17 Things to Do at Massanutten If You Don't Ski

You’re planning a winter mountain getaway, but not everyone in the group skis. So, what can they do while you’re hitting the slopes?

If you’re wondering what to do at Massanutten without skis, there’s a lot to choose from. From snow tubing and the Indoor Waterpark to horseback riding, comedy, dining, and more, there are enough things to do at Massanutten Resort to fill a day or an entire trip. That variety also makes Massanutten worth considering when you’re comparing ski resorts for non skiers. Everyone can build their own version of a winter getaway.

1. Warm Up at the Indoor Waterpark

Trade the winter layers for swimsuits at Massanutten's year-round Indoor Waterpark. Heated to a balmy 84°F, the park brings a little summer warmth to winter with the FlowRider surf simulator, lazy river, multi-level water fortress, slides, and more. It is also an easy way for skiers and non skiers to split up for part of the day without splitting up the vacation.

2. Take a Spin on the Outdoor Ice Rink

A winter classic with a little nostalgia built in. Our outdoor ice rink keeps you right in the mountain atmosphere without requiring skis or a snowboard. Glide around the rink, take in the surrounding mountain views, and enjoy an easy winter activity that works well for families and groups of all ages.

3. Ride Mountain Mayhem

Head to the Family Adventure Park for a completely different kind of ride down the mountain.

Mountain Mayhem is Virginia's first alpine coaster, with a 3,380-foot downhill track, two 360-degree spirals, and speeds of up to 25 mph. Riders control their own speed, so you can pick up the pace or slow things down and take in the scenery.

4. Go Snow Tubing by Day

No lessons, ski boots, or chairlifts required. But a little downhill speed? Absolutely. Massanutten’s snow tubing hill features 16 lanes stretching 900 feet downhill. After each run, a conveyor lift takes you back to the top so you can do it all again.

5. Experience Northern Lights Tubing After Dark

When the sun goes down, the tubing hill takes on a completely different feel.

Northern Lights Snow Tubing adds colorful lights and music to the experience for a nighttime ride that brings a little extra energy to winter evenings at Massanutten.

6. Get Competitive at Perfect Break

Perfect Break is Massanutten’s indoor spot for gaming, food, and a break from the cold. Test your swing in one of two Topgolf Swing Suites, or skip golf altogether and try games like Zombie Dodgeball, Tic-Tac-Toe, and other family-friendly challenges. Grab food and drinks while you play, and see who in your group brings out their competitive side. 

7. Solve an Escape Room 

An empty ship. A missing crew. A mysterious AI. Step into the unknown with Singularity, Massanutten’s space-themed escape room, or head to the sands of Egypt in Pharaoh’s Revenge, where your archaeological dig takes an unexpected turn near the Valley of the Kings. In Knights of the Golden Horseshoe, explore a mysterious mountain cabin and uncover secrets tied to a centuries-old Virginia expedition.

Whichever room you choose, your group will work together to solve clues, uncover the story, and beat the clock before time runs out.

8. Try a Massanutten Select Class

Slow things down and try something new with a Massanutten Select class.

Offerings vary, but experiences can include creating a 3D wood sign, relaxing with a sound bath, making a charcuterie display, or building a mini terrarium. Classes take place throughout the week at locations around the resort.

9. Enjoy a Winter Horseback Ride

See another side of the mountain on horseback.

Woodstone Meadows Stable & Petting Farm, an exclusive partner of Massanutten Resort, offers one-hour guided trail rides at the base of the mountain year-round. Trail guides match each guest with an appropriate horse and provide instruction before and during the ride, making the experience welcoming for first-time riders, too.

10. Catch a Show at the Comedy Club

Spend an evening laughing at Elevations Cocktail Lounge, home to Massanutten's Comedy Club throughout the year.

Regional and national stand-up comedians take the stage for PG-13 shows generally recommended for guests ages 13 and older. Grab a drink, settle in, and turn an evening off the slopes into part of the trip.

11. Enjoy Live at the Lodge in Elevations Lounge

During ski season, head to Elevations Lounge on the second floor of the Ski Lodge for Live at the Lodge on Fridays and Saturdays until 1 am. Enjoy live entertainment, drinks, light fare, and a relaxed atmosphere that's perfect for winding down after a day on the slopes.

12. Settle In for Dinner

We know the feeling: a day on the slopes or out exploring the mountain has a way of building an appetite. At Massanutten, dinner can be part of the experience, with everything from farm-to-table dining and casual favorites to cozy après drinks. Campfire Grill, Base Camp, Virginia BBQ & Pizza Co., and other on-mountain spots make it easy to warm up, settle in, and end the day with a great meal. 

13. Play a Round at Woodstone Meadows

Golf does not always disappear when winter arrives.

While Mountain Greens closes for the season, Woodstone Meadows and its driving range can remain open through the winter, weather permitting. If conditions cooperate, you can trade the ski poles for golf clubs and sneak in a round during your stay.

14. Test Your Skills at Diamond Jim's Arcade

Keep the competition going at Diamond Jim's Arcade inside the Indoor Waterpark.

Classic and modern arcade games make it a perfect place to spend some time indoors, especially with kids. Waterpark admission is required to access the arcade.

15. Visit the Fitness & Rec Centers

Massanutten has two recreation centers for guests who want to swim, work out, play, or simply slow down indoors.

The Fitness & Rec Club on the mountain side includes a 25-meter pool, indoor basketball, racquetball, and studio classes. Woodstone Recreation Center on the valley side features a heated indoor and outdoor pool, sauna and steam rooms, and a game room.

16. Unwind at The Spa

Winter vacation does not have to mean staying busy every minute.

Trade the wintry mountain air for a little peaceful rejuvenation at The Spa at Massanutten, with restorative massages, nourishing organic facials, and body treatments designed for a slower part of your getaway.

17. Watch the Friday Night Torchlight Parade

You don’t have to be on skis to enjoy one of Massanutten’s favorite winter traditions. On Friday nights during ski season, bundle up, grab a warm drink, and watch the Torchlight Parade wind its way down the mountain as skiers descend carrying glowing torches. The parade begins at 9 p.m., and one of the best places to watch is from the Ski Lodge deck or the base of the Creekside Lift. It’s a unique way to end a winter night on the mountain, no skis required. 

A Winter Getaway for Skiers and Non Skiers

When people compare good ski resorts for non skiers, the best fit is often the place where skiing can be part of the trip without having to be the whole trip.

That is especially helpful for families and groups with different interests. One person can spend the morning on the slopes while someone else heads to the Waterpark, Spa, or horseback stables. Meet back up for tubing, dinner, or an evening activity and everyone still gets their own version of a winter getaway.

Ready to Plan Your Trip?

Build your winter getaway around tubing, the Indoor Waterpark, entertainment, dining, relaxation, or a little of everything.