Being a rather flat state, Indiana is only home to two ski resorts. Lacking overnight accommodation, both locations are great for skiers and snowboarders looking to spend a few hours on the slopes. Boasting freestyle parks, night skiing, and snow tubing, no matter where you choose, there is plenty of fun to be had.
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With two locations in the state, visitors eager to visit a few ski resorts will have the option of crossing state lines. However, those wanting to stay in Indiana won’t have to head far from the capital city to see some snow.
Guide to Indiana’s 2 Ski Resorts
Much of Indiana is filled with flat land perfect for farming. Usually, that doesn’t bode well for downhill ski areas, but the state still manages to have two ski resorts in the hilly south.
Paoli Peaks Ski Area and Perfect North Slopes have plenty in common aside from being the only two ski resorts in this midwest state. Each resort is family-friendly with primarily easy runs for beginning skiers and snowboards. They both offer a separate ticket for snow tubing. The two ski areas have similar elevations, with Paoli Peaks located at an elevation of 900 feet while Perfect North has an elevation of 800 feet.
Both rely heavily on snowmaking capabilities. Indiana receives an average of 22 inches of snow annually, and the two resorts see an amount below the state average. Perfect North receives an average snowfall of 21 inches annually and Paoli Peaks only receives 18 inches.
Neither resort offers overnight accommodations, but they are each located near major cities. Paoli Peaks is roughly an hour away from Louisville and Perfect North is half an hour from Cincinnati. Although the two ski areas in Indiana have lots of similarities, they also have plenty of features that make them unique.
Perfect North
In 1980, the Perfect family worked to create a ski area in southwest Indiana. The resort began with seven runs accessed by four rope tows and two cable tows. It has since grown to include 23 trails over its 100 acres and added chairlifts and magic carpets into the mix.
The resort immediately embraced night skiing which continues today. Runs have been known to stay open until well past midnight. The terrain park is open to skiers and snowboarders.
Perfect North has the main lodge at the base of the ski area serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Although its vertical drop is a mere 400 feet, the longest run – Far Side – is a mile long.
The Perfect North owners also own Timberline Resort in West Virginia, so season pass holders can receive a discount at either resort.
Paoli Peaks
Probably the biggest difference between the two Indiana resorts is the location of the lodge. At Paoli Peaks, the lodge is located at the top of the mountain, which means visitors start their day heading down the slopes. It also features a lot of night skiing with events that can extend past midnight.
There are 17 runs at Paoli Peaks with two freestyle parks. Pioneer Park has more than 40 features for intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders.
The Bonk is a beginner terrain park with boxes, rails, benches, and jumps that are built on a smaller scale for those at the starting level. The park has a dedicated rope tow, making it easy for skiers and snowboarders to quickly get to the top and practice tricks.
The other significant difference is resort management. Paoli Peaks is operated by Vail Resorts Management Company, which means discounts for season pass holders at resorts around the world.
While Indiana can’t boast the vertical drops or heavy snowfall of ski areas in other states, simply having the option to learn to ski or practice skills in the Midwest makes these two ski area choices worth visiting. Have a fun time riding in the Hoosier State!