What to expect at Winter Retreat

Winter Retreat is like no other time of year at WSS! Here’s what makes Winter Retreats so special to so many:

  • Age-appropriate programs for children and teens with biblically sound curriculum while adults take in vibrant teaching and small group discussions during the mornings and evenings
  • A balance of scheduled activities and free time with total flexibility that lets you choose how you spend your holiday
  • Free time activities ranging from horseback riding to ice skating to candy-making classes
  • A team of staff and volunteers devoted to serving you
  • Delicious home-cooked meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with stocked breakfast and salad bars and an ability to accommodate most food allergies
  • Family Hour during the evenings, when guests and staff are invited to sing a song, play an instrument, share a favorite passage from the Bible, perform a skit, etc.
  • A location with great proximity to local skiing areas
  • A cozy environment for making new friends and reconnecting with old friends
  • Winter Retreat #1 Traditions: Christmas Eve Festival & Worship Service, Manger Service with live Nativity
  • Winter Retreat #2 Traditions: Crafts at Fort Cochran, Hot Cocoa Bar, Story Hour, Carriage Rides
  • Winter Retreat #3 Traditions: New Year’s Reception, Line & Square Dancing, Fireworks
  • 0830: Breakfast
  • 0950-1215: Teen-Children Program/Children’s Story hour (age 3-Grade 3)
  • 1000-1100: Fireside Talk with the speaker
  • 1115-1215: Adult Discussion with speaker
  • 1230: Lunch
  • Afternoon: Free time (activities like horseback riding, high ropes course, and craft time offered depending on the day)
  • 1730: Dinner
  • 1900-1930: Family Hour—Pettijohn Room
  • 1930-2030: Teen-Children Program/Fireside Talk with the speaker
  • 2030: Snacks & Fellowship in Dining Room
  • 2200: Quiet in Heritage House
Note: Arrival night dinner is at 1800.

Winter Retreats 2023/2024 Overview

Winter Retreats 2023/24 Pricing

Nightly prices are listed below for meals and lodging. A separate conference fee of $32 or $80 per family is charged depending on the length of your visit.

1-2 nights 3-5 nights
Adults (ages 20+) $93/night $88/night
Teens (ages 13-19) $46/night $44/night
Youth (ages 3-12) $35/night $33/night
Toddler (ages 0-2) free free

The Christmas season is special anywhere, but we take great joy in hosting guests during Christmas and New Year’s at White Sulphur Springs. The stunning mountains covered with snow, the tables laden with warm food, the hotels decorated in the spirit of the holiday season, and the meaningful connections made between families and friends make Winter Retreats unlike any other season throughout the year. Many guests who live the ever-transient military lifestyle join us year after year, and we’re honored to be a place families have made part of their holiday tradition.