Is Snowshoe, West Virginia Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Snowshoe, West Virginia, begin by researching local regulations through Pocahontas County and the Town of Snowshoe, as this ski resort community may have specific zoning restrictions and seasonal rental requirements that differ from standard residential properties. Contact the Pocahontas County Building Department to obtain necessary permits, which typically include a business license, occupancy permit, and potentially a transient occupancy tax registration, with fees ranging from $50-200 annually. Find property by working with local real estate agents familiar with Snowshoe's market, focusing on condos or homes near the ski slopes that can command $150-400 per night depending on size and proximity to amenities, with purchase prices ranging from $200,000-800,000 as of 2023. Furnish the property with ski-appropriate amenities including boot dryers, extra blankets, hot tub access if possible, and mountain-themed decor, budgeting $15,000-30,000 for a complete furnishing package. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and local rental sites like Snowshoe Mountain's preferred partner programs, emphasizing ski-in/ski-out access, mountain views, and seasonal activities with professional photography showcasing both winter and summer appeal. Manage the property by either hiring local management companies like Snowshoe Rentals or similar services that charge 20-30% commission, or self-manage using automated systems while partnering with local cleaning services and maintenance providers who understand the unique challenges of mountain properties including snow removal, heating system maintenance, and seasonal accessibility issues.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Snowshoe, West Virginia, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of Snowshoe Mountain Resort with ski-in/ski-out access or shuttle service, as properties closer to the slopes command premium rates of $200-400+ per night during peak winter season (December-March). Target 3-6 bedroom cabins or condos with hot tubs, fireplaces, mountain views, and modern amenities like high-speed internet and updated kitchens, as these features can increase nightly rates by 20-40%. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against similar properties, noting that successful STRs in Snowshoe typically achieve 40-60% occupancy rates with average daily rates ranging from $150-350 depending on season and property size. Research competition by studying listings within a 5-mile radius on Airbnb and VRBO, identifying gaps in amenities or pricing strategies, while monitoring properties managed by local companies like Snowshoe Rentals and Mountain Lodging. Utilize tools like STR Helper for market analysis, Partner With Anthony for local STR coaching, and connect with Pocahontas County tourism boards for seasonal demand patterns, ensuring your investment targets the growing market of families and groups seeking ski vacations and summer outdoor activities in the Monongahela National Forest region.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Snowshoe, West Virginia, you must first contact the Pocahontas County Planning and Zoning Department at 304-799-4549 or visit their office at 900 Tenth Avenue in Marlinton, as Snowshoe falls under county jurisdiction rather than having its own municipal government. Required documents typically include a completed short-term rental application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of occupancy, fire safety inspection certificate from the local fire department, septic system inspection (if applicable), and proof of liability insurance with minimum $300,000 coverage. You'll also need to provide a site plan showing parking areas, emergency exits, and maximum occupancy details. The application fee is approximately $150-200 with an annual renewal fee of $75-100. Submit your application to the Pocahontas County Courthouse Planning Department, and the review process typically takes 30-45 days including required inspections by building, fire, and health departments. Specific Snowshoe requirements include adherence to the resort community's architectural guidelines, snow load building standards due to heavy winter snowfall, adequate parking for guests (minimum 2 spaces per unit), and compliance with the resort's noise ordinances particularly during peak ski season from December through March. Once approved, you must display your permit number in all online listings and renew annually by December 31st.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Snowshoe, West Virginia, as the state does not prohibit STRs at the state level and Tucker County, where Snowshoe is located, has not implemented comprehensive restrictions on vacation rentals. However, operators must comply with West Virginia's transient accommodations tax requirements and obtain proper business licenses. The Snowshoe Mountain Resort area has historically been accommodating to vacation rentals given its tourism-dependent economy, though individual homeowners associations or resort communities may have their own restrictions in their covenants. As of recent years, there have been discussions at the county level about potential registration requirements and safety standards, but no major prohibitive legislation has been enacted specifically targeting Snowshoe. Property owners should verify compliance with local zoning ordinances, fire safety codes, and any applicable HOA restrictions, while also ensuring proper tax registration with the West Virginia State Tax Department for collecting and remitting the state's transient accommodations tax.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Snowshoe, West Virginia are the Snowshoe Mountain Resort base area and Village, which offer prime ski-in/ski-out access and year-round appeal with winter skiing, summer mountain biking, and hiking activities drawing consistent tourist traffic. The Shavers Lake area provides excellent lakefront and near-lakefront rental opportunities attracting families and outdoor enthusiasts for fishing, boating, and scenic retreats. Silvercreek and Whistlepunk Village neighborhoods are highly desirable due to their proximity to ski lifts, restaurants, and resort amenities while offering a mix of luxury and mid-range accommodation options. The Soaring Eagle area appeals to investors seeking properties with mountain views and easy resort access, particularly popular during peak ski season from December through March and summer festival periods. Western Territory and Cupp Run areas attract serious skiers and snowboarders willing to pay premium rates for slope-side convenience, while the broader Pocahontas County region around Snowshoe benefits from the area's reputation as a premier East Coast ski destination, the annual Mountain Music Festival, and growing popularity for corporate retreats and wedding venues at the resort.

Airbnb properties in Snowshoe, West Virginia are subject to the state's 6% Consumer Sales and Service Tax on lodging accommodations, which applies to rentals of less than 30 consecutive days. Additionally, Pocahontas County imposes a 3% local occupancy tax on short-term rentals, bringing the total tax burden to approximately 9%. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking through their automated tax collection system, which began operating in West Virginia around 2018. Airbnb then remits these taxes quarterly to the West Virginia State Tax Department and applicable local authorities on behalf of hosts. However, some hosts may still need to register for tax permits and file returns directly if their properties fall outside Airbnb's automatic collection scope or if they use other booking platforms. Properties rented for 30 days or more are generally exempt from these transient occupancy taxes, and certain nonprofit or government-related accommodations may qualify for exemptions. The Snowshoe area, being primarily within Pocahontas County's jurisdiction, follows the county's tax collection procedures, with remittance typically due by the 15th of the month following the quarter in which taxes were collected.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Snowshoe, West Virginia is approximately $285,000-$350,000. Property purchase costs range from $200,000-$275,000 for a median 2-3 bedroom mountain cabin or condo suitable for vacation rental. Furnishing costs including beds, linens, kitchen appliances, living room furniture, and outdoor equipment typically run $15,000-$25,000. Initial setup expenses for professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic renovations average $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and tax registration cost approximately $500-$1,200. Insurance for short-term rental coverage runs $2,000-$3,500 annually. Utilities including electricity, water, internet, cable, and heating average $300-$500 monthly or $1,800-$3,000 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning services, maintenance, supplies, platform fees, and marketing total $8,000-$12,000. Additional considerations include property management software subscriptions, emergency repair funds, and seasonal maintenance for snow removal and HVAC systems common in this mountain resort area.

Airbnb properties in Snowshoe, West Virginia demonstrate strong seasonal profitability, with average annual revenues ranging from $35,000-$65,000 for well-positioned properties near Snowshoe Mountain Resort. During peak ski season (December-March), nightly rates typically command $200-$400 for 2-3 bedroom units, with occupancy rates reaching 75-85%, while summer months see rates drop to $120-$250 with 60-70% occupancy due to mountain biking and outdoor activities. Operating expenses generally run 35-45% of gross revenue, including property management fees (20-25%), cleaning costs ($75-$125 per turnover), utilities ($200-$400 monthly), insurance ($2,000-$3,500 annually), and maintenance reserves, resulting in net profit margins of 25-35% for successful operators. Properties within walking distance of ski lifts or featuring hot tubs, game rooms, and mountain views consistently outperform the market, with some luxury 4-bedroom chalets generating over $80,000 annually. Success factors include strategic pricing during Snowshoe's major events like the Mountain Music Festival, maintaining high cleanliness standards, responsive guest communication, and partnering with local property management companies like Snowshoe Rentals or Mountain Lodging who understand the seasonal dynamics and can optimize bookings across multiple platforms.

Airbnb investments in Snowshoe, West Virginia typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% due to the area's strong ski tourism and year-round outdoor recreation appeal. Cash-on-cash returns generally range from 8-14% annually, with properties near Snowshoe Mountain Resort commanding premium rates of $150-300 per night during peak ski season (December-March) and $100-200 during summer months. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with luxury ski-in/ski-out properties reaching break-even faster at 12-18 months due to higher nightly rates averaging $250-400. The market benefits from consistent demand driven by Snowshoe Mountain Resort's 4,848-foot elevation and reliable snowfall, plus summer activities like mountain biking and hiking. Properties within 2 miles of the resort typically maintain 65-75% occupancy rates year-round, while those further away see 45-60% occupancy but offer lower acquisition costs. Initial investment requirements range from $200,000-600,000 for suitable properties, with renovation costs adding $20,000-50,000 to optimize for short-term rentals.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties including in Snowshoe, West Virginia. Local real estate agents serving the Snowshoe area include Snowshoe Realty, Mountain State Realty, and Pocahontas County real estate specialists who understand the ski resort market dynamics. National services like AirDNA, Mashvisor, and Rabbu provide market analytics and investment property identification tools for the region. BiggerPockets marketplace and Roofstock occasionally feature West Virginia mountain properties suitable for Airbnb conversion. Local property management companies such as Snowshoe Mountain Resort property services and Greenbrier Valley property managers can assist with identifying investment opportunities and ongoing management. Regional firms like Coldwell Banker and RE/MAX have agents familiar with vacation rental investments in the Pocahontas County area. Investment-focused platforms like Awning, RedAwning, and local vacation rental management companies often have insights into which properties in the Snowshoe region perform best as short-term rentals, particularly those near the ski slopes and outdoor recreation areas.