This is one of the most popular sledding destinations in the Akron area, and for good reason! The large and steep hill is perfect for snow-day adventures, and includes a rope along the side to help you on your trek back up. Anyone who doesn't want to join in the sledding can entertain themselves by cross-country skiing in the park or warm themselves by the fire barrels.
Since the park is so conveniently located, you can expect to see lots of other sledding-hopefuls during the colder months. Get there early to avoid the crowds, or better yet, stay late! The park is open until 11 pm on certain days.
Adults and kids alike will love sledding at Firestone Metro Park. The enormous hill here accommodates sledders of all levels, and provides plenty of space to spread out and not crowd your fellow riders. The sledding hill is unlit, so make sure to arrive well before sunset to maximize your fun!
Located in the heart of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, this little-known winter wonderland boasts several prime sledding hills alongside snowshoeing, cross-country skiing trails, ice fishing, and plenty of snow! There are steeper inclines for the daredevils, but also plenty of shallower hills for those who want to take it slow. Warm your hands by the fire barrel at the top of the hill while you pick out your best route, get a running start, and race to the bottom!
A supremely fun sledding hill awaits you at Silver Park! Here, you'll find several hills of various size and steepness. Most sledders flock to the largest and steepest hill, not only because of the prime sledding terrain, but also because of the convenient set of steps that makes getting to the top easy.

Photo courtesy of Alpine Valley
Located just east of Cleveland in the heart of Ohio's snow belt, Alpine Valley receives an average of 120 inches of snowfall per year. Skiers and snowboarders can enjoy 230 vertical feet and 72 acres of terrain, including a terrain park, beginner trails and even a couple of advanced options for daredevils. One of our favorite features here is the Polar Blast tubing attraction, which features sleek, fast and well-maintained lanes for tubing, and conveyor belts that help you get back up the hill quickly. When you're ready to warm up, head to the nearby lodge for a cup of hot cocoa.
Snow Trails has a couple of claims to fame. The resort opened its slopes in 1961, becoming the first ski area to operate within Ohio's state lines, and also the first to incorporate man-made snow technology for maximum coverage. But most importantly, with 300 feet of vertical drop, it is the tallest ski area in the state, making it a must-visit destination for adventurers looking to get more bang for their buck.
Traverse over more than 80 acres with 15 trails ranging from beginner to expert, all of which are open for night skiing. The area gets less natural snowfall than Alpine Valley, but fear not — there is plenty of manmade snow to fully cover the trails.
With 144 acres of skiable terrain, Mad River Mountain is the largest ski area in Ohio. The resort opened just after Snow Trails in 1962, incorporating man-made snow technology to cover the hills even without natural snowfall. The area is the best option for more advanced skiers in Ohio, offering a large chunk of expert ski trails and four terrain parks.
If you want a break from skiing at any point, or just want to try a different winter adventure, explore the Avalanche Tubing Park, which features 10 screaming-fast chutes that are each 1000 feet long!
Photo courtesy of Boston Mills Brandywine
Boston Mills and Brandywine are sister resorts and are located within a five-minute drive of each other. The resorts' locations make it possible to venture to both in the same day if you wish! Combined, the resorts' boast 88 skiable acres, 18 trails, 4 terrain parks, and several advanced trails. Like most Ohio resorts, Boston Mills and Brandywine offer night skiing, but unlike other resorts, the trails are open until 1 am in January and February. Get ready for some late-night winter adventures! Also, don't miss tubing at the Polar Blast, which offers thrills for the whole family. Each rider will be given a special tube designed for speed (and safety, of course), and conveyor belts located on the slopes make it easy to get back up to the top. If you plan on visiting the Polar Blast more than once during the season, we recommend grabbing a season pass for $69. The pass allows you to tube at your leisure whenever the ski area is open.
Photo courtesy of Alex Perfect via Perfect North Slopes
Okay — so this ski resort is not technically located in Ohio, but it's the closest option for skiers and boarders in Greater Cincinnati. The ski area is so great, in fact, that it's an essential bucket-list activity for locals! Come enjoy skiing, snowboarding and tubing on 100 acres of beautiful terrain. With 22 trails and two terrain parks, there's something for winter adventurers of all levels. At the base, you can indulge in a delicious meal (and some hot chocolate) while you swap stories with loved ones! Bonus: Is this your first time skiing? The first lesson is on the house with purchase of a ski ticket!