Winter at Bryce Mountain: Your Cozy 4-Day Family Getaway
Looking for a winter escape that blends snowy adventure, small-town charm, and all the cozy vibes your family craves? Bryce Mountain, VA, is the perfect cold-weather getaway, tucked into Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, just two hours from DC. Whether your crew wants to ski, tube, skate, or simply curl up by the fire, this 4-day winter itinerary is filled with easy seasonal fun, peaceful mountain moments, and plenty of opportunities to slow down together. And with a warm, welcoming cabin at Simply Cozy Getaways as your home base, every frosty day ends in pure comfort.
Day 1: Arrive & Get Settled + Evening Ice Skating or Relax
Check in to your Simply Cozy Getaways cabin and let the relaxation begin. Whether you’ve booked The Chestnut, Southern Charm, or Mountain View Lodge, you’ll have space to stretch out, a view to enjoy from inside or out, and a cozy outdoor firepit to gather around on chilly evenings.
Afternoon
Unpack, explore the cabin, and let the kids pick their rooms. We highly recommend the bunk rooms for instant sleepover vibes if you’re staying at The Chestnut or Mountain View Lodge.
Once everyone is settled, take a short drive to nearby Lake Laura for a gentle leg-stretching stroll. In winter, the lake is calm and peaceful, often sprinkled with snow, perfect for easing into mountain time. Keep an eye out for winter wildlife, snap a few photos, and enjoy the quiet beauty of the shoreline. If conditions allow, there’s an easy 2-mile trail that loops around the lake for a light afternoon walk.
Evening
Easy dinner idea: Bring a pre-made casserole to pop in the oven so you don’t have to cook on your first night.
After dinner, end the day with a classic family game night or a cozy movie marathon. You can light a wood-burning fire in the living room fireplace and enjoy some cozy indoor time, or if the weather’s cooperating, bundle up and head out to the firepit for s’mores under the stars. Nothing says “winter getaway” quite like a warm fire on a crisp mountain night.
Day 2: Skiing, Snow Tubing, or Ice Skating at Bryce Resort
Morning
Fuel up with a cozy breakfast in your cabin, then bundle up. Today is your winter adventure day! Head to Bryce Resort, just a few minutes from your cabin, where you can choose your perfect snow-day activity:
Skiing or Snowboarding: Great for beginners and families. Bryce has gentle, well-groomed trails and friendly instructors.
Snow Tubing: A guest favorite! Ride the magic carpet up and zoom down the lanes again and again.
Ice Skating: If you prefer something a little more relaxed, the outdoor skating rink is a charming winter option.
Cozy Option: Jump on the ski lift to get a scenic view of the resort, snow, and mountains. It’s really beautiful.
If you’ve never skied before, this is a wonderful place to learn. Ski lessons tend to book up on weekends and holidays, so reserve early if possible.
Afternoon
Grab some lunch at Pale Fire Brewing, a cozy spot perfect for lunch and less than a five-minute drive from the resort and cabins.
Warm up with a hot chocolate break at the resort, then choose your next round of fun:
More skiing or tubing
A slow scenic walk around the base area
Or head back to the cabin for naps, showers, and downtime.
If you want even more adventure, check availability for snowshoeing tours, as they’re a peaceful, unique way to explore Bryce in winter.
Evening
Keep dinner simple tonight with something warm and comforting like crockpot chili, soup, or pre-made meals, which work perfectly after a big day outdoors.
Then wind down with:
A board game challenge
Arcade games or a dance party in the game room of the cabin
Or hot drinks around the fire pit or the fireplace
This is one of those nights where everyone is tired in the best way.
Day 3: Cozy Cabin Morning + Winter Hike & Local Exploring
Morning
Sleep in a little (you’ve earned it!) and enjoy a slow morning in your cabin. Make pancakes, sip coffee by the window, and let the kids play while you stay warm inside.
When you're ready to head out, take a peaceful winter walk around Lake Laura or choose one of the nearby easy trails. The scenery is beautiful year-round, but there’s something extra magical about the quiet of winter with its frozen edges of the lake, frosted branches, and mountain views without the crowds.
Afternoon
This is a great afternoon for mixing rest with a little exploring:
Head back to Bryce Resort for more tubing or skating
Grab lunch at The Shenandoah Center or Carter’s Hütte at Bryce Resort, which are only open during the Winter Season.
Hop over to the Copper Kettle at the Bryce Resort for happy hour before heading back to the cabin.
If your group loves little adventures, take a scenic drive through Shenandoah County. The backroads offer incredible mountain views, and you can stop at local spots for treats or lunch.
Evening
Make tonight a true “cabin night.”
Ideas:
Homemade pizzas
Build-your-own nachos
A cozy charcuterie-style dinner
Afterward, turn on a movie, bring out the blankets, and let everyone unwind next to the wood-burning fireplace. If the stars are out, take five minutes to step outside and look up. The winter skies at Bryce can be unbelievably clear.
Day 4: One Last Mountain Moment + Farewell
Pack up at your own pace and check out of your Simply Cozy cabin. Snap a family photo on the deck, take in the view one more time, and leave knowing you created warm winter memories that will travel home with you.
This is the moment when most families say, “We’re coming back next year.” And honestly… we agree.
On your way out, be sure to stop at Woodstock, a cozy town nearby, where you can visit some of our favorite places, like Woodstock Brewhouse and Flour & Water Co. These are perfect spots for lunch and some walking around before getting on the road.
Tips to Make the Most of Your Winter Trip
Book early: Winter is peak season at Bryce Resort, and snow-related fun tends to fill up. Pre-book ski passes, tubing sessions, and snowshoe tours if possible.
Check weather & conditions: Virginia winters can be unpredictable. Make sure to monitor resort snow reports and road conditions before driving. While the roads are well-maintained, it’s recommended to bring a 4-wheel drive car when it’s snowing.
Dress in layers: Even if you’re snow tubing or skating, hours in cold weather call for good, warm gear: hats, gloves, waterproof outerwear.
Mix adventure with downtime: One of the best parts of Simply Cozy Getaways is the cabin itself: cozy, warm, a place to unwind. Don’t overbook your days.
Keep some flexibility: Maybe the snow’s light, or the ice rink isn’t open; having a backup activity (like a hike around Lake Laura or a quiet cabin morning) helps the trip stay relaxing and fun.
