Sliding Into Success: How Snow Riders Became a Jefferson County Treasure

December 26, 2024

You’ve likely heard of Snow Riders. If not, chances are you know River Riders, its sister company and a staple in Jefferson County’s outdoor adventure scene. “Jefferson County is becoming a year-round playground, and Snow Riders is leading the way,” shares Jefferson County Commissioner Pasha Majdi. To explore the story behind Snow Riders’ remarkable success, we sat down with Matt Knott, CEO, and Harry Longerbeam, General Manager. 

Snow Riders is celebrating its third year of snow tubing excellence, but its roots go back decades. Originally founded in the 1970s as a locally owned small river outfitter, River Riders grew exponentially under Matt Knott’s ownership. Transforming the business from hosting a thousand visitors to tens of thousands annually, Matt and his team expanded River Riders into a hub of outdoor activities. Their entrepreneurial drive eventually led to the creation of Snow Riders, an idea more than a decade in the making. 

This same spirit of innovation propelled Snow Riders into the spotlight as the first snow tubing park to open in the U.S. for the 2024-25 season. With cutting-edge snow-making machines capable of producing snow in temperatures up to 80 degrees, Snow Riders extended its season and captured the attention of winter enthusiasts. 

A key to this success is partnerships with state organizations. A low-interest loan from the West Virginia Department of Economic Development enabled Snow Riders to invest in its snow-making technology, allowing their season to begin earlier, while state tourism incentives helped the business grow. Collaboration with the Jefferson County Convention and Visitors Bureau has also bolstered Snow Riders’ ability to attract and delight visitors. 

Matt Knott encourages other entrepreneurs to explore similar resources: “Don’t be afraid to look for state resources. You have to put in the work for it. They won’t just fall into your lap.” 

Snow Riders isn’t just about tubing down its 900-foot hill (equivalent to three football fields)—it’s about creating memories. Whether it’s laser light shows, music nights, or simply sipping hot chocolate while enjoying the scenery, Snow Riders ensures every visit is a family adventure. 

While awards and accolades, such as the 2024 Best of West Virginia Outdoor Adventure Business, are testaments to their success, "guest feedback is equally important,” notes Harry Longerbeam. In fact, Snow Riders’ popular party room, the very room where this interview was conducted, exists because guests asked for a space to host birthday parties and events. By listening to visitors, the team consistently enhances its offerings and transforms a day trip into an unforgettable experience. 

The impact of Snow Riders extends far beyond its tubing lanes. Its appeal draws families from the Washington Metropolitan Area, bringing new life to Harpers Ferry’s winter season. Visitors come for the snow tubing and stay for the charm, enjoying local accommodations, dining at nearby restaurants, and shopping at Jefferson County businesses. 

Matt Knott shares that Snow Riders intentionally integrates the community into its offerings. Theme nights, like First Responders Night and Teachers Night, give back to locals while making tubing affordable for everyone. 

A cornerstone of Snow Riders’ operation is its dedicated team. Expanding from River Riders into a year-round business has allowed staff to transition seamlessly between summer and winter seasons, fostering continuity and reducing retraining. With a well-trained and enthusiastic staff, Snow Riders ensures that every guest feels welcomed and cared for. 

Snow Riders isn’t slowing down, with hopes to expand its tubing lanes and develop more activities for younger children beyond the kiddie hill. For Matt and Harry, the joy of building a thriving business in Harpers Ferry is about more than profits—it’s about sharing their love of the area and driving economic growth for the region. 

What began as a small outfitter has grown into a powerhouse of year-round adventure, attracting visitors from near and far to experience the magic of Jefferson County. With their vision, hard work, and strategic partnerships, Snow Riders has become a shining example of how local businesses can expand and thrive. 

Whether you’re sliding down a tubing hill, sipping hot chocolate, or exploring Harpers Ferry’s history, Snow Riders is more than just an adventure—it’s a testament to the power of community, innovation, and resilience.