Fun Ways To Stay Active This Winter
Winter in Charlottesville doesn’t mean staying cooped up indoors. With plenty of activities to keep you moving and exploring, it’s the perfect season to embrace new adventures and hobbies. Whether you’re looking for outdoor fun, indoor fitness, or creative pursuits, here’s a guide to staying active and beating the winter blues in Charlottesville.
Outdoor Adventures
Best Winter Hikes
Winter is an underrated time to explore the area’s hiking trails. With bare trees and crisp air, you’ll enjoy stunning views and quieter paths:
- Dark Hollow Falls (1.4 miles round trip): A short yet rewarding hike that takes you to a beautiful frozen waterfall. The icy cascades are especially stunning in winter.
- Old Rag Mountain (9.5 miles round trip): A challenging all-day hike for experienced hikers, featuring rock scrambles and incredible sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Be prepared for icy patches and bundle up!
- Little Stony Man Trail (1.2 miles round trip): This easy hike is perfect for a quick winter outing, offering panoramic vistas of the Shenandoah Valley without too much effort.
Scenic Drives
Take in the breathtaking beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains with a drive on Skyline Drive or the Blue Ridge Parkway. The winter landscape offers serene views of frosty valleys and snow-dusted peaks, and with fewer visitors, it’s a peaceful escape. Don’t forget your camera to capture the incredible scenery!
Winter Sports at Wintergreen and Massanutten
Get your adrenaline pumping at Wintergreen Resort or Massanutten Resort, just a short drive from Charlottesville. From tubing and skiing to snowboarding, these destinations provide exciting ways to enjoy the winter season.
Stay Active Indoors
Local Gyms and Studios
Stay fit this winter by exploring Charlottesville’s excellent fitness studios and gyms:
- Hot Yoga Charlottesville, Salute the Sun Yoga, Santosha Yoga: Heat up your workouts and stretch out stress with these yoga studios.
- Tru Pilates: Build strength and flexibility with focused, low-impact exercises.
- Purvelo Cycle: High-energy spin classes that will get your heart racing.
- ACAC and YMCA: Full-service gyms offering everything from group classes to swimming.
Pottery Classes at City Clay Studios
Tap into your creative side with pottery classes at City Clay Studios. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, creating your ceramic pieces is both relaxing and rewarding. It’s a great way to stay active indoors while picking up a new skill.
Cooking Classes at Pippin Hill
Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards isn’t just for summer visits! This winter, sign up for one of their cooking classes or workshops, where you can learn to prepare seasonal dishes using fresh, local ingredients. Pair it with a glass of wine for a cozy, flavorful outing. They also have a seasonal Winter Estate Tasting experience available December - March.
Cheer on UVA Basketball
Basketball season is in full swing, and there’s nothing like the energy of a UVA basketball game to heat a cold evening. Head to John Paul Jones Arena to cheer for the Cavaliers and feel the excitement of live sports.
Bundle up, get out of the house, and make the most of this winter in Charlottesville!
The Saunders-Monticello Trail
The crushed gravel trail that winds gently up the mountain to Monticello is a walk suitable for all ages. Dogs are welcome on the lower portion of the trail, but once the wooden walkways begin, it’s humans only. If you make it all the way to the top, reward yourself with a cozy cup of hot cocoa at the Monticello Visitor’s Center. Nature, history and a sweet treat. What could be better?
The Trails at James Madison’s Montpelier:
Less than 30 minutes outside Charlottesville, Montpelier boasts eight miles of hiking and walking trails. Walk along The Landmark Forest and Demonstration Forest trails to see rare old growth and transitional forests with oak, beech and tulip tree canopies. Other trails on the property include the Montpelier-Grelen Trail and the Montpelier Civil War trail. Dogs on-leash are welcome.
Highland Trails:
Your presidential trail tour can keep on going at James Monroe Highland, the home of the fifth president. Just up the road from Monticello, you’ll find six Highland Trails plus the mountain access road ranging in length from .2 up to 2.1 miles. String a few together for a longer hike. Dogs are not allowed on the trails except on designated days.
Wintergreen Resort:
Just 45 minutes from Charlottesville in Nelson County, Wintergreen Resort is an outdoor wonderland, and never more so than during the winter months. If zipping down slopes on skis or a snowboard aren’t your thing, check out The Plunge tubing park and the miles of hiking trails with breathtaking overlooks. Check the website for lift ticket specials like the Mission: Four’dable, which gets you four lift tickets to use anytime during the 2020-21 season for $249. Available through Dec. 18
