The Ultimate Guide to Winter Activities in Ohio

1. Hit the Slopes: Ohio’s Best Ski Resorts

You don’t need to head to the Rockies to enjoy quality skiing. Ohio’s ski resorts provide a variety of slopes for beginners and pros alike. Popular spots include:

• Boston Mills and Brandywine Ski Resorts (Peninsula, OH): Located in the scenic Cuyahoga Valley, these twin resorts offer skiing, snowboarding, and tubing for all skill levels.

• Mad River Mountain (Zanesfield, OH): The largest ski resort in Ohio, featuring snowmaking capabilities and night skiing.

• Snow Trails (Mansfield, OH): Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, Snow Trails also has a terrain park and cozy lodge.

2. Go Ice Skating in Picturesque Settings

Ice skating is a quintessential winter activity, and Ohio offers plenty of opportunities:

• Cleveland Public Square Ice Rink: Skate in the heart of downtown Cleveland with the city skyline as your backdrop.

• Fountain Square Ice Rink (Cincinnati): Surrounded by festive lights and seasonal cheer, this rink is a favorite for families and couples.

• OhioHealth Chiller Ice Rinks (Columbus): Indoor options for consistent skating fun, regardless of the weather.

3. Explore Winter Hiking Trails

Ohio’s state parks and nature preserves are stunning in winter. Bundle up and explore snow-covered landscapes on these popular trails:

• Hocking Hills State Park: Winter reveals the frozen beauty of Old Man’s Cave and Cedar Falls.

• Cuyahoga Valley National Park: Enjoy tranquil hikes along the Towpath Trail or Brandywine Falls.

• Mohican State Park: Winter brings a serene charm to this forested area, perfect for hiking and photography.

4. Enjoy Seasonal Festivals and Events

Winter in Ohio wouldn’t be complete without its lively festivals and events:

• WinterFest (Cleveland): Held in late November, this event includes tree lighting, live entertainment, and family activities.

• Christmas in Zoar (Zoar, OH): Step back in time at this historic village’s annual holiday celebration.

• Dickens Victorian Village (Cambridge, OH): Stroll through streets lined with life-sized Victorian displays from November to early January.

5. Cozy Up with Local Eats and Drinks

After a day in the cold, treat yourself to some of Ohio’s best comfort food and seasonal beverages:

• Breweries and Wineries: Visit spots like Great Lakes Brewing Company (Cleveland) or Gervasi Vineyard (Canton) for a warm, relaxing atmosphere.

• Hot Chocolate Stops: Don’t miss Snowville Creamery’s rich hot chocolate or locally-owned cafes across Ohio.