It’s winter, it’s cold and there are inches of snow covering the ground. This predicament creates dangerous driving conditions and icy sidewalks and hinders many recreations. But for skiers, it presents a forum for frigid fun.
With the limitations put forth by Old Man Winter, it becomes difficult to get adequate physical exercise and to find diverse forms of amusement. Skiing offers a solution to both symptoms of cabin fever.
Albeit Columbus is in the Midwest – a region in stark contrast to alpine terrains best-suited for the sport. There are two local options for those who desire to hit the slopes.
Mad River Mountain in Zanesfield, Ohio and Snow Trails in Mansfield, Ohio are both located within one hour from campus. These resorts provide many of the amenities and experiences of a trip to The Alps without paying a preposterous amount for a ticket to Switzerland.
Both resorts offer a day lodge to get something to eat and relax and a selection of hills for all ages and abilities. Snow Trails has 16 unique slopes with bases between 48 to 60 inches. And Mad River has 17 ski trails total also with an average base between 48 to 60 inches and includes five hills for novice skiers and eight black-diamond trails for those with experience.
Mad River also possesses the Launchpad and Zero-G terrain for snowboarding. Zero-G resembles a skate park and features tables, boxes, a quad jump, rainbow rail, kink rail, double rail and an Army Tank.
A late-night version of skiing is available at both resorts from 10:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. on weekends in case the weekend hours between 9 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. aren’t convenient. Late-night skiing costs $26 at Mad River and $38 for the whole day. It’s $25 at Snow Trails and $39 for an all-day lift ticket.
For those who are trying the sport for the first time, Mad River offers a “never-ever” package for $62 for skiers and $75 for snowboarders. Included in the deal are lessons, an all-day lift ticket and equipment rental. The resort also offers private lessons for all levels of ability.
Rentals are available for those that have the time and desire to ski but not the proper accessories. Mad River charges $21 a day for skis and $29 for a snowboard; Snow Trails charges $25 for skis or a snowboard.
Perhaps the biggest benefit the two resorts provide is the opportunity to get outside and be active during a time of year when most are tired of being confined indoors.
“Skiing is good exercise at a time when some of us need it the most. All the eating during the holidays coupled with the long periods of inactivity brought on by the cold weather make skiing more alluring to me,” said Abigail Monnin, a sophomore in pre-pharmacy. “Besides that, it’s just fun and something different.”
Mad River Mountain is a 45-minute drive west on Route 33 at the Valley Hi, Road 292 exit. Snow Trails is one hour away on Interstate 71 at exit 169. The resorts are open from December through March, depending on the weather and skier interest. For more information visit www.skimadriver.com and www.snowtrails.com.
