Is Snowshoe Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Snowshoe, West Virginia, is a unique unincorporated community and ski resort located in Pocahontas County in the heart of the Monongahela National Forest.

Established in the mid-1970s as a ski resort, Snowshoe was built on Cheat Mountain and quickly became a popular winter destination.

Its development marked a significant transformation from a rugged and relatively isolated mountain area into a premier resort known for its skiing, snowboarding, and year-round outdoor activities.

Snowshoe sits at an elevation of about 4,848 feet in the Allegheny Mountains, making it one of the highest points in West Virginia.

Though not a formal municipality, Snowshoe Resort Community District oversees the resort, businesses and residential areas, functioning almost like a private town.

Snowshoe is celebrated for its extensive ski slopes, which cater to all skill levels, and its unique pedestrian village, offering a charming blend of shops, restaurants, and lodging options right at the summit.

While known as an iconic ski resort, the area’s appeal extends beyond winter, drawing visitors in the summer months for mountain biking, hiking, and scenic lift rides.

Its combination of high-altitude adventure, well-maintained facilities, and stunning vistas makes Snowshoe a favored spot for both thrill-seekers and those looking to relax in the mountains.

Warnings & Dangers in Snowshoe

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There’s a low risk here, provided you know the safety steps and rules of the resort. Since activities cater to all experience levels, start easy and work your way up.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

In Snowshoe, transportation primarily revolves around a complimentary shuttle service that connects various parts of the resort, including the village, slopes, and lodging areas. There’s no public transit system, and while private vehicles are allowed, many visitors rely on the shuttles for convenient and car-free navigation.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

The entire county doesn’t get more than 30 thefts in a year, with some years being closer to 10. No pickpockets or purse snatchings have been reported in the past five years throughout the county.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Snowshoe, West Virginia, faces relatively low natural disaster risks compared to other regions. The primary concerns include heavy snowfall, which can cause travel disruptions, and occasional severe thunderstorms. Landslides are a potential risk in mountainous terrain, but the area is generally less prone to severe weather events like tornadoes or hurricanes.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

The risk of a robbery is low but never low enough to let your guard down. Don’t carry valuables with you or leave your bags unattended. Utilize lockers when available.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Snowshoe has a low risk of terrorism due to its remote location and status as a small, resort-based community. It lacks high-profile targets typical of urban centers. Security measures at the resort focus on guest safety and emergency preparedness, with no significant history of terrorism-related incidents.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

The local sheriff’s office will post the latest scams on social media. While there are no recent reports about trending scams in Snowshoe or Pocahontas County, you should also review the local Better Business Bureau website to see if new fraud activities are happening in the state.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

This is another low risk, with nothing in the crime data or recent headlines that suggest women are at a higher risk. As a resort community, there’s a lot to do for all ages and interests.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The U.S. has strict standards for tap water per the Safe Water Drinking Act. Communities are required to provide a Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) once a year by July 1. The latest water quality report for this region shows full compliance and no violations.

Safest Places to Visit in Snowshoe

To get a broader look at the region, use the Pocahontas County tourism website to see the attractions and options.

That will include a section on Snowshoe.

For Snowshoe-specific tourism, snowshoemtn.com is the website to visit.

Download the Snowshoe app to get a list of attractions, maps, and contact information for the security patrols.

Snowshoe offers a range of winter activities beyond its well-known skiing and snowboarding on over 60 trails.

Adventurous visitors can explore the beautiful Cheat Mountain terrain.

For a more relaxed experience, tubing at Coca-Cola Tube Park is popular, along with ice skating at the outdoor rink in the Village.

The resort’s village area provides a cozy après-ski scene with a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars.

Visitors can enjoy scenic lift rides, offering breathtaking views of the snow-covered landscape.

In the summer, Snowshoe transforms into an outdoor playground with activities that make the most of its mountainous terrain.

Mountain biking is a major draw, with the Snowshoe Bike Park offering over 40 trails that cater to everyone from beginners to seasoned riders, including the option to take the scenic lift back up.

Off-road enthusiasts can explore the backcountry with guided 4×4 tours, and adrenaline seekers might enjoy exhilarating side-by-side tours through rugged terrain.

Don’t worry if you are a first-timer.

Tour guides lead the way and provide safety equipment, like helmets.

Hiking is another popular pursuit, with paths that wind through lush forests and offer panoramic views of the Allegheny Mountains.

Those looking for a more leisurely experience can also kick back and enjoy scenic lift rides to take in the beauty of the area.

Shaver’s Lake is a serene spot where you can enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, or just relaxing on the beach.

The Raven Golf Club, one of West Virginia’s top courses, offers a challenging round amid stunning mountain scenery.

The village stays lively with events, outdoor concerts, and festivals throughout the summer, along with a mix of dining and shopping options.

For families, Split Rock Pools, an indoor/outdoor heated pool complex, is a great way to unwind after a day on the slopes in any season.

You can also explore the small town of Cass and Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, just 10 miles from Snowshoe.

Several Mountain Rail train rides depart from Cass as well.

Places to Avoid in Snowshoe

No bad parts of town or dangerous neighborhoods exist in this mountain community.

As long as you are on public streets, sidewalks, or trails, you’re welcome to explore.

That said, this is a huge resort area with plenty of housing to the point that it’s almost overwhelming.

You can rent from three dozen lodges, each one having unique amenities.

Be sure you know how far your lodge or condo is from the ski resort.

When you’re looking at the lodging website, scroll down until you see “Other Ways to Shop Lodging.”

This filter can help you choose between the most luxurious sites or the most budget-friendly.

Also, the resort is open year-round, but the shoulder seasons of late fall (mid-October until the ski runs open) and spring (April – June) might not have as many outdoor amenities as the peak seasons.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Snowshoe

So... How Safe Is Snowshoe Really?

Since Snowshoe doesn’t have a traditional police department, we don’t get annual crime data.

However, we do know the surrounding county has very low crime rates.

In 2022, just four violent crimes were reported countywide.

The highest number from the past decade was 15 in 2021.

Before that, in most years, there were eight or fewer violent crimes.

On top of that, just two violent crimes over the past five years involved strangers.

The rest were between people who knew each other.

Another 72% of violent crimes happened in private homes.

Even theft is low across Pocahontas County.

About two thefts a month were reported in 2021, while 2022 saw just six thefts the entire year.

Use common sense, even in a safe community.

Lock your car, remove personal items, and don’t load up the trunk with belongings at the trailhead.

Learn the safety risks for the season of your visit, and don’t ski or snowboard out of bounds in winter.

If you run into wildlife, stay back at least 25 yards, if not 100 yards.

The standard safety steps will help you enjoy any season in Snowshoe, West Virginia, a place they call “Almost Heaven.”

How Does Snowshoe Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

All international visitors need either a visa defining the purpose of the trip (tourist, work, school, etc.) or a visa waiver. Start the process using the Visa Wizard module on the U.S. State Department website. You can also download the CBP One mobile app for help on the go. Also, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your trip, or you’ll need to apply for a new one.

Currency

Only the U.S. Dollar (USD) is accepted in the United States. International airports usually have a currency exchange desk on site, while regional airports won’t. Your home bank offers the lowest fees. For those using credit cards, check to see if there’s a foreign transaction fee. Credit cards, not debit cards, offer the best fraud protection.

Weather

Snowshoe experiences cold winters with significant snowfall, averaging around 180 inches annually. Winters are long and snowy, perfect for skiing and other winter sports. Summers are mild and pleasant, with occasional rain. The area enjoys cool temperatures year-round, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities.

Airports

The closest commercial airports to Snowshoe, West Virginia, are Greenbrier Valley Airport (LWB), about 67 miles away, and Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA), roughly 140 miles away. Both offer regional flights, with Roanoke providing more frequent connections.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance protects the cost of baggage loss/theft, delays, cancelations, and emergency health issues. Rental car insurance should include roadside assistance and uninsured motorist coverage. Comprehensive insurance offers the best peace of mind. Before you book through the resort website, check out the FAQs where travel insurance and trip protection insurance are offered.

Snowshoe Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

West Virginia - Safety by City