Après Rad: Snowshoe Mountain Resort

For a resort community hidden away in the Appalachian Mountain Range, Snowshoe Mountain Resort has become a hot spot for live music. Of course, there’s no shortage of bluegrass—we’re talking about West Virginia after all—but Snowshoe isn’t limited to fiddle and a 5-string banjo.

The resort draws a diverse selection of artists ranging from jam bands to punk reggae. 

They’ve even hosted hip hop legend Grandmaster Flash.

“It’s just a cool spot to play personally,” said musician Shawn Owens who’s a frequent performer at the resort. He actually grew up at the base of the mountain, but since moving to Annapolis, Maryland he relishes in any opportunity to be back in the Allegheny Mountains. Sometimes his mom will even come to join him on stage for a family jam session. Beyond Snowshoe’s laid-back and homey vibes, the resort makes a great show venue because everyone is ready for a good time. Skiers, snowboarders, and resort employees immediately flood their favorite apres spot when the lifts stop spinning.

“The biggest question we get in the inbox is always: ‘What’s the music line up for the year?’” explained Shawn Cassell, the PR manager for Snowshoe Mountain. This diversity of live music is coupled with a selection of quaint and quirky bars, which rounds out the whole experience here in West Virginia. Here are a few of our favorites:

The main village is home to many shows throughout the winter. Snowshoe Mountain Resort Photo.

The Connection: This spot is your best bet for live music. The bar has become the epicenter of nightlife at Snowshoe Mountain Resort. Be sure to pop here on either Friday or Saturday nights because that’s when they’ve got a live DJ. The nightclub is also the most popular spot for bands to play in and has a diverse line up all year.

Old Spruce: Your classic old-school ski bar. While it might be the tiniest spot on the mountain, it’s also the most beloved. How do you know? Come 5 o’clock, resort employees flood into the bar to relax after a long day. It’s right in the middle of the village, so you can’t miss it. They’ve got everything from tasty flatbreads, sandwiches, and an exceptional beer selection.

Tuque’s Bar and Grill: You know what pairs well with live music? Poutine. Tuque has a lovable French-Canadian charm which is embodied in its mouth-watering menu: pretzel-encrusted trout, sloppy bison, and much more. You can also catch live folk/acoustical music here every Friday and Saturday throughout the whole season.

There's plenty of cozy nooks to unwind in after a big day in ski boots. Snowshoe Mountain Resort Photo.

Hoots: Hoot’s most defining feature is the collection of ski boots shells which are proudly displayed along the walls. If you’re craving a burger then this spot has you covered. In addition to the delicious comfort food, Hoots transforms into a music venue in the evenings for a variety of musicians that come through Snowshoe.