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 the area typically requires short-term rental permits and compliance with zoning laws, particularly given its resort community status. Contact the Pocahontas County Building Department to obtain necessary permits, which may include a business license, occupancy permit, and potential fire safety inspections, with fees ranging from $100-500 annually. Find property by working with local real estate agents familiar with Snowshoe's ski resort area, focusing on condos, cabins, or homes within walking distance of Snowshoe Mountain Resort, with purchase prices typically ranging from $200,000-800,000 depending on size and location. Furnish the property with ski-themed decor, quality linens, full kitchen amenities, outdoor gear storage, hot tub if possible, and winter essentials like firewood and snow removal equipment, budgeting $15,000-30,000 for complete furnishing. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and local rental sites like Snowshoe Rentals, emphasizing proximity to skiing, hiking trails, and resort amenities, with competitive rates of $150-400 per night depending on season and property size. Manage the property by either hiring local management companies like Snowshoe Realty or self-managing with reliable local cleaning services, maintenance contacts, and 24/7 guest communication, while maintaining compliance with West Virginia's 6% sales tax and any applicable occupancy taxes, and consider peak season demand during winter ski months and summer outdoor activities.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Snowshoe, West Virginia, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of Snowshoe Mountain Resort with easy ski-in/ski-out access or shuttle connectivity, as properties closer to the slopes command 30-40% higher nightly rates averaging $200-400 during peak winter season (December-March). Target 3-4 bedroom mountain cabins or condos with hot tubs, fireplaces, game rooms, and mountain views, as these features increase booking rates by 25-35% according to Airbnb data from 2023. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties generating $40,000-80,000 annually, with cap rates of 8-12% being typical for the area. Research competition through VRBO, Airbnb, and local management companies like Snowshoe Rentals and Mountain Lodging to understand occupancy rates averaging 65-75% for well-positioned properties. Utilize STR-specific tools like Rabbu and PriceLabs for dynamic pricing, while partnering with local property managers familiar with Pocahontas County regulations and the seasonal tourism patterns that drive 70% of annual revenue during ski season and summer outdoor activities, with properties typically appreciating 4-6% annually in this resort market.

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. The timeline for approval ranges from 30-60 days depending on inspection scheduling and document completeness. Specific Snowshoe requirements include compliance with the resort's architectural guidelines if your property is within the resort boundaries, adherence to noise ordinances due to the area's proximity to residential zones, proper waste management arrangements with local services, and seasonal parking restrictions during peak ski season. Properties must also meet West Virginia's general STR requirements including smoke detectors in all bedrooms, carbon monoxide detectors, and emergency contact information posted prominently for guests.

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, does not have comprehensive restrictions against 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 embraced vacation rentals as part of its tourism economy, with many condominiums and private homes operating as STRs. Property owners should verify compliance with any homeowners association rules, as some developments may have specific restrictions on rental activities. Recent years have seen increased attention to tax compliance and registration requirements, but no major prohibitive legislation has been enacted specifically targeting Snowshoe. The resort community's economy heavily depends on tourism, making STRs a generally accepted and important component of the local hospitality sector, though operators should ensure they meet all state tax obligations and local zoning requirements.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Snowshoe, West Virginia are the Snowshoe Mountain Resort base area and nearby Silvercreek, 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 Village area at Snowshoe provides excellent walkability to restaurants, shops, and resort amenities, making it highly attractive to visitors seeking convenience. Shavers Fork and Cheat River corridors are emerging as strong investment areas due to their proximity to world-class trout fishing, whitewater rafting, and scenic beauty that attracts outdoor enthusiasts year-round. The Cass Scenic Railroad area benefits from heritage tourism and families visiting the historic logging railroad, while properties near the Green Bank Observatory attract science tourism and stargazing enthusiasts. Areas within 10-15 minutes of Snowshoe Resort but at lower elevations often provide better value investments while still capturing overflow demand during peak ski season, major events like music festivals, and corporate retreats that frequently book the resort to capacity.

Airbnb properties in Snowshoe, West Virginia are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the state transient occupancy tax of 6% on gross rental receipts, Pocahontas County's local occupancy tax of 3%, and West Virginia's general sales tax of 6.5% which applies to short-term rentals. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking for properties listed on their platform, with Airbnb remitting payments monthly to the appropriate tax authorities including the West Virginia State Tax Department and Pocahontas County. Property owners operating independently must register with the state tax department, collect taxes from guests, and file monthly returns by the 20th of the following month, with annual gross receipts below $25,000 potentially qualifying for quarterly filing. The combined effective tax rate is approximately 15.5% on rental income, with limited exemptions available for stays exceeding 30 consecutive days which may qualify as long-term rentals rather than transient accommodations, though enforcement and collection procedures have been strengthened since 2019 when West Virginia began requiring marketplace facilitators like Airbnb to collect and remit these taxes automatically.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Snowshoe, West Virginia is approximately $485,000-$565,000. Property purchase costs range from $350,000-$425,000 for a median 3-bedroom mountain cabin or condo suitable for vacation rentals in this ski resort area. Furnishing costs typically run $25,000-$35,000 for complete setup including beds, linens, kitchen appliances, living room furniture, and ski lodge décor appropriate for the mountain setting. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic supplies total around $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees include West Virginia business license ($30), Pocahontas County lodging tax registration ($50), potential HOA approval fees ($200-$500), and short-term rental permit if required ($100-$300). Insurance costs approximately $2,500-$4,000 annually for vacation rental coverage. Monthly utilities average $300-$450 including electricity, heating (crucial for winter months), water, internet, and cable. First six months operating costs total $15,000-$25,000 covering utilities ($1,800-$2,700), cleaning services between guests ($3,600-$6,000), property management if used (20-30% of bookings estimated at $8,000-$12,000), maintenance reserves ($1,000-$2,000), and marketing/platform fees ($600-$2,300).

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, while summer months see $120-$250 rates for mountain biking and outdoor activities. Operating expenses generally run 40-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($75-$125 per turnover), property management (20-25%), utilities ($200-$400 monthly), insurance ($2,000-$3,500 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $5,000-$8,000 yearly. Properties within 2 miles of the resort base achieve occupancy rates of 65-75% annually, generating net profit margins of 25-35%, while those further away see 45-55% occupancy with 15-25% margins. Success factors include proximity to ski lifts, hot tubs, adequate parking, and professional photography showcasing mountain views. A typical 3-bedroom slopeside condo purchased for $350,000 in 2019 generated approximately $52,000 in gross revenue in 2023, with net profits around $28,000 after expenses, representing an 8% cash-on-cash return plus property appreciation averaging 6-8% annually in the Snowshoe market.

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 244 skiable acres and proximity to major metropolitan areas like Washington DC and Pittsburgh, with occupancy rates typically reaching 65-75% annually. Properties purchased in the $200,000-500,000 range generally produce gross rental income of $35,000-75,000 annually, while factoring in expenses like property management (20-25%), maintenance, utilities, and mortgage payments typically yields net returns in the 10-15% range for well-positioned properties.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Snowshoe, West Virginia, using data analytics to evaluate potential returns. Local real estate agents like Snowshoe Mountain Realty and Pocahontas County real estate specialists including agents from Century 21 and Coldwell Banker have experience with vacation rental properties in the area. National services such as Mashvisor, AirDNA, and Rabbu provide market analysis and property search tools specifically for Airbnb investments in ski resort markets like Snowshoe. Regional companies like Mountain State Real Estate Group and Greenbrier Valley specialists focus on recreational property investments throughout West Virginia's resort areas. Additional services include BiggerPockets for investor networking, Awning for short-term rental property management, and local property management companies like Snowshoe Village Property Management that can assist with both acquisition advice and ongoing rental operations in the Snowshoe resort community.