/double blacks under the guns have skied quite well.
Heading a bit further north to Sugarbush on Wednesday since it is also on ikon.
Had a great time at Massanutten today, Saturday, Jan. 17. Bottom line is that my friends and I never waited more than 5 minutes on any lift. While we mostly skied the upper mountain, I wandered around on the lower mountain a bit as well. We ate lunch in the lodge 11:30-12:30. It wasn't a zoo, as has happened in past years. Probably helped that it was relatively warm once the sun came up so a lot of people ate at the Mid-Mountain Grill.
Snow conditions were excellent all morning. After it warmed up, the snow was not quite a good but still reasonable. Started setting up by 3:30 or so as the sun went behind the mountain.
Only bumps were on No Hess. Upper MakAttack is rather fun as an empty black groomer. DJ had better snow overall than Paradice. Felt like there had been more snowmaking on DJ in the past week. Paradice had a few sections of chunky ice. There were contours on Mueller's Mile and Mass Transit, so it's clear the snow is deep.
My sense is that whatever cap Mnut put on day tickets made a difference. Probably the fact that Mnut was 100% open is another factor. Note that Mnut is no longer offering 4-hour lift tickets. The trails never felt congested. Including Mueller's Mile and Ridgecrest, which are the blues from the top. I saw fewer people on the Meadow during the mid-afternoon than last year during MLK weekend. There were lots of people doing lessons today.
Groomers finishing up near the base at 8:30am, January 17, 2026
Short wait on base lift around 10am
Skiing was good all day, Sunday, Jan. 18. Of course, there were lift lines after 11:00 or so. After lunchtime, essentially 10-15 minutes on all the lifts. Lodge was more crowded than Saturday because it was cloudy and cold, high around 30. However, not nearly as chaotic as past years. Probably because day tickets sold out. Rentals sold out as well. Night tickets sold out some time in the afternoon.
By 3:30 people were starting to leave. But took until 4:00 before the lift lines were shorter than 5 minutes for the base lifts.
For those willing to pay for a hot lunch, the menu for the cafeteria has expanded quite a bit.
As of 7am on Jan. 19, MLK Day, the temp at Massanutten is 16 at the summit and 19 at the base. Good thing I brought what I wear for frigid weather! Will ski in the morning for a couple hours before driving back to NC because my teen ski buddy has school tomorrow.
Snowmaking everywhere, including all the fan guns blasting on the tubing lanes. There have been 12 lanes open all weekend, with both magic carpets running for getting back to the top. Snowguns are pointed high on upper DJ and upper Paradice, with grooming in progress.
What's the status of moguls?
marzNC wrote:
As of 7am on Jan. 19, MLK Day, the temp at Massanutten is 16 at the summit and 19 at the base. Good thing I brought what I wear for frigid weather! Will ski in the morning for a couple hours before driving back to NC because my teen ski buddy has school tomorrow.
Snowmaking everywhere, including all the fan guns blasting on the tubing lanes. There have been 12 lanes open all weekend, with both magic carpets running for getting back to the top. Snowguns are pointed high on upper DJ and upper Paradice, with grooming in progress.
Stephen wrote:
What's the status of moguls?
marzNC wrote:
As of 7am on Jan. 19, MLK Day, the temp at Massanutten is 16 at the summit and 19 at the base. Good thing I brought what I wear for frigid weather! Will ski in the morning for a couple hours before driving back to NC because my teen ski buddy has school tomorrow.
Snowmaking everywhere, including all the fan guns blasting on the tubing lanes. There have been 12 lanes open all weekend, with both magic carpets running for getting back to the top. Snowguns are pointed high on upper DJ and upper Paradice, with grooming in progress.
Only No Hess has bumps. Slot and Upper MakAttack are steep groomers.
Don't think you would like the No Hess bumps. They are inconsistent in size and shape. Snow is good and only the top section has exposed ice, which is fairly easy to avoid.
Book soon. I dunno what availability is around Mnut but Wintergreen is already sold out through the weekend.
wgo wrote:
Keeping an eye on the potential storm this weekend. Thinking of booking a hotel room for Saturday night.
natehurst wrote:
Book soon. I dunno what availability is around Mnut but Wintergreen is already sold out through the weekend.
wgo wrote:
Keeping an eye on the potential storm this weekend. Thinking of booking a hotel room for Saturday night.
A big advantage Mnut has over Wintergreen is not only are there plenty of motels in Harrisonburg, in addition to the timeshare condos at the resort, there are a few buildings with hotel rooms. The price isn't that bad for lodging on the mountain. Not the shortest walk from the hotel buildings but could be done in a pinch.
When there is snow/ice, the roads at Massanutten are kept well plowed and sanded by staff and contractors. It's been a while, but I've gone storm chasing a few times when the forecast was for over a foot of snow. US33 is more likely to be plowed and drivable before the 2-lane mountain road up to the Wintergreen base.
wgo wrote:
Managed to book the on-site Mnut hotel for Saturday night.
How early on Saturday are you planning on driving to Mnut?
Plans still in flux but we are thinking probably not until after lunch, but before the snow is predicted to start. I'll need to handle check in for the hotel and pick up buddy passes for Sunday. May ski for a few hours on Saturday. Based on the forecast I may try to extend our stay to Monday morning - youngest will certainly be out of school for several days. We also need to make sure our oldest can get back to Blacksburg safely which probably entails him waiting until Monday to make the drive back.
marzNC wrote:
wgo wrote:
Managed to book the on-site Mnut hotel for Saturday night.How early on Saturday are you planning on driving to Mnut?
I used Buddy Passes for my friend's teen last weekend. It's a good perk. Could get 2 day tickets on Friday evening good for Sat and Sun of the holiday weekend. Made sense for her to buy a day ticket on Monday and save the other 2 Buddy Passes for Pres. Day weekend since the holiday Mondays are priced the same as any other Monday.
Massanutten was one of the featured resorts in an article in SAM about MLK weekend.
" . . .
In Virginia, Massanutten Resort saw a very solid holiday that remained consistent with last year’s record-breaking numbers. Mountain sports director Kameron Tucker noticed a significant shift in guest behavior, saying, “Pass-holder visitation was up about 37 percent, and we saw pass-holder perk utilization increase nearly three times. Sixty-eight percent of guests booked in advance, which is a 55 percent increase over our five-season average.” Tucker also noted major operational wins, including a 38 percent drop in rental shop processing time and zero guests missing lessons due to line waits.
. . ."
Nelson County would pour its entire snow clearing budget to get 151 and Beech Grove Road open during a storm -- they're very aware of the tax revenue the resort brings in. Been going up there since 1987 and the county road up to the resort is always treated and plowed, and where the HOA takes over from the gatehouse is always good too. They know what they're doing.
marzNC wrote:
natehurst wrote:
Book soon. I dunno what availability is around Mnut but Wintergreen is already sold out through the weekend.
wgo wrote:
Keeping an eye on the potential storm this weekend. Thinking of booking a hotel room for Saturday night.A big advantage Mnut has over Wintergreen is not only are there plenty of motels in Harrisonburg, in addition to the timeshare condos at the resort, there are a few buildings with hotel rooms. The price isn't that bad for lodging on the mountain. Not the shortest walk from the hotel buildings but could be done in a pinch.
When there is snow/ice, the roads at Massanutten are kept well plowed and sanded by staff and contractors. It's been a while, but I've gone storm chasing a few times when the forecast was for over a foot of snow. US33 is more likely to be plowed and drivable before the 2-lane mountain road up to the Wintergreen base.
natehurst wrote:
Nelson County would pour its entire snow clearing budget to get 151 and Beech Grove Road open during a storm -- they're very aware of the tax revenue the resort brings in. Been going up there since 1987 and the county road up to the resort is always treated and plowed, and where the HOA takes over from the gatehouse is always good too. They know what they're doing.
marzNC wrote:
natehurst wrote:
Book soon. I dunno what availability is around Mnut but Wintergreen is already sold out through the weekend.
wgo wrote:
Keeping an eye on the potential storm this weekend. Thinking of booking a hotel room for Saturday night.A big advantage Mnut has over Wintergreen is not only are there plenty of motels in Harrisonburg, in addition to the timeshare condos at the resort, there are a few buildings with hotel rooms. The price isn't that bad for lodging on the mountain. Not the shortest walk from the hotel buildings but could be done in a pinch.
When there is snow/ice, the roads at Massanutten are kept well plowed and sanded by staff and contractors. It's been a while, but I've gone storm chasing a few times when the forecast was for over a foot of snow. US33 is more likely to be plowed and drivable before the 2-lane mountain road up to the Wintergreen base.
If you are chasing this weekend, here is a place I have stayed. I was going to go this weekend and cancelled. Good place for the money and accommodating owner. If it looks booked, message her.
https://www.vrbo.com/4037144?dateless=true&EMLCID=VRBO-US.TRC.UNKWN.8367c9dda7f3344a0a31fb9c87d3a143.EML&EMLDTL=DATE20260121-LANGEN_US.TESTX.VERSX.CAT02G255.MOD725471&cta=propertybookingdetails.general.link
Massanutten morning update for Sunday, Jan. 25:
Massanutten afternoon update during Winter Storm Fern:
Upper MakAttack is marked as having bumps on the snow conditions webpage.
Wasn't really the snow storm we were all hoping for. At least all the resorts should be fully open by now with all the precipitation and cold weather. I was going to go up today, but the roads are in terrible shape, and it doesn't seem like the snow was that good. From the other thread, even Timberline got that sleet. This morning it was rock hard. I'm glad I got my laps in down the street yesterday before it firmed up.
Posted in another thread:
Wow! May not get above freezing during the day for an entire week at Massanutten by the time it warms up. Night time lows are forecast for the teens or even single digits.
Get the feeling there won't be any snowmaking for a few days. The snowmaking ponds won't be refilling with melted snow any time soon. Mnut is 100% open again with Upper MakAttack re-opened. Only No Hessitation is showing Bumps on the snow conditions webpage.
