West Virginia Brings Mountain Winter Magic To Dirty Birds Light The Night Event

Published on December 20, 2025

The spirit of West Virginia’s winter season is set to take center stage this weekend as the Mountain State brings its signature alpine charm to an urban holiday celebration. Visitors attending the Dirty Birds Light the Night festivities at GoMart Ballpark from Friday, December 19 through Sunday, December 21 will be treated to an immersive experience that captures the excitement, warmth, and adventure of a West Virginia winter.

At the heart of the activation is an interactive ski simulator designed to recreate the sensation of gliding down a snow-covered slope. Included with event admission, the simulator offers a hands-on introduction to skiing and snowboarding, allowing guests of all ages to test their balance, coordination, and sense of adventure. Whether stepping on a simulator for the first time or reliving memories of winter escapes in the mountains, participants can experience a taste of downhill thrills without leaving the city.

Surrounding the simulator is a carefully curated winter showcase highlighting the essentials of a cold-weather getaway in West Virginia. Guests can explore a selection of cozy and practical items inspired by mountain life, including warm wool socks, classic s’mores kits, reusable tote bags, and collectible stickers. These small but thoughtful touches are designed to reflect the comfort and nostalgia of winter evenings spent after a day on the slopes, reinforcing the sense of welcome associated with an Almost Heaven escape.

Families are expected to find plenty to enjoy throughout the weekend, particularly at a dedicated photo installation that blends history and charm. Built around a vintage ski-lift bench, the setup provides a picture-perfect backdrop that evokes the golden era of ski resorts while offering a unique keepsake moment for visitors. Children and adults alike can pause, pose, and imagine themselves suspended above snow-dusted valleys, headed toward another memorable run.

Beyond the local festivities, the weekend event is part of a broader effort to inspire winter travel to West Virginia from neighboring regions. Earlier this season, a similar alpine-themed activation drew strong interest at a major holiday celebration in Pittsburgh, where tens of thousands of attendees were introduced to the state’s ski culture. The response underscored a growing curiosity about winter recreation opportunities in the Mountain State, particularly among travelers seeking accessible, family-friendly ski destinations.

In collaboration with regional ski partners, special incentives have also been used to turn curiosity into future travel plans. Event participants who engaged with the ski simulator received exclusive offers toward lift tickets for the upcoming 2025–2026 ski season at participating resorts. These limited-time savings were designed to encourage first-time visits while rewarding those eager to explore new slopes and snow experiences.

Interest in the interactive displays has been steadily building, with dozens of visitors stepping onto the simulator and many more stopping to learn about winter activities, resort amenities, and seasonal events across West Virginia. The strong engagement reflects a rising demand for authentic, outdoor-focused travel experiences that combine recreation with a sense of place.

As holiday lights brighten the ballpark and winter excitement fills the air, the activation offers more than entertainment. It serves as an invitation to trade city streets for mountain trails, artificial snow for fresh powder, and brief simulations for full weekends spent skiing, snowboarding, and relaxing in the heart of Appalachia. Through experiences like this, the promise of a West Virginia winter feels closer, warmer, and more attainable than ever.