Wintergreen Resort in Wintergreen, VA, is a year-round mountain resort that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in recreational activities such as skiing, golf, tennis, hiking, swimming, or simply want to enjoy the peace and tranquility the Blue Ridge Mountains offer, Wintergreen has something for you. On a nice winter day, you may be able to partake in both of Wintergreen’s most popular amenities. In the morning, head up the mountain and hit the ski slopes, then ditch the parka and head down the mountain to Stoney Creek and get in an afternoon round of golf. That’s something I haven’t done outside of Arizona!
Guests at Wintergreen Resort can choose from a variety of comfortable and diverse lodging options. Condos, villas, and homes are available throughout the 11,000-acre property, ranging from studio units to 10-bedroom homes that sleep 20 people. Many have full kitchens, fireplaces, and private balconies or patios, as well as panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The Mountain Inn offers hotel-like guest rooms as well as Lodge Rooms. Mountain Inn sits at the heart of the resort’s mountaintop village. Our Lodge Room was a very comfortable one-bedroom with a fully equipped kitchen with microwave and coffee maker, a living area with a big screen TV, and a loft bedroom with a king-size bed. Sleep comfort is everything, and this bed did not disappoint!
Wintergreen has several dining options. The Edge offers a casual atmosphere and serves seasonal appetizers, savory sandwiches, homemade desserts, and a diverse list of locally crafted beers and ciders to complement your meal. The Copper Mine blends timeless culinary traditions with contemporary techniques to offer a menu inspired by Old World flavors. The Terrace Café is a great place to grab a cup of coffee and a pastry as you head out to enjoy all that Wintergreen has to offer. It’s located in the Mountain Inn near the bottom of the staircase. More options are available depending on the season.
During the summer months, the focus is on golf, and Wintergreen Resort is home to two stunning golf courses. Devils Knob Golf Course is located on the property at the top of the mountain, not too far from the Mountain Inn. At an elevation of 3,850 feet, Devils Knob is Virginia’s highest golf course; it’s only accessible to Members and resort guests. Members flock to Devils Knob in the summer months; it’s typically 12 – 15 degrees cooler! The view of the valley below from behind the 14th tee is incredible.
The key to playing from Devils Knob’s elevated tee boxes is to keep the ball in play. On several holes, a slight fade or hook off the tee can easily result in a lost ball. Most players opt to leave their driver in the bag; the golf course will tell you which club to hit and where to hit it!
The 547-yard par-5 10th hole at Devils Knob has a little bit of everything. For starters, you have a heavily tree-lined fairway on both sides from tee to green. Then, there’s a fairway bunker in the landing area on the right side and a creek about 70 yards short of the green. A large bunker front left and another in back protect the green, which is a lot wider than it is deep and slopes left to right. The entire hole plays downhill, which is a good thing and gives you hope!
The par 3, 15th hole has the distinction of being the highest golf hole in the state. It’s a relatively flat par 3 hole that plays with a narrow alleyway up the middle flanked by heavy rough and heavily wooded areas on either side. There’s a bunker in the middle of the fairway about 30 yards short of the middle of the green for good measure.
No matter your level of expertise, Devils Knob is going to challenge you!
Stoney Creek Golf Course is a 27-hole Rees Jones-designed layout located about 15 minutes from the main resort. The layouts incorporate the native habitat and natural springs, and flow naturally with the lay of the land. Each course has generous landing areas, large, undulating greens, and a few forced carries. Unlike Devils Knob, Stoney Creek will have you hitting every club in your bag.
If you want to “ease in” to the golf course, start on Shamokin. Because of its location in the valley, Shamokin is relatively flat, which appeals to more golfers, yet it offers enough challenge to get a seasoned player’s attention. There are very few uphill, downhill, or sidehill lies. The course winds through hardwood forests and alongside meandering streams, with each hole presenting a different view of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The par-3, 7th hole is Shamokin’s signature hole. Although the scorecard puts the yardage at 180 from the White tees, the hole plays considerably shorter due to the dramatic 150-foot drop from tee to green. The tee shot is exhilarating with the Blue Ridge Mountains as the backdrop.
The Monocan nine is the shortest of the three nine-hole layouts at Stoney Creek. The holes wind through pristine wetlands, hardwood forests, and along meandering streams, often offering breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. As you would expect from a course in the valley, most holes are relatively flat, with few elevation changes. But what the course lacks in elevation change, it makes up for in water hazards in the form of creeks and lakes/ponds. When you combine the peaceful Rockfish Valley with the sound of natural flowing water and woodland birds, you can forget about those bad shots.
The par-3, 5th hole is the layout’s signature hole. It’s dubbed the “Paw Print” green and gets its name from the four pot bunkers that surround the green and look like a paw print. It’s challenging, too. Playing 148 yards from the White tees, it’s all carry over Lake Monocan to the small green.
The Tuckahoe Nine is pure mountain golf. Water comes into play on four holes, and the hilly terrain comes into play on nearly every hole. The surrounding landscape alternates between gentle meadows and bold, wooded slopes. Dramatic elevation changes require that you pay attention to your footing and stance, especially on uneven lies. If that doesn’t get you, the undulating greens might. No putt is truly a “gimmee!” Jones’ signature mounding serves as a buffer, preventing balls from running too far afield, while simultaneously creating risk-reward opportunities for those willing to attack the pin.
It’s important to get off to a good start at Tuckahoe, which may prove challenging as the 1st hole is a 429-yard, par 4. The hill on the left side tends to guide somewhat errant tee shots back towards the fairway, but if your drive drifts too far right, it’s in the lake. A good drive still left me a long iron into the raised, sloping green that is protected by bunkers on either side.
No matter how good or bad you played, take a step back and take in your surroundings. Breathe that fresh mountain air and get ready to do it all again tomorrow.
After your round, pay a visit to the restaurants inside the clubhouses. In addition to your favorite beverages, they offer diverse menus and dishes not typically found at a golf course.
For more information on Wintergreen Resort and all they have to offer, visit www.wintergeenresort.com.