Brad Bowen looks forward to cold winter temperatures and deluges of snow so he can grab one of his many snowboards and take to the slopes in Northeast Ohio.
“In the summertime, I love golfing,” said the 39-year-old Mayfield man who works in roofing sales for Links Exteriors. “In the wintertime, I enjoy snowboarding. I like being outside. I like the adventure of it. No two runs are the same. I can go down any hill I want anytime and make any choice I want in life at that moment.”
Bowen is among the snowboarding and skiing enthusiasts who embrace the chill of December, January and February at ski resorts in Ohio, as well as Pennsylvania and New York. And their wait is over at many of those ski hubs, where snowmaking has been underway in recent weeks, aided by doses of natural snowfall.
Seven Springs Mountain Resort in southwestern Pennsylvania, less than a three-hour drive from the Akron-Canton area, opened Dec. 6, and already has started daily hours.
Snow Trails ski resort near Mansfield in Richland County was scheduled to open Dec. 11. And Boston Mills and Brandywine, twin resorts in Summit County, have not announced an opening date yet but are expected to welcome skiers and snowboarders sometime in December.
Ohio resorts also include Alpine Valley in Chesterland in Geauga County and Mad River Mountain in Logan County, about 50 miles northwest from Columbus. Mad River is scheduled to open Dec. 12, and Alpine Valley is likely to open later in December.
For those seeking out higher elevations and more challenging terrain, top options include Peek’n Peak, less than a three-hour drive from Canton and Akron, and Holiday Valley in Ellicottville, New York, roughly a three-hour drive. Peek’n Peak opened Dec. 6 and Holiday Valley opened Dec. 5.
“What I say is, if you can ski and snowboard in Ohio, you can ski and snowboard anywhere,” said Bowen, who has snowboarded since age 10 after discovering the activity in a magazine at a book fair. “The terrain we have here is ice sometimes, groomer sometimes. We have a little bit of powder, but if you’re able to navigate around here, you can go anywhere.”
Benefits of skiing and snowboarding go beyond physical and mental health, he said.
“The social aspect is a big part of it because you have downtime, whether it’s a lift or a food break, and you have a conversation and discuss the run you had,” said Bowen, who spends time hanging out with friends in the parking lots at Brandywine or Boston Mills, making breakfast burritos from scratch or grilling other eats.
“The time off the mountain is just as important as on it because you build those friendships, you build those relationships,” he added. “No matter what, there’s common ground. At the end of the day, we all have something in common — we like being out there in the snow.”
Even though the ski and snowboard season is roughly four months tops in Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York, those resorts work year-round to keep customers happy and take full advantage of a limited weather window.
The Canton Repository talked with some resort operators and gathered information on what’s new at Snow Trails, Boston Mills and Brandywine, Seven Springs and other resorts in Northeast Ohio and the region. Here’s what we learned:
Snow Trails
Snowmaking is a 24-hour endeavor at resorts like Snow Trails, which is marking its 65th season. And with good reason. Midwest ski resorts typically rely more on snowmaking than Mother Nature to provide consistent coverage of slopes during a season that ranges from around 80 days to a 100 or so.
Substantial natural snowfall, a rarity before Christmas, combined with snowmaking and allowed the resort to open Dec. 11.
Nate Wolleson, marketing manager of the privately owned resort, said Snow Trails has enhanced its snowmaking system with the addition of a new mobile snow gun and four new tower guns.
Producing artificial snow is a scientific process involving a water-cooling tower and monitoring temperatures, the wind, humidity and other factors. Snowmaking usually begins around Thanksgiving, with large piles stored outside along hills and then spread out to create a base when there’s an extended stretch of cold weather.
Snow Trail’s system cranks out up to 5,500 gallons of water per minute, Wolleson said. Each snow gun has the ability to increase the amount of moisture being sprayed into the air before it turns into snow. Water is sourced from the resort’s five wells, and the tower is capable of cooling water an additional 13 degrees, he said.
There’s plenty of terrain to cover, with a vertical drop of 301 feet, base elevation of 1,174 feet and the longest run totaling 2,200 feet. Snow Trails has 21 trails and 11 lifts. Five terrain parks are also available, as well as snow tubing.
“Winter’s not going to skip Ohio and we’re going to make all the snow necessary,” Wolleson said. “People don’t have to worry. We’re going to have the fun and we’re going to continue making snow throughout the entire season.”
Also new at Snow Trails is a refreshing of its ski and snowboard rental inventory; a new tow rope servicing the Progression and Alpine terrain parks; lodge enhancements and an expanded Lucky’s Cafe; new LED lighting installed on select trails; and the rental gravel parking lot has been paved.
Snow Trails is among the resorts that require purchasing lift tickets in advance if you are not a passholder.
“That’s just to help provide the best experience possible,” Wolleson said. “And to make sure you have a spot in the parking lot and room on lift chairs and the conveyer carpet.”
For hours, ticket prices and more details, go to https://www.snowtrails.com or call 419-774-9818.
Boston Mills, Brandywine and Alpine Valley
Boston Mills and Brandywine offer the unique opportunity for both passholders and lift ticket buyers to alternate between the sister resorts on the same day.
Owned by Vail Resorts, Boston Mills and Brandywine are located roughly two miles apart within the boundaries of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
While similar in size, the layout, terrain and slopes vary and contrast nicely with one another.
Improvements include new snowmaking machines at North Bowl and Peter’s Pride hills at Boston Mills in an effort to ensure consistent snow coverage, Vail said.
Brandywine completed a conveyor deck replacement project at the Polar Blast Tubing Park.
“We’ve been pretty pleased with the early season conditions,” Jake Campbell, general manager of the resorts, said of snowmaking.
“We always make winter happen,” he added. “We deal with a lot of fluctuation in temperatures, but we have incredible teams that work 24 hours that make sure we have a great skiing experience at our resorts.”
Bonuses at Boston Mills include the Epic Pass Holder First Tracks event Jan. 25, when passholders get exclusive early access from 8 to 9 a.m., plus a free pancake breakfast and giveaways. Special events include Retro Day Feb. 14, with DJ Kyro spinning throwback tunes from the deck; Late Night on Feb. 28 at Brandywine, with $29 lift tickets and $12 rentals from 5 p.m. to midnight; and the Winter Carnival March 7 at Boston Mills, featuring a full day of events, including a costume contest and the slosh pit event.
Alpine Valley has also added some perks for passholders, including a complimentary pancake breakfast on Jan. 24 with coffee and hot chocolate.
Alpine’s special events include the Dew after Dark Rail Jam in the terrain park Jan. 24; a free hot chocolate bar for guests Jan. 31; Slope Saver Days, which offer $29 lift tickets and $12 rentals from 5 to 9 p.m. from Feb. 1 to 22; and Party at the Pine Feb. 21.
For more information about Boston Mills and Brandywine, go to https://www/bmbw.com or call 330-657-2334. For more information about Alpine Valley, go to https://www.alpinevalleyohio.com or call 440-285-2211.
Mad River Mountain
Featuring a 1,460-foot elevation, 300-foot vertical drop and 16 trails, Mad River Mountain is a road trip option for Northeast Ohio residents.
A larger Vail-owned resort than Boston Mills and Brandywine, it’s still small enough to be suitable for skiers and boarders of all skill levels and also includes three terrain parks and nine lifts. Upgrades include adding the 400 ParkPro Pisten Bully to its slope grooming fleet.
Special events include free s’more kits on the patio from 1 to 2 p.m. every Sunday in January and February.
For more information, go to https://www.skimadriver.com or call 800-231-7669.
Seven Springs Mountain Resort
Seven Springs, part of Vail Resorts, is an excellent day trip for winter sport lovers in Northeast Ohio.
Overnight stays at the lodge are an option, but it’s also a doable day trip for those willing to put in a full day on both the road and slopes.
Located about 40 miles northwest of Pittsburgh, Seven Springs features a base elevation of 2,240 feet and peak of nearly 3,000 feet, as well as 33 trails and seven terrain parks. Bolstered by an average seasonal snowfall of 135 inches, it has a good mix of beginner, intermediate and advanced slopes.
Upgrades include snowmaking and ski lift maintenance; enhancements to support neurodiverse guests; and the new dining option, The Rolling Chopstick, formerly 7/10 Bistro, where sushi, ramen bowls and sweet mochi ice cream will be served.
Helen’s Restaurant is launching a new winter menu with chef-inspired dishes, house-made desserts and craft cocktails. And the Foggy Goggle remains a popular hangout at Seven Springs, where skiers and snowboarders take breaks to drink, eat and mingle.
For more information, go to https://www.7springs.com or call 800-452-2223.
Peek’n Peak
Peek’n Peak in Clymer, New York, featuring 25 trails, is just over a two-hour drive from Northeast Ohio.
And it’s a great option for those looking to tackle more challenging terrain and higher elevations.
Lodging options include The Inn at Peek’n Peak and condos. Like Holiday Valley and some other resorts, Peek’n Peak offers winter packages, which include lodging at the inn, lift tickets and a $30 dining credit.
For more information, go to https://www.pknpk.com or call 716-355-4141.
Holiday Valley Resort
For those looking for steeper and longer runs, Holiday Valley Resort in Ellicottville, New York, is a superb option. Trails include double black diamonds and others winding through tall pines that become picturesque when covered with snow.
Considering the roughly three-hour drive from Northeast Ohio, visitors should plan on staying overnight.
Holiday Valley offers lodging options, including The Inn at Holiday Valley and condos, townhouses, chalets and houses for rent. And for non-skiers or those looking for fun besides the slopes, the village of Ellicottville is straight out of a Hallmark holiday movie. Charming, quaint and cozy, it features shops, eateries and a few restaurants and bars, including the reliably tasty and bustling Gin Mill and Ellicottville Brewing Co.
Blanketed with 37 inches of snow through early December, Holiday Valley has a summit elevation of 2,200 feet and around 60 trails, although as with any resort, weather and snowmaking determines how many are open.
Special treats include Waffle Cabin, at the base of the main entry area to the slopes, where warm, delicious waffles drizzled in chocolate are a sweet reward for the calories burned skiing or riding.
For more information, go to https://www.holidayvalley.com or call 716-699-2345.
Reach Ed at ebalint@gannett.com. On Instagram at ed_balint and TikTok @edwardbalint
Tips for skiing and snowboarding newbies
Ever wanted to try skiing or snowboarding but don’t know where to start? Ski resort staff and veteran snowboarder Brad Bowen offered suggestions.
Learning how: Never set foot on the slopes? Don’t worry. Lessons are highly recommended. While there’s a fee, instructors are patient, knowledgeable and eager to teach. Friends or family can teach others how to board and ski but often lack the expertise and may expect their student to pick up the skill faster than is realistically possible.
“I think lessons are a great way to get your foot in the door,” said Jake Campbell, general manager of Boston Mills and Brandywine ski resorts in Summit County. Lessons are also available for children and adults. Schools often have ski clubs. There’s also Women’s Snow Discovery, a progressive lesson group for ages 21 and older and open to all skill levels, Campbell said.
Bowen suggests Alpine Valley, a smaller resort in Geauga County, for newcomers: “There is nothing there that is steep,” he said. “If somebody’s looking how to start, that’s a great place to go because it’s not very big. The lifts are a little bit slower than Boston Mills and Brandywine and they have an upgraded facility.”
Renting or buying equipment: Renting is recommended for those new to winter sports. Skis, snowboards, bindings and boots are a considerable investment. Not to mention pants, base layer, coat, gloves, helmet, goggles and other possible accessories. Make sure you enjoy the activity and will put in the time to learn it before shelling out dough for gear.
Lift tickets or ski passes: Novice skiers and riders may want to start with lift tickets while checking for discounted rates. Vail resorts have college nights, local nights and reduced rental nights. But for avid and frequent skiers and snowboarders, it makes more sense to invest in a pass, which usually pays off after several days at a resort. Vail has stopped pass sales for this season, although resorts such as Snow Trails in the Mansfield area are still selling season passes, but they can sell out. Exceptions to buying a pass include one-off ski trips to a resort. However, resort owners such as Vail offer passes that grant access to multiple destinations across the country. And most of Vail’s Epic passholders also can get a friend or family member 50% off a lift ticket six times this season.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Winter fun. What’s new at ski resorts in Northeast Ohio and beyond?
Reporting by Ed Balint, Canton Repository / The Repository
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
