When snowflakes start falling in Charlottesville, there’s nothing quite like the excitement of a snow day! Families across Central Virginia bundle up, grab their sleds, and head to local parks for hours of winter fun. Whether you’re looking for gentle beginner slopes for toddlers or thrilling hills for adventurous teens, we’ve rounded up the best sledding spots in Charlottesville and Albemarle County—all tested and loved by local families.
AT A GLANCE:
- Best for beginners: McIntire Park, Darden Towe Park, Journey Middle School
- Best for big thrills: Washington Park, Monticello High School
- Best for avoiding crowds: Azalea Park, Chris Greene Lake Park
- Quick drive from Charlottesville: Mint Springs Valley Park in Crozet (15 minutes)
Winter in Charlottesville brings the perfect opportunity for family-friendly sledding adventures! When snow blankets the region, kids and parents alike grab their sleds and seek out the best hills for thrilling rides. There are lots of fun ways to play in the snow at home or you might even go snow tubing to enjoy the winter wonderland. Whether you’re looking for gentle slopes for little ones or steeper inclines for an exhilarating experience, here are the top 8 sledding hills in Charlottesville that locals love.
1. Washington Park
Location: 110 4th St NW, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Best for: All ages, especially school-age kids and teens
Parking: Street parking available
The crown jewel of Charlottesville sledding, Washington Park becomes a winter wonderland after every snowfall. Located near UVA and the Corner, this beloved hill draws families, college students, and everyone in between. The wide slope offers variety—gentle sections perfect for little ones on the left side, and steeper runs on the right for kids seeking speed and excitement.
Parent tip: This spot gets crowded fast! Arrive early for the best sledding (and parking). When you need a warm-up break, Bodo’s Bagels is just a short walk away—nothing beats hot chocolate and a bagel after an hour in the snow. The hill offers a great mix of gentle and steep areas, making it ideal for all ages. It can get crowded – take a break and warm up at Bodos Bagels nearby.
2. McIntire Park – Gentle Hills for Young Sledders
Location: 2400 Old Lynchburg Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Best for: Toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary-age kids
Parking: Ample lot parking
McIntire Park offers the perfect sledding experience for families with younger children. The gentle, rolling hills provide just enough thrill without the terror factor, and the wide-open spaces mean you can spread out and avoid collisions. Parents love the easy access from the parking lot—no long treks through the snow with armfuls of sleds and tired toddlers.
Bonus: The park’s location makes it a convenient mid-week snow day destination when you don’t want to venture far from home.
3. Azalea Park – A Hidden Gem in Fry’s Spring
Location: 999 Azalea Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Best for: Families seeking a quieter sledding experience
Parking: Limited street parking
Tucked away in the charming Fry’s Spring neighborhood, Azalea Park offers rolling hills that are perfect for sledders of all skill levels. What makes this spot special? It rarely gets as crowded as Washington Park, so you’ll have more space to play and less competition for the best runs.
Local favorite: The obstacle-free slopes and natural terrain make this a safe choice for mixed-age groups where big siblings and little ones sled together.
4. Darden Towe Park – Safe Sledding with Scenic Views
Location: 1445 Darden Towe Park Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Best for: Young children and cautious sledders
Parking: Large parking lot
Located along the Rivanna River, Darden Towe Park transforms into a winter playground when snow arrives. The expansive fields feature gradual slopes that are ideal for kids just learning to sled—plenty of run without intimidating speed. Families appreciate the scenic setting and the park’s spacious layout, which allows for sledding, snowman building, and general snow play all in one spot.
Don’t miss: On clear days after a snowfall, the views of the surrounding countryside are absolutely gorgeous.
5. Pen Park – Sledding with Variety
Location: 1200 Pen Park Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22901
Best for: Mixed-age groups
Parking: Multiple parking areas
Pen Park delivers the best of both worlds with its mix of gentle and steeper slopes spread across the property. Families with kids of different ages and abilities can find their perfect run—toddlers on the mild slopes while older kids tackle the more thrilling hills. The scenic beauty adds to the experience, making it feel like a proper winter adventure.
Parent pro-tip: Explore different areas of the park to find the slope that matches your family’s comfort level.
6. Chris Greene Lake Park – Unexpected Winter Wonderland
Location: 4748 Chris Greene Lake Rd, Earlysville, VA 22936
Best for: Families who want a full snow day outing
Parking: Large parking lot
Drive time: 15 minutes from Charlottesville
While Chris Greene Lake Park is best known as a summer swimming and kayaking destination, it offers fantastic sledding in winter. The rolling terrain provides options from mild to moderate slopes, and the large park means you’ll have plenty of room to spread out. Just be sure to stay well away from the water and supervise kids carefully.
Bonus activity: After sledding, take a winter nature walk around the lake—it’s beautiful in every season.
7. Public School Hills
When schools are closed, many public school properties open up to the community for sledding. Popular school locations with great sledding hills include:
- Monticello High School – Features a fantastic sledding hill that’s steep enough for exciting rides but still safe for older kids and teens.
- Charlottesville High School (CHS) – Popular among students and neighborhood families, this spot has a variety of slopes to choose from.
- Ivy Elementary – A hidden gem with a wide hill perfect for younger kids in front and if you go all the way around back there are some sleep slopes too that are worthy of the most adventure seeking youth…and brave parents.
- Journey Middle School – Offers a gentle but long hill great for extended sled runs.
8. Mint Springs Valley Park – Worth the Short Drive to Crozet
Location: 6659 Mint Springs Park Rd, Crozet, VA 22932
Best for: Families wanting a full day of winter adventure
Parking: Ample parking
Drive time: 15-20 minutes from Charlottesville
Head west to Crozet for a sledding experience with stunning mountain views. Mint Springs Valley Park offers excellent hills set against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The natural landscape makes sledding here feel extra special—it’s not just snow play, it’s a winter adventure. The park is large enough for extended family gatherings and birthday snow parties.
Sledding Safety Tips
- Dress warmly in layers, including waterproof gloves and boots.
- Choose a safe hill free of trees, rocks, or other obstacles.
- Supervise young children and encourage sledding feet-first to prevent injuries.
- Avoid roads and driveways—stick to designated park areas for safe sledding.
- Respect private property and use only public parks and school fields with permission.
Final Thoughts
Charlottesville offers plenty of sledding spots to make the most of a snow day! Whether you’re looking for gentle slopes for little ones or steeper hills for bigger thrills, these top sledding locations ensure wintertime fun for the whole family.
Where’s your favorite sledding hill in Charlottesville? Share your go-to spot with us!
CHARLOTTESVILLEFAMILY EDITORS are locals who care deeply about family and community. We are almost all parents who serve alongside our readers in the PTO and band boosters, coaching sports teams, helping with the school fun fair and more. Our insider perspective, combined with great research and expert input from our wonderful CharlottesvilleFamily Advisory Panel helps us to provide you with trustworthy advice as you raise the next generation of brilliant and compassionate kids.