Here in Virginia, snow is a relatively rare occurrence. While we do enjoy the occasional blizzard or dusting (there never seems to be a middle ground), the presence of snow still feels like a novelty for most of us. That is unless you happen to be a resident of an area known as Wise. This small town located in southwestern Virginia experiences an average annual snowfall of over four feet. Wise is famous for its snowy self and is known as the town that is the snowiest place in Virginia. It’s quite the title to hold, and one that locals have had to make peace with over the years with some good old-fashioned know-how. There’s nothing Mother Nature can throw at the snowiest place in Virginia that the stalwart locals can’t handle! Here’s just a glimpse of what life looks like inside the snowiest town in Virginia:
Wise, Virginia is a beautiful mountain town and the namesake of Wise County. The town is named for Henry A. Wise, the last Governor before the Civil War, and has become known as the snowiest place in Virginia.
Visit Wise County, Virginia/Facebook
In addition to its gorgeous natural landscape, Wise is also known for being home to the University of Virginia’s College at Wise.
Eli Christman/flickr
While the Southeast is not typically known for snowfall, the town of Wise seems to accumulate more than a little dusting each winter. The snowy days in Virginia get a little more intense it seems every year.
Nikking9677/Trip Advisor
According to NOAA data from July 1, 1985, through June 30, 2015, the average annual snowfall for Wise was a whopping 52.7 inches.
DM/flickr
The reason for such impressive snowfall results from the town’s location along the Blue Ridge Mountains. Residing nearly 2,500 feet above sea level, Wise receives more snowfall than the average annual maps indicate for the rest of the state.
VDOT/flickr
While the snow is beautiful, it doesn’t come without costs. Residents who rely on winding roads to get to town occasionally find themselves stuck at home when a snowstorm hits. The winter weather in Virginia seems to simply be elevated in this small town.
Virginia Guard Public Affairs/flickr
Photographed above are three U.S. guard soldiers delivering supplies to residents of Wise who were unable to get to town in February 2015.
Virginia Guard Public Affairs/flickr
As you can imagine, the town of Wise is truly picturesque in any season. Should you visit in winter, be sure to check the forecast and bring the right attire to the town that gets the most snow in Virginia!
LazyLibrarian/flickr
Have you visited Wise in the winter? Have you experienced the snowiest place in Virginia for yourself? It’s an incredible experience, and we’d love to hear all about your time in this beautiful town!
Visit Wise County, Virginia/Facebook
Eli Christman/flickr
Nikking9677/Trip Advisor
DM/flickr
VDOT/flickr
Virginia Guard Public Affairs/flickr
LazyLibrarian/flickr
If you’re feeling up for some outdoor adventure this winter, while it may not be the snowiest place in Virginia, there is enough snow for some excellent snow tubing!
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Address: Wise, VA 24293, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Snow In Virginia March 06, 2020 Meghan Kraft What is there to do in the snow in Virginia? Virginia knows how to respond to a deluge of snow, and there are all sorts of great winter activities come the chillier months. Locals enjoy everything from snow tubing to whale watching right on the coast, and natural places like Caledon State Park and even historic areas like Mount Vernon are great to visit. The winter season can get frigid, and sometimes warming up at the historic Shields Tavern in Williamsburg is the right call. Meadowlark Gardens in Vienna is fabulous if you want to bundle up and peek at the Korean Bell Garden, and you simply can’t miss the beauty at Henrico’s Lewis Winter Gardenfest of Lights come the chilly season. How much snow does Virginia get each winter? The amount of snowfall in Virginia will vary from year-to-year, but locals expect around 52 inches of snowfall a year. Burkes Garden can experience snow up to 26 days on an annual basis, but Wise itself averages around 31 days. What is the most snow ever recorded in Virginia? The Washington-Jefferson snowstorm is famed as Virginia’s biggest snowfall, and it took place from Jan. 16-18, 1857. The state’s great blizzard almost buried the city of Norfolk under 20 feet!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Snow In Virginia
March 06, 2020
Meghan Kraft
What is there to do in the snow in Virginia? Virginia knows how to respond to a deluge of snow, and there are all sorts of great winter activities come the chillier months. Locals enjoy everything from snow tubing to whale watching right on the coast, and natural places like Caledon State Park and even historic areas like Mount Vernon are great to visit. The winter season can get frigid, and sometimes warming up at the historic Shields Tavern in Williamsburg is the right call. Meadowlark Gardens in Vienna is fabulous if you want to bundle up and peek at the Korean Bell Garden, and you simply can’t miss the beauty at Henrico’s Lewis Winter Gardenfest of Lights come the chilly season. How much snow does Virginia get each winter? The amount of snowfall in Virginia will vary from year-to-year, but locals expect around 52 inches of snowfall a year. Burkes Garden can experience snow up to 26 days on an annual basis, but Wise itself averages around 31 days. What is the most snow ever recorded in Virginia? The Washington-Jefferson snowstorm is famed as Virginia’s biggest snowfall, and it took place from Jan. 16-18, 1857. The state’s great blizzard almost buried the city of Norfolk under 20 feet!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Virginia knows how to respond to a deluge of snow, and there are all sorts of great winter activities come the chillier months. Locals enjoy everything from snow tubing to whale watching right on the coast, and natural places like Caledon State Park and even historic areas like Mount Vernon are great to visit. The winter season can get frigid, and sometimes warming up at the historic Shields Tavern in Williamsburg is the right call. Meadowlark Gardens in Vienna is fabulous if you want to bundle up and peek at the Korean Bell Garden, and you simply can’t miss the beauty at Henrico’s Lewis Winter Gardenfest of Lights come the chilly season.
How much snow does Virginia get each winter?
The amount of snowfall in Virginia will vary from year-to-year, but locals expect around 52 inches of snowfall a year. Burkes Garden can experience snow up to 26 days on an annual basis, but Wise itself averages around 31 days.
What is the most snow ever recorded in Virginia?
The Washington-Jefferson snowstorm is famed as Virginia’s biggest snowfall, and it took place from Jan. 16-18, 1857. The state’s great blizzard almost buried the city of Norfolk under 20 feet!
