{"id":2413799,"date":"2026-05-12T19:05:24","date_gmt":"2026-05-12T19:05:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/?p=2413799"},"modified":"2026-05-12T19:05:24","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T19:05:24","slug":"snowshoe-mountain-announces-2026-summer-events-launches-new-music-fest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/snowshoe-mountain-announces-2026-summer-events-launches-new-music-fest\/","title":{"rendered":"Snowshoe Mountain announces 2026 summer events, launches new music fest"},"content":{"rendered":"

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SNOWSHOE, W.Va. \u2014 Officials at Snowshoe Mountain, in Pocahontas County<\/a>, have unveiled the resort complex\u2019s 2026 summer events calendar, highlighted by the launch of its new \u201cBallhooter Festival,\u201d a new three-day mountaintop music<\/a> festival scheduled for Labor Day weekend, Sept. 4-6.<\/p>\n

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Patti Duncan, president and chief operating officer of Snowshoe Mountain, said the resort complex may be best known for its winter skiing, but hiking and biking<\/a> are becoming a warm-weather draw that\u2019s attracting record numbers of visitors.<\/p>\n

\"Youth<\/a>
Youth compete in summer biking events at Snowshoe Mountain. (Photo courtesy Snowshoe Mountain)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cSummer is probably the mountain\u2019s best-kept secret, but with events like 4848 and Ballhooter, the secret is getting out,\u201d Duncan said. \u201cWe have world-class mountain biking and hiking<\/a> trails, activities at Shavers Lake, one of the state\u2019s premier golf courses, and cooler temperatures than much of the region.\u201d<\/p>\n

The inaugural Ballhooter festival will feature headlining performances by Turnpike Troubadours, 49 Winchester, and Morgan Wade, Duncan said. The summer lineup also includes returning events such as Downhill Southeast, GNCC, the 4848 Festival, and Blues & Brews.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s a ballhooter?<\/h4>\n

A \u201cballhooter\u201d is a historic Appalachian term for a highly skilled logger or woodsman, especially one known for strength, endurance, and precision in timber work. The term was widely associated with the logging camps and railroad towns of West Virginia during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.<\/p>\n

\"Shavers
Shavers Lake serves as the hub for summer water recreation<\/a>, offering swimming, paddling, and beach activities. (Photo courtesy Snowshoe Mountain)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The name is closely tied to the original Ballhooter steam locomotive used by the Cass Scenic Railroad logging operation at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. Over time, \u201cballhooter\u201d became part of regional folklore and mountain identity in Pocahontas County and surrounding areas.<\/p>\n

At Snowshoe Mountain, the name also appears on landmarks such as the Ballhooter ski lift and, now, the new Ballhooter Festival, tying the event to the area\u2019s logging and railroad heritage.<\/p>\n

Summer at Snowshoe Mountain<\/h4>\n

Snowshoe Mountain transforms into one of West Virginia\u2019s busiest outdoor recreation destinations during the summer months, drawing visitors for mountain biking, hiking, lake recreation, golf, and music festivals. The resort spans more than 11,000 acres in the Appalachian Mountains and reaches elevations of 4,848 feet, providing cooler temperatures than much of the surrounding region.<\/p>\n

The resort\u2019s summer season centers around the Snowshoe Bike Park<\/a>, which features downhill and cross-country trails ranging from beginner routes to advanced terrain. The bike park has hosted multiple UCI Mountain Bike World Cup events and was recently ranked among the top bike parks in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. Hiking trails, scenic chairlift rides, and disc golf courses also operate throughout the mountain during the warmer months.<\/p>\n

\"Snowshoe\u2019s
Snowshoe\u2019s summer season centers on biking, with downhill and cross-country trails ranging from beginner routes to advanced terrain. (Photo courtesy Snowshoe Mountain)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At the base of the mountain, Shavers Lake<\/a> serves as the hub for summer water recreation, offering swimming, paddling, kayaking, and beach activities. Families visiting the resort can also access climbing walls, Eurobungy attractions, pools, and off-road tours.<\/p>\n

Golf is another major summer attraction at Snowshoe. The Raven Golf Club<\/a>, designed by Gary Player, includes 18 mountain holes known for steep elevation changes and views of the surrounding Allegheny Mountains.<\/p>\n

Summer also brings a series of major events to the resort, including the 4848 Festival, Blues & Brews Festival, and the new Ballhooter Festival scheduled for Labor Day weekend. Racing events, live music, and outdoor competitions are held throughout the season.<\/p>\n

The mountaintop village remains active in the summer, with restaurants, lodging, retail shops, and entertainment venues. Resort officials describe the season as one of the area\u2019s \u201cbest-kept tourism secrets,\u201d particularly for travelers seeking outdoor recreation and cooler mountain weather during the Appalachian summer.<\/p>\n

About Snowshoe Mountain<\/h4>\n
\"Cool<\/a>
Cool evenings are the norm at Snowshoe Mountain, even in the height of summer. (Photo courtesy Snowshoe Mountain)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Snowshoe Mountain spans 11,000 acres in the Appalachian Mountains and includes West Virginia\u2019s second-highest peak at 4,848 feet. The resort has repeatedly been named Best Ski Resort in the region by readers of Blue Ridge Outdoors<\/em>. Its Snowshoe Bike Park was recently ranked the top bike park in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic by MTBParks.com<\/a> and has hosted multiple UCI Mountain Bike World Cup races.<\/p>\n

In addition to the Snowshoe Bike Park and the Raven Golf Club, designed by Gary Player, the resort offers hiking, scenic chairlift rides, off-road tours, e-bike tours, swimming, and paddling activities. Snowshoe also features lodging, wedding and convention facilities, and the region\u2019s largest ski terrain. Alterra Mountain Company owns Snowshoe Mountain, which is also part of the Ikon Pass network.<\/p>\n\n

Featured Summer 2026 Events<\/h4>\n

Independence Day Celebration | July 3-5<\/strong><\/p>\n

Snowshoe Mountain will mark the nation\u2019s 250th anniversary with a three-day Independence Day celebration featuring activities across the resort. The weekend schedule includes operations at the Bike Park and the Raven Golf Course, adventure activities, live music in the village, and a fireworks display on Friday evening.<\/p>\n

4848 Music Festival | July 16-18<\/strong><\/p>\n

The 4848 Festival returns to Snowshoe Mountain for three days of live performances across multiple stages. This year\u2019s lineup includes The Revivalists, Greensky Bluegrass, and STS9. Festivalgoers will also have access to the resort\u2019s mountain biking trails, lake activities, and other outdoor recreation opportunities during the event.<\/p>\n

Blues & Brews Festival | August 1<\/strong><\/p>\n

Snowshoe Mountain\u2019s annual Blues & Brews Festival will feature craft beer, food<\/a> vendors, and live music in Snowshoe Village. The event is scheduled for an evening gathering following a day of outdoor recreation at the resort, including hiking and mountain biking.<\/p>\n

Ballhooter Festival | September 4-6<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Snowshoe Mountain will debut the Ballhooter Festival over Labor Day weekend atop Cheat Mountain. The event revives the name of a former winter tradition at the resort while introducing a new summer music festival format. Organizers say the festival is intended to combine live music and mountain recreation in a mountaintop setting.<\/p>\n\n

Summer 2026 Events Calendar<\/h4>\n