Opened in 1961, Snow Trails was the first ski resort in Ohio. There are many more Ohio firsts for this family-owned business: first ski school, first ski patrol, first snow-making operation, first races. Snow Trails pioneered skiing in Ohio but has maintained a down-home attitude and a commitment to the local community. So make it first on your list of ski resorts to visit this winter—and with an average 86-day season, it just might be the first to open anyway.
The vertical drop is only 300 feet (remember, this is Ohio), but Snow Trails’ longest run comes in at 2,200 feet. And with six chairlifts, 17 trails and three glade ski areas, it is rarely crowded. The advanced snow-making and grooming system produces a quality of snow that is surprisingly good.
Family Friendly and Affordable
Snow Trails is notably a family-friendly destination, from the reasonably priced lift tickets ($44-$54; $465 season pass; free for ages 0-6) to a tubing park and a junior racing program. Five terrain parks cater to all abilities; be sure to check out a Big Air competition with kids throwing tricks, trying to be the next Shaun White. There’s a family picnic area outside where you can lunch if you’re trying to stay on a budget. It has a fun, tailgate atmosphere.
Snow Trails is not Whistler, but it is a lot of things: one hour northeast of Columbus, affordable ($10 off lift tickets after 4 p.m.), and accessible with all trails and tubing lit until 9 p.m. You can literally get in a few runs after work.
