Winter sports enthusiasts usually head to the mountains of Colorado to ski and snowboard. But what if I tell you that you don’t need to make the long journey to experience some thrilling winter activities? Check out these slopes near Cleveland the next time you feel the urge for some winter sports.
Mad River Mountain in Zanesfield, OH
Distance from Cleveland: 176 miles, about a two-and-a-half drive away via I-71 S
Nestled at 1,460 feet, the Mad River Mountain ski and snowboard resort is worth the almost three-hour drive from Cleveland. It has a sheer vertical drop of 300 feet. Although Mad River Mountain only receives a total of approximately 36 inches of snowfall every year, the resort’s snow cannons more than make up for it, making the ski season in Mad River worth the time and the penny.
Mad River Mountain has a total of 23 trails, covering different skill levels. The ski and snowboard resort is also home to three terrain parks and a tubing park. If you’ve no prior experience skiing or snowboarding, Mad River Mountain has two parks specifically designed for beginners.
Visit Mad River Mountain during its ski season, which runs from December to around the second week of March. For more information, visit their official website.
Snow Trails in Mansfield, OH
Distance from Cleveland: 83 miles, approximately an hour and a half’s drive away via I-71 S
Even closer to Cleveland is Snow Trails in Mansfield. Located just an hour and a half away from the city, this ski and snowboard resort in Mansfield is accessible and offers snowy slopes, as its name implies. Another thing that makes Snow Trails so desirable for skiing and snowboarding is its location– nestled in Possum Run Valley, Snow Trails enjoys freezing temperatures perfect in making and keeping snow for its ski season.
Snow Trails is home to 15 trails you can use to ski down. Like Mad River Mountain, Snow Trails also has a beginners course to get you started on the basics properly. Snow Trails also has an equipment rental facility. Another popular activity in Snow Trails is snow tubing. For meals, check out any of Snow Trails bars and restaurants.
Snow Trails’ ski season runs from December through March. For more information about skiing hours, rates, and snow reports, visit Snow Trails’ official website.
Alpine Valley Ski Area in Chesterland, OH
Distance from Cleveland: Approximately 32 miles, about a 40-minute drive away via I-90 E and US-322 E/Mayfield Road
This time around we’re just outside Cleveland. Located in neighboring Chesterland, Alpine Valley Ski Resort is your best bet if you don’t want to go far– it’s less than an hour’s drive away! If its proximity to Cleveland isn’t enough to get you excited, Alpine Valley’s skiable slopes (spanning 35 acres) will definitely make you want to go. Additionally, the longest run in Alpine Valley runs for approximately 2,000 feet.
Aside from ski trails and beginner courses, Alpine Valley also offers individual and private classes under the tutelage of their experienced instructors. The resort also offers a variety of promos, such as College Night every Wednesday evening. For more information, log on to Alpine Valley’s official website.
Cleveland and the surrounding areas have plenty of winter thrills to offer. If you’d like to learn more about Cleveland, Ohio homes for sale and real estate in Cleveland, Ohio, get in touch with me today 440-823-2448 or michellemcquade(at)howardhanna(dotted)com.