Are you looking for the best ski resort in Ohio for an ideal winter getaway? Ohio has beautiful ski slopes that offer scenic destinations. It’s also home to several unique skiing areas than in other states.
Ranging from a few minutes to hours away from the Indian Lake Area, Ohio harbors several ski resorts. The Ohio ski resorts have amazing amenities and great accommodations for individuals and families.
Many Ohio ski resorts offer slopes with varying difficulty levels, whether a pro or a novice. Hit the slopes of Ohio and begin your winter adventure at the following ski resorts.
What Are The Best Ski Resorts in Ohio?
There are several ski resorts in Ohio because of its great Snow Belt. The beauty of skiing in ski resorts is that they aren’t only operational during cold weather.
During summer, the snow-making machines will ensure you’ve gotten a great skiing experience. Plus, the ski resorts are operational 24/7, meaning you can enjoy both day and night skiing.
The ski resorts in Ohio will offer you that if you’re after great getaway fun with your family.
1. Alpine Valley
The Alpine Valley ski resort is at Ohio’s snow belt, 35 miles from popular downtown Cleveland. The region is popular for more natural snow than other ski areas.
It’s also the only snow resort in Ohio that has wooded trails. The alpine valley ski resort spans 72 acres; the resort features plenty of slopes and terrain.
What do they offer?
- Ski and snowboard lessons
- Lodging
- Dining and retail
- Ski and snowboard rentals
Description
Have you seen people ski before or had the idea of trying it? The alpine valley resort is ideal for getting introduced to this sport.
The alpine valley ski areas offer forgiving, gentle terrain and patient and passionate instructors who’ll guide you through. The alpine valley resort also has a large fleet of rental equipment for snowboarding and skiing.
On average, the alpine valley resort experiences 120 inches of natural snow yearly. It’s quite much snow and will offer you the experience that most people dream of.
The alpine valley resort is on 72 acres and has a 230 ft. vertical drop, 25 trails, and 7 lifts. There are enough trails in the terrain parks for both beginners and skilled skiers.
The alpine resort also has xtreme half-pipe and polar blast Tubing Park. Alpine valley lodge offers drinks, food, and much more. Contact the alpine valley resort before visiting to find out about the snow trails conditions.
2. Boston Mills | Brandywine
Peak Resorts Inc owns Boston Mills | Brandywine ski resort. The Boston Mills and Brandywine are sister resorts based in Cuyahoga Valley Nation Park, Peninsula. Boston Mills & Brandywine are located only 5 minutes apart.
You’ll have the chance to ski on different terrain parks on a weekend getaway because tickets are interchangeable.
What Do They Offer?
- Dining
- Retail
- Lodging
- Ski and snow tubing
Description
The Boston Mills | Brandywine sister resorts are just 20 minute North of Akron and 30 minutes South of Cleveland.
This sister resort is the northeast Ohio’s premiere snowboarding, snow tubing, glow tubing and skiing resort.
The resorts have same management and they run from mid-December through to March.
The Boston Mills | Brandywine resort has beginner to advanced terrain parks with lessons for all.
Are you new to the sport? Don’t worry! Boston Mills | Brandywine Rental equipment and lesson packages will immediately introduce you to the sport.
The Boston Mills | Brandywine resort hosts great weekend events and is usually fun for the whole family.
Lastly, Boston Mills | Brandywine rates for family gatherings, birthday parties, and corporate events are wonderful. There is also a late night every Friday, with drinks, music, and fun and other outdoor activities at Boston Mills.
3. Snow Trails
Snow trail is another Ohio premier resort for snow tubing, snowboarding, etc. The Snow Trails ski resort offers all the outdoor winter fun you need on natural snow.
Snow trails resort is located 1.5 miles near Mansfield and is only a short drive from Columbus or Cleveland.
What Do They Offer?
- Seasonal clubs
- Equipment rental
- Snow tubing
- Ski lessons
- Amazing vertical drop
- Kids program
Description
The snow trail resort is between Cleveland and Columbus, Mansfield, Ohio. It’s the only family-owned resort in the Ohio region.
It has been operating since 1961, making it the first ski resort to open in Ohio. It’s located in Ohio’s coldest part, making snow-making easy and possible. There’s no overnight lodging at the resort but several places nearby offer it.
It has a 300 ft. vertical drop, making it ideal for beginner skiers. A carpet conveyor lift transports skiers to the top of a beginner’s slope. The conveyor’s lifts are quite handy for people that aren’t ready for the chairlift.
In addition, the resort offers personalized lessons tailored to specific skill levels. There are snow trails for beginners, intermediate and expert skiers.
Lastly, the resort has three terrain parks, adaptive skiing, and 6 tubing lanes. Your family and friends will enjoy that ski trip while at this resort.
4. Mad River Mountain
The Mad River Mountain is in Central Ohio and is Ohio’s largest ski resort. The Mad River Mountain is a 1-hour drive from Columbus and 2.5 hours from Akron. You’ll get the chance to enjoy exciting outdoor winter activities.
What do They offer?
- 1,460 ft. elevation
- Avalanche tubing park
- 11 lifts
- 20 trails
- 1 terrain park
Description
The average snowfall in the region of Mad River Mountain is 36 inches. But there’s snow making machine that becomes quite handy during hot seasons.
The Mad River Mountain has 20 trails; 44% are expert, 22% are beginner, and 34% are intermediate. Therefore skiers of all levels will get the chance to enjoy the slopes at Mad River Mountain.
Lastly, the Mad River Mountain resort has 2 terrain parks- for beginners and advanced skiers. There’s the Avalanche tubing park that’s a popular attraction to people.
5. Big Creek
If you’re looking for a place to ski in Ohio, Big creek is the most ideal. The region is surrounded by the natural beauty of Lake County Metro Parks.
The big creek hills have the greatest skiing elevation in Ohio and are in the heart of Ohio’s snow belt.
What They Offer
- Skiing area
Description
The big creek ski area is conveniently located at 12721 Concord Hamden Road. The ski area is a member-owned and operated ski hill.
The Big Creek opens early during the winter months; you’ll get the chance to enjoy the terrain parks until the snow is gone.
Hills at this ski area face north; therefore, the snow takes longer to melt when it warms up. The Big Creek ski area is popularly known as the home of the Cleveland ski club.
The Cleveland ski club is a famous skiers group dedicated to snowboarding and skiing. It was founded in 1937 and stands as the oldest Ohio ski club.
It’s the only Ohio club with its hill, the great Big Creek ski area they acquired in 1958. The Cleveland ski club has been able to maintain the Big Creek ski area through volunteer assistance, membership dues, and donations.
6. Clear Fork Adventure Resort
The clear fork adventure resort is on 175 private acres in Ohio. The ski area is just an hour’s drive from Cleveland, Ohio, and Columbus.
What do They offer?
- Bar and grill
- Camping
- Lodging
Description
Clear Fork has a small terrain park with 6 chair lifts and 2 surface tows. It features nine snow trails evenly split between advanced, intermediate, and novice difficulty levels.
There’s a terrain park at the complex for snowboarders. The resort is also open to offering different options when it comes to events.
The events in this ski resort in Ohio can range from a weekend getaway, class reunion, wedding, music venues, etc.
Clear Fork Adventure resort also has a lodging option. You can check out their availability and policies online.
How To Choose A Suitable Ski Resort
‍Skiing is one of the most exciting and challenging sports, which can also be tricky for beginners. Dozens of ski resorts are scattered throughout the world, each with its pros and cons.
How do you know which one to pick? Are there any tips and tricks to help you make the right decision? The following section will provide useful insights on choosing a suitable ski resort.
1. Consider Your Needs
The first and most important thing to do when choosing a ski resort is to decide your needs and expectations.
What kind of skiing do you want to do? What type of holiday are you planning? What are your fitness and skill levels? These are all factors that you should consider before making a decision.
The following are useful tips and tricks you can use when looking for a suitable ski resort in Ohio.
- Ability level – If you are a beginner, you’re probably better off looking for a ski resort with a great beginner’s program. If you’re an intermediate skier, you’ll want to look for a place with intermediate slopes. Advanced skiers should look for a resort with a challenging vertical drop.
- Traveling with others – If you’re traveling with kids, seniors, or beginners, you’re probably better off choosing a resort with beginner slopes. If you’re traveling with more advanced skiers, consider a resort with the steepest slope.
- Weather Conditions – If you’re looking for sun and warm temperatures, you’re probably better off choosing a resort in the southern hemisphere. If you’re planning on visiting a ski resort in the northern hemisphere, you’ll probably want to avoid visiting during the winter months.
- Off-season and shoulder season – If you’re traveling on a budget, you might want to consider visiting a ski resort during the off-season or shoulder season. These are times when the prices will be lower.
- Prices – Skiing is expensive, and prices vary considerably from one resort to another. You can find some great deals on last-minute offers during the off-season. You can also find cheap ski packages online during the off-season.
2. Check The Piste and Slope Quality
The piste and slope quality are two of the most important factors when deciding on a ski resort. The quality of the trail is the main thing that separates a decent ski resort from a great ski resort.
You can usually find this information on the ski resort’s website. You can also easily find terrain parks information on travel websites like TripAdvisor and Sky scanner.
When checking out the piste and slope quality, you can look for the following things.
- Reputation – The first and most important thing to consider when checking out a ski resort is reputation. A Ohio ski resort with a great reputation is probably well maintained with nice snow trails.
- Terrain – The terrain of the piste is another important thing to check out. Ideally, you want a ski resort with a wide variety of terrain parks. This is important for beginners and intermediate skiers who need different types of snow trails for different skill levels.
- Snow Conditions – The snow conditions are also important to check out when checking out the piste and slope quality. You want to look for ski resorts with the most natural snow.
- Number of Lifts and lift capacity – You also want to ensure that the ski resort you’re considering has a lift capacity that meets your needs.
3. Accommodation
The type of accommodation you choose can greatly influence your Ohio skiing experience. If you choose a bad place to stay, it can potentially ruin the entire holiday.
You don’t want to spend all your time worrying about insects, bad facilities, or noisy neighbors. The following are some things to look for when choosing suitable accommodation.
- Rooms – The first thing to look for when choosing suitable accommodation is the rooms. Do the rooms have what you need? Are they clean and comfortable? Are they spacious enough for your needs?
- Facilities – You also want to ensure that the accommodation has all the amenities to meet your needs. Is there a swimming pool, fitness center, ski shop etc.?
- Location – The location of the accommodation is also important. You want to choose a place close to the piste and the other facilities. You don’t want to spend all your time traveling.
4. Consider the travel options.
The type of travel around the ski resort will affect the Ohio skiing experience. If you choose a Ohio ski resort with the wrong travel methods, it can potentially ruin your holiday.
You want to make sure that the travel arrangements are suitable for skiers. The following are some things to look for when choosing travel options.
- Types of Transport – The first thing to look for when checking the travel options is the types of transport. You want to ensure that the transport types are suitable for skiers.
- Traveling with Kids – If you’re traveling with kids, you probably want to look for a place that offers ski school. If you’re traveling with seniors, you probably want to look for a place that offers special benefits.
- Safety – You also want to ensure that the travel options are safe. You don’t want to be worrying about your safety while on the skiable terrain.
5. Evening Activities
You’re not going for that ski trip to canvas your colleagues to do some jobs. Therefore you need to consider all the amazing evening activities that’ll occupy you and your friends while not skiing.
Consider the evening activities when looking for a suitable resort for the group. If you and your friends or family are more adventurous, look for a resort that offers exploration opportunities.
Most adrenaline junkies will enjoy riding alpine coasters and snow tubing. Other amazing activities allow you to think about exciting things you did during the day. They include ice skating, bowling or swimming, etc.
In conclusion, skiing is one of the most exciting and challenging sports, which can also be tricky for beginners.
Deciding on a suitable ski resort can be a little tricky. But if you follow the tips provided in this section, you should be able to find a suitable ski resort.
Remember, the most important thing is to decide on your criteria. Once you do that, you’ll be able to find the perfect ski resort for your needs.
What Makes Skiing Awesome? ‍
The winter brings various opportunities to get out in the fresh air and enjoy the slopes. Skiing is one of those activities that have grown in popularity over the years.
Whether it’s cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, or snow-tubing – there are many places people can go to enjoy the sport.
But why does it stand out as one of the best winter sports? Let’s take a look at why skiing is awesome!
1. There’s Something For Everyone
People of all ages can enjoy skiable terrain. If you have young kids, there are places where you can ski with your family, and kids can enjoy it too.
If you’re a bit older and have kids, most Ohio ski resorts offer special discounts for different ages. There are also special skiing and snow tubing programs for people with disabilities. Most resorts have staff members who can help you if you have difficulty getting around.
If you’re unsure whether or not skiing is for you, plenty of ski resorts offer day trips. Here you can try it out and see if it’s something that interests you!
2. It Helps You Build Confidence
Skiing is something that most people can enjoy. It is not just a physical activity but can also help you feel more confident and self-esteem.
It can help you discover things about yourself, like your capabilities and limitations. You may think this adventure sport is not for you, but this is not always the case.
There are different ways to do it, depending on your expertise and experience. One of the most common ways is renting equipment; you’ll enjoy the adventure without spending a fortune.
As you learn the skills and conquer the challenges, you will find that this activity is quite rewarding and inspiring.
You will have a newfound confidence in yourself and discover more about who you are. This can help you in your everyday life, relationships, and career.
3. It’s A Great Workout
If you thought skiing was just leisure a activity, think again! It’s a great way to stay fit, which is why many people add it to their fitness regimens.
It can help you build endurance and improve your cardiovascular health. It can also increase metabolism and burn more calories throughout the day.
Depending on your skiing type, it can be a great full-body workout, working your glutes, hamstrings, core, and lower back.
In fact, for every hour of this activity, you can burn approximately 500 calories! That’s the equivalent of running for around 30 minutes!
If you want to ensure you’re getting a good workout while on the ski area, try to mix up your skills. Do this by combining different types of skiing. You can also combine it with some other activity like hiking or climbing.
4. It’s An Adventure That Doesn’t Require Commitment
Do you enjoy adventure sports but are a bit wary of committing to scuba diving? Skiing is a great option because it doesn’t require much commitment.
Depending on your skiing type, you may only have to go on a few excursions a year. There are many different types of skiing, including alpine, cross-country, and freestyle.
Alpine skiing involves downhill skiing and is usually done at ski resorts and mountains. Cross-country skiing is done on specially designed tracks. It is a great way to enjoy the winter outdoors regardless of where you live.
Plenty of clubs and organizations offer skiing trips, so you can go with a group of friends and enjoy the experience together!
5. It Can Help You Build Skills For Other Sports
If you love trying new things, it can help you build skills for other sports, like hockey. Cross-country skiing is one of the best exercises for hockey players.
It helps increase your leg strength and endurance, which is essential for hockey players. Getting into skiing can help you improve your balance and coordination. It’ll also help you lose weight.
And if you’re a beginner, you can join a clinic or go on a beginner’s trip. There you can get some tips from people who are more experienced.
Overall, skiing is a great way to spend the winter months. It’s an active sport that is fun for the whole family, and there are plenty of places where you can enjoy it.
If you’re a bit wary of trying it out, there are several beginner classes and tours available to start. Whether you’re a beginner or an avid snow lover, there’s no denying that skiing is awesome.
It’s a great way to get outside and enjoy the winter while improving your health and fitness levels.
Fun Things To Do In Ohio That You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
‍Are you looking for fun things to do in Ohio that you won’t find anywhere else? The Buckeye State is home to many unique attractions, activities, and events.
These unique places, experiences, and events are a perfect bucket list for anyone who loves the state of Ohio.
1. Lake Erie Mist Scenic Railway
The Lake Erie Mist Scenic Railway is a one-of-a-kind attraction sure to delight anyone who loves trains and Ohio history.
The trains depart from Port Discovery in Lakewood and offer passengers 10 different tour options, ranging from the two-hour Lake Shore Tour to the four-hour Lake Erie Discovery Tour.
2. Lakeview Cemetery Tour
Ohio is known as the graveyard of several famous figures. It’s one of the best places to learn more about this unique distinction through the Lakeview Cemetery Tour.
The tour is a walking tour of the state’s oldest and most famous cemeteries: Lakeview Cemetery in Cleveland.
If you love history and are fascinated by the people in the past that helped shape Ohio, this tour is a must-do.
Guests on the Lakeview Cemetery Tour will learn about the fascinating lives of some of Ohio’s most famous figures. They include Eliot Ness, John D. Rockefeller, William Howard Taft, and more.
3. Glass Blowing Tour At Toledo Museum of Art
The Toledo Museum of Art is a must-see attraction in Ohio and one of the best places to go in Toledo. While there, don’t miss the opportunity to take the Glass Blowing Tour, which is offered every weekend.
On tour, visit the Toledo Glass House, the museum’s working glass studio, where artists create amazing art pieces daily.
You can even observe these artists creating art in real-time. This will give you the chance to learn about the process of glass blowing as they create a masterpiece in front of you.
4. Escape Game Experience
If you love puzzles, games, and challenges, an escape room experience is a perfect thing to do in Ohio.
There are several escape rooms throughout the state. You can solve a mystery, find hidden clues, and crack a code to escape within a certain time.
Escape rooms are a great thing to do with friends or family in Ohio. Individuals or groups of any size can also do it.
Escape rooms are especially good for team-building exercises and are a fun challenge for all ages.
There are several escape room experiences to choose from throughout Ohio. Each has a different theme and mystery for you and your group to solve.
5. Hammer’s Mixing Lab & Museum of Sounds
Hammer’s Mixing Lab & Museum of Sounds is a one-of-a-kind experience in Ohio. Here you can learn about sound from the creators of the “This American Life” podcast.
Hammer’s is an interactive museum and laboratory dedicated to the science of sound. On your visit, you can experiment with sound hands-on, learn how it travels, and even record your sounds.
You can also visit the “Wall of Sound” and see sound waves visualized in real-time. There’s the “Wall of Fame,” where you’ll discover sound waves from many artists and bands using Hammer’s recordings.
There are many other exhibits and experiences to discover at this unique museum. They include a human-impulse-response touch wall, a sound garden, and more.
6. Indoor Skydiving At IFLY Cincinnati
Ohio is quite popular in indoor skydiving and has one of the best facilities in the country.
Do you want to skydive but don’t have the time or money to do so outdoors? Indoor skydiving is the best thing for you.
You can visit IFLY Cincinnati with a friend or family member any day of the week. There are several different packages and experiences to choose from. Each package has an instructor who will teach you how to skydive indoors.
IFLY Cincinnati also has a virtual reality experience where you can skydive in a virtual world instead of real life. The facility also has a snack bar and a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs and gifts.
7. Cincinnati Pizza Tours
Cincinnati Pizza Tours is a unique food tour in Ohio. It combines some of the best aspects of urban Ohio sightseeing with sampling delicious, authentic Italian and Italian-American dishes.
The Pizza Tours are offered six days a week and last about two hours. During the tour, you’ll visit three to five restaurants. You’ll learn about and sample the history and food of the city from your knowledgeable tour guide.
You’ll visit pizzerias that have been family-owned and operated for decades. Here you’ll learn about the different styles of pizza and even visit the home of the famous Cincinnati chili.
The tours offer a fun and delicious way to explore the city of Cincinnati and are a great option for visitors and locals alike.
Conclusion
Any person planning a ski trip to Ohio needs to know the best ski resorts in Ohio. Skiing and snowboarding are among the most popular fun activities in this place.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s always something exciting happening in Ohio. It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking for a family-friendly activity, something to do with friends.
