Skiing and Snowboarding
Some people believe that all of Ohio is flat – but this is far from the truth. There are hills and hollers in all directions and the state boasts 36 ski lifts! We’re home to over a dozen winter resorts and our highest point reaches past 1,500 feet in elevation.
While no mountains rise out of the Buckeye State, a quick search of the web reveals plenty of downhill and cross-country snow trekking.
Best time to go:
Ohio’s snowy period of the year lasts for about four months, from December through March. The most powder falls during the month of February.
Other Resources:
Skiing and Snowboarding Education/Safety:
Skiing and Snowboarding Destinations (in a general four-hour radius from Columbus, in order from near to far):
SNOW TRAILS
Snow Trails offers downhill skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. They make their own snow and groom their trails regularly. You can rent all gear necessary for the available activities at their facilities.
Activities:
Downhill skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing
MAD RIVER MOUNTAIN
Mad River Mountain is the largest ski resort in Ohio. There are slopes available for all skill levels at this resort, as well as rentals for all activities. Ski lessons are available, and season passes, day passes, and multiple day passes are available for sale.
Activities:
Downhill skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing
MOHICAN STATE PARK
Cross-country skiing is an option on the Holmes County Trail and the B&O Trail. They are long flat trails and offer many activities - including cross-country skiing when conditions allow. Private lodges in the nearby area offer rentals for cross country skiing and snowshoeing in winter months.
Activities:
Bridle Trails, fishing, hiking, hunting, mountain biking, picnicking, winter recreation
FINDLEY STATE PARK
When conditions allow, most trails can be used for cross-country skiing within this park. The 838-acre forest of pines and gorgeous scenery make the ideal setting for winter cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Activities:
Boating, camping, disc golf, fishing, hiking/mountain biking trails, hunting, picnicking, swimming, winter recreation
CUYAHOGA VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
There are many trails to cross-country ski within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. There is the Old Carriage Trail, Boston Run Trail, the Rock Creek and Old Mill Trail Loops, Indian Spring Trail, Metro Parks Freedom Trail, Towner’s Woods Park Trail, Big Bluestem Trail, Lake Medina Upper and Lower Trails Loop, and Pheasant Run Trail. The Winter Sports Center at Kendall Lake is the epicenter of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at the park and provides rentals and lessons.
Activities:
Hiking, biking, climbing, skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, birding
CLEVELAND METROPARKS
Cross-country skiing is permitted on hiking, bridle, and all-purpose trails (that have not been plowed) as well as the fairways and rough areas of Big Met, Little Met, Shawnee Hills, Seneca, Mastick Woods and Sleepy Hollow golf courses with a four-inch snow base. Additionally, at Big Met Golf Course, cross-country skis can be rented for children and adults.
Activities:
Archery, backpacking, biking, cycling, boating, sailing, paddle sports, fishing and ice fishing, footgolf, golfing, hiking, walking, horseback riding, mountain biking, picnicking, rope courses, zip lines, sledding, swimming, tobogganing, winter activities
BOSTON MILLS BRANDYWINE (BMBW)
Boston Mills Brandywine consists of two ski resorts located near one another on the border of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. While skiing and snowboarding can be done at both locations, snowboarders traditionally prefer Brandywine, and skiers prefer Boston Mills. Both locations groom hills, provide lessons, and provide access to rentals of all gear necessary to downhill ski and snowboard.
Activities:
Skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing
LAKE MILTON STATE PARK
This park is used mostly for water recreation, but the available trails are available for cross-country skiing use when conditions allow. The park lies in the Appalachian Plateau in Ohio and is home to a great variety of plants and forests. When the ground is frozen and covered in snow, the area has 1.25 miles of trails available.
Activities:
Fishing, hunting, hiking, picnicking, swimming, boating, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing
QUAIL HOLLOW
Cross-country skiing is available on most trails at Quail Hollow when the conditions are adequate. The 700 acres of rolling meadows, pine woods, and a marsh make for great scenery in the snow. Gear rentals are also available by the hour.
Activities:
Mountain biking, equestrian trails, hiking, camping, fishing, geocaching, running, winter activities
ALPINE VALLEY
Located in Chesterland, Ohio, Alpine Valley has several slopes for all skill levels of skiers and snowboarders. They also provide lessons and gear rentals for downhill skiing and snowboarding.
Activities:
Skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing
PERFECT NORTH SLOPES
Perfect North Slopes is a ski area in Southeast Indiana offering skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. Difficulties range from beginner to double black diamond. They offer ski and snowboard lessons, equipment rental, delicious food options, and a ski lodge where you can share stories about your day on the snow.
Activities:
Skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing
HOLDEN ARBORETUM
Though the trails are not groomed, cross-country skiers are welcome on the designated ski paths within the Arboretum. Ski rentals are not available.
Activities:
Birding, hiking, butterfly gardens, specialty plant gardens, cross-country skiing
WEST WOODS, GEAUGA COUNTY
This park is home to many beautiful trails. In the winter, all trails are wonderful for cross-country skiing. When the weather is right, park district staff groom the Maple Highlands Trail, located between Mountain Run Station and Claridon Troy Road.
Activities:
Biking, birdwatching, camping, canoeing, kayaking, boating, cross-country skiing, fishing, geocaching, high ropes course, hiking, walking, running, horseback riding, hunting and trapping, picnicking, sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing
CHAPIN FOREST RESERVATION
Rentable equipment is available at Pine Lodge Ski Center. Trails are groomed for cross-country skiing at both Chapin Forest Reservation and the south entrance of Girdled Road Reservation. One mile of trail at Chapin Forest will be illuminated from dusk until the park closes.
Activities:
Archery, biking, birding, boating, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, dancing, fishing, geocaching, golfing, hiking, horseback riding, sledding, softball, swimming, volleyball, winter activities
LAUREL HIGHLANDS
Located just 72 miles east of Pittsburg, near Seven Springs and Hidden Valley ski resorts, Laurel Mountain is home to the largest vertical drop on the Laurel Ridge in Pennsylvania. Rentals and private lessons are also available at this location.
Activities:
Skiing, snowboarding
HOLIDAY VALLEY
Located in Ellicottville, NY, Holiday Valley is a ski resort that has many trails for all skill levels of skier and snowboarder. This ski resort is one of the best in the Eastern United States. They also provide lessons and ski/snowboard gear rentals.
Activities:
Skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and mountain biking