Tucked away in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, Bryce Resort in Basye, Virginia, is an unexpectedly delightful destination with four fun seasons! Lake Laura is the perfect place to swim or kayak in warmer months, while fall colors turn its forested banks into a blaze of color ideal for cozy hikes, starting in September. The PGA Championship golf course and downhill mountain biking trails welcome beginners and advanced enthusiasts from spring to summer, and in the winter, the slopes are the place to be for skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and more!
So, if you’re looking for a Virginia destination that blends adventure, relaxation, and small-town charm, Bryce Resort in Basye is the one for you! P.S. After my recent September visit, I can’t recommend this gorgeous area enough for a Virginia fall getaway!
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Where Is Bryce Resort?
Bryce Resort is located in Basye, VA, along Virginia’s northwestern border. It’s near popular mountain towns like Lynchburg and Harrisonburg. It’s just over 2 hours from Washington, D.C., and less than 3 hours from Richmond, making it easy to access while feeling peaceful and tucked away.
And while you’ll have to leave behind the highways at the end in favor of country roads, it’s absolutely worth the trip. Unlike some of the more popular and well-known resorts like Massanutten or Wintergreen, Bryce Resort feels like a secret. It’s tucked away in a tiny town that’s completely surrounded by nature, giving you plenty of space to take in those mountain views, enjoy a quiet hike, and just be.
You won’t even mind the limited cell phone service because you’ll be so busy enjoying all the perks of being in the mountains until you return to your Wi-Fi-equipped stay.
Top Things to Do at Bryce Resort (By Season)
I had the privilege of visiting Bryce Resort during the transition from fall to summer. The days were still warm enough for short sleeves, but the nights were perfect for cozying up on my porch with a cup of coffee. The leaves were just starting to turn around Lake Laura, and the local farmers’ markets were loaded with apples and other goodies to take back to my cabin.
Personally, that’s living the dream. But there are so many things to do at Bryce Resort (and nearby) year-round that there’s never a bad time to visit!
🍂 Fall:
As I mentioned, this area really comes alive in the fall, thanks to the incredible colors and gorgeous weather. While some of the resort’s amenities are shutting down for the cooler months, there’s still plenty to do, including their Oktoberfest.
You cannot miss a quiet hike around Lake Laura! This 44-acre lake is surrounded by beautiful trees and a 2.5-mile trail that will take you through lush forests, flower-filled meadows, and past cozy cabins up on the hills. The whole time, you’ll have amazing views of Lake Laura, too. It’s not a hard hike, but you will need to be able to handle some steep dirt trails. Be sure to bring plenty of water, and keep in mind that dogs are not allowed.
In the mood for something more active? Head to the main resort and try your hand at their PGA Championship Golf Course, which is so beautiful, sprawling across the property. Or rent a bike and test out their beginner to advanced downhill mountain biking trails! You can even sign up for lessons, so don’t be shy!
And, of course, fall is the perfect time to take in the views! At Bryce Resort, you can pay $10 for a scenic lift pass that allows you to hop on the bike lift to enjoy the panoramic scenery from way up high! Or, hop in your car and meander through the mountains as you check out local farmers’ markets, wineries, and cider mills. I highly recommend the gorgeous, mountain-top Showalter’s Orchard & Greenhouse, which has tons of fresh produce, apple cider donuts, and delicious cider!
❄️ Winter:
One of the things I love about the Virginia Mountains is that the fun never stops. Once the cold weather sets in and snow starts to fall, the winter scene at Bryce Resort really heats up!
Whether you’re a newbie or a pro, skiing and snowboarding at Bryce Mountain are top choices! The mountain has a number of different trails, plus a new terrain park, so there’s something for all levels. If you want someone to show you the ropes first, you can sign up for a class at their snowsports school so you feel confident hitting the slopes. Or, if you’re feeling feisty, try their ski and snowboard racing clinics to really hone your skills.
If you’re not feeling the Bryce Resort skiing, try tubing instead! It’s great for families while still giving you plenty of gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountain views. Last but not least, there’s ice skating and a Holiday Craft Show for some well-rounded winter fun.
🌸 Spring/Summer:
And of course, you can’t discount Bryce Resort in the Spring and Summer months, either!
Lake Laura is once again a featured activity during warmer months, with options for swimming, paddleboards, paddleboats, kayaks, canoes, and tubing. There is a $10 entrance fee for the small beach and varying costs for equipment rentals, or you can bring your own watercraft and launch from the Public Boat Access. The Lake Laura Trail is also open for relaxing hikes that take 1.5-2 hours at an easy pace.
On the main resort, the mountain biking trails are a top highlight, with over 13 different lift-accessible trails to try out! The TakeAim Cycling team is always available for lessons when the trails are open, too. And the golf course, featuring mountain views and impeccable greens, really shines in that warm weather.
And keeping the whole family in mind, you can always try your hand at disc golf, or purchase a scenic lift pass for $10 per person.
Where to Stay Near Bryce Resort
Now, Bryce Resort operates a little bit differently from most Virginia resorts because it’s only open during the day. The resort does not actually own on-site lodging. However, plenty of gorgeous vacation rentals and hotels are available within a 5-minute drive, making it incredibly easy to stay in Bayse and enjoy the resort. There are even options right by the slopes, but they’re all owned and operated by Basye residents.
I stayed in a cozy cabin condo on The Hill Road, just a few minutes away from the main resort. There are tons of cabins, condos, and little hotels nearby that you can easily book directly or through VRBO and Airbnb for easy resort access and killer views. Pricing is also very reasonable, making Bryce Resort a very affordable destination!
I definitely recommend this cute condo hosted by Doug on Airbnb. It’s small but cozy, pet-friendly, and has a fully equipped kitchen, a large porch, and incredible views. It made it very easy for me to access the resort and explore the surrounding area while still enjoying peaceful evenings.
But if you’re looking for a deal, Expedia has tons of great options for vacation rentals and hotels in the area. Don’t forget to sign in for an extra 10%+ savings and to earn rewards currency! PlannIn is also a great source for discounted hotels and experiences!
Side note: I am 100% coming back to the area, just so I can stay in one of these adorable Postcard Cabins! Seriously, how cute are these??
Where to Eat in Basye, VA
When it comes to good food, Bryce Resort and the Basye area hit the mark.
At Bryce Resort, you can enjoy several restaurants, including the Copper Kettle–their nice, sit-down restaurant by the slopes with a seasonal menu–two bars, and the Bryce Landing Grill.
I stopped by the Bryce Landing Grill for lunch after my hike around Lake Laura, and the food was shockingly tasty. I wholeheartedly recommend the Chicken Sandwich and Bryce Burger, and don’t even get me started on the incredible fries!
There are also a couple of great restaurants right outside Bryce Resort in Bayse, like the Burn Barrel. My second night, I had plans to eat at the Copper Kettle but ended up swinging by The Burn Barrel instead. This little restaurant is in a tiny hub right outside the entrance to Bryce Resort, next to Smiley’s Ice Cream and Pale Fire Brewing. I thoroughly enjoyed the birria tacos and wings out on their deck while I listened to live music and the chatter of people gathered around the burn barrels down below on the main lawn.
Be sure to grab a cup or cone from Smiley’s before you head back, and maybe take some time to enjoy their cute mini golf course and gem mining! They even have pup cups with vanilla ice cream and little dog treats, which my dog, Atlas, absolutely devoured. And if you’re craving pizza or a craft brew, the newly opened Pale Fire Brewing is right next door. They’re also dog-friendly outside.
If you want to cook your own meals during your stay, there is a General Store right next to Smiley’s. It has just about everything you’d need for a basic meal, but the prices are high. So, I’d recommend grabbing groceries in Mount Jackson instead.
Why Bryce Resort Is Perfect Year-Round
With such a diverse range of mountain activities, Bryce Resort (and the whole Basye area) has something fun going on no matter what time of year you visit! Off-season months like September are going to be especially peaceful, while the winter months will pick up a bit with more people hitting the slopes. But it’s always a good time with fantastic views.
With so many different activities, classes, and trail options, it’s a great place for visitors of all ages! So bring your family, your partner, or come by yourself to enjoy a weekend adventure in the great outdoors.
My personal recommendation: don’t miss a hike around Lake Laura at any time of year. And if you’re not up for the bike or ski trails, snag a scenic lift pass so you can still take in those gorgeous views—they just hit differently up on the lift!
Plan Your Visit to Bryce Resort
Here are a few important things to know as you plan your own visit to Bryce Resort and the Basye, VA area.
As I mentioned, Bayse is just a couple of hours west of Washington, D.C., and within 4.5 hours of just about anywhere in Virginia. However, if you’re looking to fly in, you also have a couple of other options. First, the Shenandoah Valley Airport, located near Harrisonburg, Virginia, offers daily commercial flights on Contour Airlines, with connections in Charlotte. The airport is about a one-hour drive from the resort, so you will want a rental car. You can also fly into the Charlottesville-Albemarle or Washington Dulles International Airport, which are both about 90 minutes away, then drive in.
Thankfully, the General Store right outside the resort offers gas at shockingly good prices, so you can fill up before your return trip.
Alternatively, Bryce Resort has its own private landing strip. So if you’re feeling like a VIP, you can contact them to schedule your private landing during daylight hours.
As you pack, keep in mind that mountain weather can be rather spontaneous! It could be 80 degrees during the day and 50 at night, so bring lots of layers, a rain jacket if the season calls for it, and other sport-specific gear like gloves, goggles, helmets, etc., if you have them. However, many sport-specific items are available for rent with your day pass, too.
When you arrive on site, you can buy your lift tickets, classes, and rentals at the gear shop. However, you will get a discounted rate if you book online in advance. For golf, you can reserve a tee time online or at the Pro Shop, and prices vary based on date and time.
For more information on all their activities, you can check out Bryce Resort’s ticket page.
Take in the Views on YouTube!
Closing Thoughts on Bryce Resort & Basye, Virginia
This was by far one of my favorite fall mountain escapes, thanks to the gorgeous location and variety of things to do. I had an amazing time just exploring the resort and the immediate area around it. But I also had easy access to other things like the Virginia Scenic Railway (about 1 hour away in Staunton) and Shenandoah National Park (also about 1 hour away).
I will definitely be back soon to experience it in a different season–maybe I’ll keep working on my snowboarding skills at their beginner-friendly slopes!
If you’re looking for a cozy, peaceful mountain escape with plenty of activities, I recommend checking out Bryce Resort and experiencing it for yourself.
Have questions or comments? Feel free to drop them down below, and I’ll get back to you asap! And if you want more Virginia travel content, be sure to sign up for my free newsletter and check out my other Virginia posts to see my past adventures around the state.
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