There are plenty of reasons why Cleveland rocks, whether it’s the many sports teams, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, or being just a few hours away from many different types of ski areas. While skiing and snowboarding aren’t generally synonymous with Ohio, local residents have many resorts to enjoy downhill slopes in and out of state.
The two closest ski areas sit in Cleveland’s suburbs, but many others with more snow and larger vertical drops can be found within 200 miles. There are those within Pennsylvania and New York that also make for an easy road trip.
Dedicated skiers and snowboarders might consider joining the members-only ski areas of Big Creek Ski Area or HoliMont Ski Club. For those more interested in the slopes available to the public, consider a dozen of these large and small resorts, all within a few hours’ drive.
Boston Mills Brandywine – Peninsula: 21 mi | 30 min
The combined ski areas of Boston Mills and Brandywine might not be as challenging as alpine slopes to the east and west, but its proximity to Cleveland can’t be beaten.
The dual ski area is perfectly situated for anyone in the Cleveland area to take advantage of a few hours of skiing, whether to learn for the first time or to enjoy practicing on the slopes. The sister resorts are just a five-minute drive from each other and the lift tickets are valid at either location.
Boston Mills has the steepest slope in Ohio, a race hill, and two mogul runs. Brandywine has more skiable acres but is a better hill for learning to ski. The terrain has more intermediate and beginner slopes and shorter runs with two terrain parks, perfect for learning tricks.
7100 Riverview Rd., Peninsula, OH 44264 (map) | (800) 875-4241 | bmbw.com
Alpine Valley – Chesterland: 32 miles | 45 minutes
Outside of city limits is Alpine Valley, a small ski hill that has been operating since 1965. The resort has a 264-foot vertical drop on 72 skiable acres. There are only seven trails, most for intermediate skiers, but there is also a long beginner run, accessible from the quad lift, and one short, black diamond.
Alpine Valley’s terrain park has plenty of rails and jumps for beginner skiers and snowboarders. The lodge includes equipment rental, a cafeteria, and a bar. The resort’s ski school has full- or half-day lessons for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.
10620 Mayfield Rd., Chesterland, OH 44026 (map) | (440) 285-2211 | alpinevalleyohio.com
Snow Trails – Mansfield: 83 miles | 1.5 hours
Learn to ski at Ohio’s first ski school. Snow Trails has been operating since 1961 and has a long list of “firsts,” as well as the title of the longest ski trail in Ohio.
It has 80 skiable acres with 19 named slopes, five terrain parks, and a 301-foot vertical drop. Most of the ski area’s trails are intermediate with some beginner and advanced options.
Skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing are all part of Snow Trails’ scene. Its ski school has private lessons for all ages, a kid’s program for ages four to nine, and group lessons for those older than nine. Lessons and lift tickets should be reserved online in advance.
3100 Possum Run Rd., Mansfield, OH 44903 (map) | (419) 774-9818 | snowtrails.com
Mt. Pleasant–Cambridge Springs, PA: 100 mi | 1.75 hr
Located fewer than two hours from Cleveland, Mount Pleasant of Edinboro sits on 40 skiable acres with a 340-foot vertical drop. A handful of its 10 trails remain ungroomed and don’t receive any snowmaking coverage, adding a layer of challenge for more advanced skiers and snowboarders.
Skiers can begin participating in group or private lessons as young as age three. Children aged five and under ski free with a paying adult.
You can try a variety of dining options from the Slopeside Grill or bring your own food to enjoy in the lodge’s upstairs loft. Beyond skiing and snowboarding, guests can try cross country skiing and snowshoeing.
14510 Mt. Pleasant Rd., Cambridge Springs, PA 16403 (map) | (814) 734-1641 | skimountpleasant.com
Peek ‘n Peak Resort – Clymer, NY: 119 mi | 2 hr
Follow the Lake Erie shoreline from Cleveland to Peek ‘n Peak Resort, where lake effect snow creates excellent skiing conditions. The resort receives an average of 105 inches of snowfall annually, which is supplemented with manmade snow on 85 percent of the ski area. The resort has 27 slopes and trails on 130 skiable acres with a 400-foot vertical drop.
The ski area is perfect for progressive skiing, with a third of the resort’s runs for beginners, 15 percent for expert skiers, and roughly half for intermediate skiers. Skiers and snowboarders can choose between three terrain parks, which vary in difficulty across the wide mountain. Lessons are available for all ages and a beginners’ special is available for first-time skiers aged twelve and up.
1405 Old Rd., Clymer, NY 14724 (map) | (716) 355-4141 | pknpk.com
Boyce Park – Plum, PA: 146 miles | 2.5 hours
Boyce Park, a small ski area outside of Pittsburgh, has a few small hills for beginner skiers and a snow tubing area. Visitors will find its pricing appealing, as a lift ticket and equipment rental combined are less expensive than just one of those at surrounding ski areas, and lift tickets are free for those five and under.
Group lessons are offered at certain times of the year and are based on availability. Concessions and equipment can be found at the lodge at the base of the mountain. The ski area is operated by the county parks department.
901 Centerview Dr., Plum, PA 15239 (map) | (724) 733-4656 | alleghenycounty.us
Mad River Mountain – Zanesfield: 163 mi | 3 hr
As Ohio’s largest ski resort, it’s not surprising that Mad River Mountain has a wide variety of terrain for every level of skier and snowboarder to enjoy. Beginner runs can be followed from multiple lifts on one side of the mountain, and a learning area near the base lets novice skiers practice at their own speed.
Moguls, glades, and ungroomed terrain can be easily accessed from intermediate runs, perfect for those ready to try something a bit more challenging. Mad River has a 300-foot vertical drop and 20 trails. Its primary terrain park was recently expanded to include ten features and a jump, and other areas of the mountain have dedicated freestyle terrain.
1000 Snow Valley Rd., Zanesfield, OH 43360 (map) | (937) 599-1015 | skimadriver.com
Holiday Valley – Ellicottville, NY: 179 mi | 3 hr
Holiday Valley Resort is one of the largest ski areas in western New York. The resort covers two ridges over 290 skiable acres with a 750-foot vertical drop. Holiday Valley’s 60 trails are evenly divided by difficulty, with one stretching for a full mile.
Located in the Allegheny Mountains, the resort’s summit is located at 2,250 feet and receives an average of 180 inches of snowfall annually. The multiple terrain parks have jumps and rails for learning.
Holiday Valley is year-round and offers a variety of activities for the entire family. Lodging and dining are available on the mountain or in Ellicottville, located just a few minutes down the road. Lift tickets are reasonably priced, and skiers and snowboarders are advised to make reservations in advance.
6557 Holiday Valley Rd., Ellicottville, NY 14731 (map) | (716) 699-2345 | holidayvalley.com
Hidden Valley – Somerset, PA: 185 mi | 3 hr
Surrounded by a number of state parks, Hidden Valley Resort is hidden from the rest of the world. In addition to 26 slopes, the resort has two terrain parks with easy features for anyone just starting out. The resort has only a 470-foot vertical drop, but plenty of long runs up to 1.5 miles long.
Hidden Valley’s 110 skiable acres is a short distance from Pittsburgh. There are accommodations on site for a true getaway, but rooms fill quickly. Group and individual lessons are available for ages eight and up, and any kids, teens, and tweens hoping to improve their skiing should consider the Rippers’ Programs to further their skills.
1 Craighead Rd., Somerset, PA 15501 (map) | (814) 443-8000 | hiddenvalleyresort.com
Seven Springs – Champion, PA: 187 mi | 3 hr
An ideal place to ski and snowboard in Pennsylvania is Seven Springs Mountain Resort. The mountain receives 135 inches of snowfall annually at an elevation of 2,994 feet.
Seven Springs is one of the largest resorts within a day’s drive of Cleveland. Beyond trail skiing, the ski resort has glade skiing and an impressive eight terrain parks, including the only halfpipe on the east coast.
The resort has 285 skiable acres and 33 trails, plus lessons for all ages. It has plenty of activities for non-skiers, such as snowshoeing, snowmobile tours, indoor roller skating, and mini golf. By purchasing an EPIC Pass, lift tickets can be used in conjunction with Hidden Valley Resort and Laurel Mountain.
777 Water Wheel Dr., Champion, PA 15622 (map) | (814) 352-7777 | 7springs.com
Kissing Bridge – Glenwood, NY: 190 mi | 3.5 hr
One of the most family-friendly resorts within a few hours of Cleveland is Kissing Bridge, south of Buffalo. The resort has 700 acres of skiable terrain and 39 slopes, most of which are for intermediate and beginner skiers.
Kissing Bridge is divided into three sections: South, Central, and West. It has many terrain parks, starting with the Mini Park, which features small rails and jumps, and the World Park, with more advanced rails, hips, and other freestyle features.
While it only has a 551-foot vertical drop, a number of steep trails can be found on North Peak. Group lessons, children’s programs, adaptive skiing, ski racing programs, and instructor training are all part of Kissing Bridge’s educational skiing opportunities.
10296 State Rd., Glenwood, NY 14069 (map) | (716) 592-4963 | kbski.com
Laurel Mountain – Boswell, PA: 200 mi | 3.5 hr
Located in a state park, Laurel Mountain’s beautiful views are one of the main reasons to enjoy schussing down its 20 slopes. It has one of Pennsylvania’s highest vertical drops, at 761 feet, and boasts the steepest slope in the state. The 60-degree Lower Wildcat is recognized as being among the best runs in the country.
The 70-acre resort is state-owned, but partners with many ski pass programs, including EPIC Local Pass, Northeast Value Pass, and EPIC Day pass. Only private lessons are available, so it’s best for those who already have skiing skills. While there aren’t on-site accommodations, lodging is offered at its sister resort, Seven Springs, just a thirty-minute drive away.
347 Summit Ski Rd., Boswell, PA 15531 (map) | (724) 238-2801 | laurelmountainski.com
The ski areas within driving distance of Cleveland range from a few runs on gentle slopes to high vertical drops and dozens of trails.
Skiers and snowboarders have plenty of choices away from the shores of Lake Erie and Cleveland for all abilities. While the state has a wide variety of slopes within its borders, it’s worth driving a few hours to try the ski resorts outside the Buckeye State as well.
7 Ski Resorts Within 150 Miles of Baltimore, Maryland