Snowy Funderlands: The Best Places to Ski and Snowboard in Ohio

If you’re like me, then you’re antsy to get outdoors and exercise the moment Christmas is over. However, given winter conditions, that’s easier said than done. However, one of my favorite sports is only available in wintertime: Skiing. This ancient sport is enjoyed by families everywhere and is a great way to get outside and enjoy yourself. Here I list the six ski resorts in Ohio and their pros and cons. However, any of them make for a great winter getaway.

Snow Trails

Snow Trails is my personal favorite, as it’s the one closest to me and the one I visited the most growing up. They’re a family-owned and operated ski area in Possum Run Valley. They provide several trails and parks for everyone from beginners to experts and a Ski School for the kids. While they’re not a resort where you can stay, they offer several eating areas, and there are hotels nearby you can book overnight.

Its located 1.5 miles from 71 near Mansfield, making Snow Trails easy to get to. They offer several events and holidays, so check their schedule and visit. Snow Trails is opening Tues. January 4th, but make sure you buy your tickets ahead of time! They’re not offering walk-in lift passes, so make sure you plan and buy your tickets ahead of time!

Pros

• Family-owned and operated
• Varying difficulty on trails
• Already open!
• Tubing area

Cons

• Not as many trails as larger parks

Mad River Mountain

Mad River Mountain is owned by Vail Resorts, along with the following entry on my list. It has the largest tubing park in Ohio with over a thousand lanes, a great place to bring kids or adults who are kids at heart. They offer rentals, ski lessons, dining, and retail. While there’s no lodging on the resort, the local options don’t disappoint. They offer trails for all skill levels and is a great option that’s closer to Columbus.

Its located half a mile off of Route 33 between Bellefontaine and Marysville. They’re hard to miss as Ohio’s largest winter park but make sure you read the snow report. Being further to the south, they have a spotty season, so make sure they’ll be open before you reserve your lift tickets.

Pros

• Ohio’s largest winter park
• Plenty of trails to explore
• Lots of tubing

Cons

• Short season

Boston Mills and Brandywine 

Boston Mills and Brandywine offer rentals, ski lessons, dining, and retail. These two are listed together because they are five minutes apart, are owned by the same company (Vail Resorts), and even share a website. Their lift tickets and season passes are also shared between them, so you’re essentially getting two ski resorts for the price of one. That being said, neither park has a significant number of trails, and most of them are intermediate to difficult, meaning there are few trails for beginners. If you aren’t that confident in your skills, I would put this park off until you’ve gotten more practice. 

Boston Mills and Brandywine share a driveway entrance in Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park near Cleveland. You can get to them by 77, 271, or various other routes.

Pros

• Two ski resorts for the price of one!
• Five minutes away from each other
• Other places to explore in the area

Cons

• Not a lot of trails for beginners
• Neither park offers many trails

Cleveland Ski Club’s Big Creek Ski Area

This unique ski area is the only member-operated ski area in Ohio. This area is unique, and you’ll meet plenty of people who love to ski. However, this is not a resort, so it lacks a lot of amenities like rental equipment and dining. So Big Creek Ski Area is more for experienced skiers who want to meet people as passionate about skiing as them. 

It’s located northeast of Cleveland, perfect for catching lake effect snow, just off of 90. However, you need to be a member to ski there, which might not be worth it if you don’t live in Cleveland.

Pros

• Filled with experienced skiers
• Great for Clevelanders who love to ski

Cons

• No amenities
• No lift tickets

Alpine Valley

Alpine Valley is another ski resort near Cleveland and is the fourth resort owned by Vail Resorts on this list. It’s located in the snow belt and get’s the most natural snow out of all the resorts in Ohio, which is why it has been open since 1965. It’s suitable for the entire family, with seven trails for skiers of all levels. They have dining and retail on-site and several local hotels and bed and breakfasts for you to stay. They also offer lessons for first-timers and those looking to improve their skills.

You can get there from I-90, 480, and 422.

Pros

• Trails of varying difficulty
• Natural snow means a lot of fresh powder

Cons

• Its located farther from the highway than other resorts

These are all the ski resorts in Ohio, and they’re all great options to spend a day on the slopes. While I have my own favorite (Snow Trails!), any of them make great winter weekends for you and your family. So if you’re looking to get outdoors, pick up a new sport, or get some exercise this winter, try the ski resort you like best!