Jazz up your winter with these 5 adventures

Last updated: August 30, 2021

Banish those winter blues, both outdoors and indoors!

Hibernating is for bears… and folks who don’t have Mercer County’s high altitude and rugged wilderness.

Find your adventure at:

1. Winterplace Ski Resort
Soaring peaks, tubing lanes, terrain parks and 100% snowmaking capabilities— welcome to snow day HQ.

You don’t have to be a slick skier like James Bond, either. Beginners and experts alike can take on Winterplace’s 27 slopes, and the snow tubing park doesn’t take any experience at all! Best of all, you can stay on the slopes late into the night.

Winterplace also has 4 on-site restaurants, kid care programs and lessons for snowbirds of all ages. You’ll get the gist of positioning and control with a “Terrain Based Learning” class, which will have you rolling over gentle slopes and obstacles. You can even take another free lesson if you don’t learn the ropes.

There are deals and special events throughout winter, too. Follow Winterplace’s calendar for the latest offers.

2. ATVing
You can roll off road all winter in Mercer County! Drive through snow drifts and roar through the mountains all season on one of the world’s largest off-roading systems.

Getting to the Hatfield-McCoy Trail is easy, thanks to Mercer’s Pocahontas Trailhead. Paths are a good mix of beginner runs for new riders and challenges for the more advanced.

When you’re finished for the day, head to Bramwell. During the coal boom, more millionaires lived here in America than anywhere else! Marvel at the enormous coal baron mansions and quaint train depot, but don’t forget to visit The Corner Shop. This old-fashioned ice-cream parlor has a working antique soda fountain, nostalgic desserts and delicious burgers.

3. A “closed-room” mystery
Do you and your friends have enough wits to solve “Captain’s Cabin”? Immerse yourself in a live story, complete with a fast-paced narrative, props… and a timed thriller you’ll have to solve!

Out of the Box Room Escape challenges you and your pals to 60 minutes of sleuthing. In a “locked” room, piece together clues in order to “escape.” Story plots change, but each one will capture your imagination.

Race the clock before time’s up!

4. Skip the mitts
Not a fan of cold weather? Spend winter inside with a good ‘ol game of bowling!

Head to Mountaineer Bowling Lanes for a casual hangout. There’s also a snack bar, billiard tables and a sports lounge. You can even try laser bowling Friday and Saturday nights (just make a reservation.)

Green Valley Bowling Center has 22 lanes and then some. Fool around in the bounce house, play laser tag or slap on a pair of roller skates. There’s even batting cage. And they sweeten the deal with plenty of generous contests.

5. Adventures with art
Create your own artistic adventure! At Pottery Time, color your own ceramic kitchenware or figurine. You don’t have to be a talented painter or designer, either. Just use your imagination!

Which winter adventure are you going to try?