Updated June 24, 2021
Although Cleveland isn’t often named on lists of great outdoor cities, there are lots of opportunities to explore the outdoors in and around the area…even in the winter! With plenty of recreation areas and ski resorts near Cleveland, you can get outside this winter in a variety of different conditions, slopes, and terrain spanning from beginner-friendly bunny hills to big, challenging mountain runs. We created this guide to the best places for snowboarding and skiing near Cleveland so you can plan your winter adventures this year. The best part? They are all within a reasonable driving distance!
Best Ski Resorts Near Cleveland for All Levels
Boston Mills/Brandywine
- Distance from Cleveland: 21 miles (30 minutes)
- Accommodations Available: None on-site
- Ability Level: All levels
Boston Mills & Brandywine are two sister resorts, located just 1 mile from each other. Just a half hour from the city, it’s one of the best local places to go snowboarding and skiing near Cleveland. The resort system offers skiing, snowboarding, and tubing at its Polar Blast Tubing Park.
The resort boasts snowmaking capabilities and shorter slopes, meaning you can ride through them pretty quickly. 18 trails and 3 terrain parks ranging from beginner to advanced span the two resort areas, including Ohio’s steepest slope, Tiger. Of the two resorts, Brandywine is said to be more suitable for snowboarders and more advanced practitioners, while Boston Mills has more beginner-friendly terrain.
Alpine Valley
- Distance from Cleveland: 32 miles (40 minutes)
- Accommodations Available: None on-site
- Ability Level: All levels
Located in Ohio’s snow belt, Alpine Valley gets the most natural snow out of all the resorts in Ohio. Here, snowboarders and skiers can enjoy the slopes, and there’s a snow tubing area for non-riders, too. As a smaller resort, there are 11 runs here that are evenly split between beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
Unlike many of the resorts on our list, most of the trails here are wooded trails that are ungroomed. There’s a huge focus at Alpine Valley on family-friendly activities, and people generally like the accessibility of the ski area. On Saturday nights, the resort offers a special discount for beginners.
Snow Trails Ski Area
- Distance from Cleveland: 83 miles (1 hour, 20 minutes)
- Accommodations Available: Not on site
- Ability Level: All levels
At less than 1.5 hours from the city, Snow Trails is a well-rounded option for snowboarding and skiing near Cleveland. There are over 20 trails that range from easy, leisurely hills to more experienced-level runs and terrain parks. With a beginner ski area perfect for learning or taking a lesson, as well as a family-friendly tubing hill, there’s something for everyone at Snow Trails and it’s the perfect winter day trip from Cleveland.
Peek’N Peak, NY
- Distance from Cleveland: 119 miles (2 hours)
- Accommodations Available: Yes, at the The Peek’N Peak Inn
- Ability Level: All levels, mostly intermediate
Peek’N Peak Resort is one of the most beloved ski resorts near Toronto, located approximately 3.5 hours outside of the city in neighboring New York state. This small, well-run park offers 25 trails and 3 terrain parks, with areas suitable for beginners all the way to more advanced riders. While the majority of trails are intermediate-level, there’s a good mix for everyone to enjoy.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Peek’N Peak offers 7 lanes of snow tubing, a fun activity for riders and non-riders alive. Their program for beginners consists of 5 steps to help reinforce skills learned and build strength. Skiers and snowboarders love the resort for its charming, cozy vibe, and especially enjoy the various amenities – a beautiful restaurant, a sauna, and a hot tub, to name a few.
Mad River Mountain
- Distance from Cleveland: 175 miles (2 hours, 45 minutes)
- Accommodations Available: Not on-site
- Ability Level: All levels
Opened in 1962, Mad River Mountain is one of Ohio’s largest ski resorts, and it’s within driving distance from Cleveland. With 20 trails across 144 acres, this resort has runs ranging from bunny hills to expert-level slopes. Mad River is also home to the Avalanche Snow Tubing Park, which has 10 lanes and is the biggest in Ohio. Their slogan is “every day is a snow day,” and they truly aim to make snow sports accessible to the Midwest region.
Many people state that Mad River Mountain is the best place to ski in Ohio, with its affordable prices and well-run resort areas. There are several terrain parks, and one of them, Capital Park, was voted one of the best in Ohio. Additionally, they have special discounts for Ohio college students, as well as live music and events.
HoliMont
- Distance from Cleveland: 177 miles (3 hours)
- Accommodations Available: Not on site
- Ability Level: All levels
HoliMont is a large resort located in New York, and at just 3 hours from Cleveland, it makes a perfect winter weekend ski getaway destination! This awesome resort has 56 trails and a backcountry area for advanced/expert skiers and riders. Catering to all levels of practitioners, this resort is a fantastic spot to go skiing near Cleveland for a full day trip or a longer adventure, and can easily be paired with an excursion to nearby Holiday Valley as well.
Holiday Valley
- Distance from Cleveland: 180 miles (3 hours)
- Accommodations Available: Yes, at the Inn at Holiday Valley
- Ability Level: All levels
One of the larger ski resorts near Cleveland, Holiday Valley, is known by many as one of the best resorts in western New York! This 290-acre resort offers 60 trails, 39 which are open for night skiing. There are a few terrain park areas as well for some more adventurous riding, a few which are friendly for beginners to try. The Mardi Gras Rail Park is a beginner to intermediate level terrain area for those just getting in to park riding.
If you’re planning to visit Holiday Valley Resort, the best time to take advantage of discounts is during the week. It’s a family friendly resort with lodging on-site, perfect for a winter getaway or a weekday vacation. Visitors adore the ski resort as well as the charming town nearby.
Seven Springs Mountain Resort
- Distance from Cleveland: 188 miles (3 hours)
- Accommodations Available: None on-site
- Ability Level: All levels
Known as one of the best ski resorts near Cleveland to “get some air,” Seven Springs Mountain Resort’s slopes include beginner-friendly bunny hills to adrenaline-inducing double black diamond slopes and terrain parks. For the thrill-seeking skier, there are few competitors to Seven Springs’ 33 ski trails.
For beginners, there are group and private lessons available with a handful of easy slopes to practice on. There are gear rentals available as well that you can pick up at the lodge. Ten different ski lifts dot the park to help you get around from trail to trail, and there are a handful of different lodges on the resort grounds where you can grab a hot meal or take a break from the slopes.
Kissing Bridge
- Distance from Cleveland: 190 miles (3 hours, 15 minutes)
- Accommodations Available: Not on site
- Ability Level: All levels
With 38 trails that range from learning hills to double black diamond rated areas, Kissing Bridge is one of the most fantastic ski resorts near Cleveland for more advanced skiers and first-timers alike. Not many ski resorts accessible from the Midwest offer the variety and difficulty of terrain that Kissing Bridge does, and it’s a long but reasonable drive from Cleveland for devoted practitioners. People love this resort and continue to come back year after year because of its “mom and pop” atmosphere, family-friendly amenities, and the huge variety of terrain that caters to any family or group.
Pine Knob
- Distance from Cleveland: 208 miles (3.5 hours)
- Accommodation available? Not on site
- Experience levels: Intermediate & advanced
Despite being one of the smaller resorts on our list, Pine Knob‘s 17 trails offer a lot of variety in a smaller resort. There are trails suitable for all levels here, but it’s truly a mountain that appeals more to skiers and riders with some experience under their belts.
With the majority of trails rated as blue, black diamond, or double black diamond, you’ll find more challenge here than in most ski resorts in southeastern Michigan. They’re also open until 10 PM for night skiing every night of the week except Sundays, so it’s a convenient spot for skiing after work or during the evening hours, too. During the summer months, Pine Knob turns into a concert venue that hosts musicians from around the world, so needless to say, it’s a pretty unique spot!
Additional Resources for Snowboarding & Skiing Near Cleveland
What to Pack
- Waterproof outerwear – Possibly the most critical pieces of clothing for your ski trip packing list is durable, waterproof outerwear. Burton and Helly Hansen are famous ski brands for having best-in-class clothing that will keep you warm in the coldest, snowiest conditions. Click here to shop ski jackets and compare prices.
- Thermal layers – Thermal baselayers are absolutely critical for a smooth skiing experience, as these will keep you warm and dry underneath your outerwear. The best kinds of thermal baselayers are made of Merino wool, which is moisture-wicking and comfortable. Our favorite brand of thermal layers is SmartWool – their tops and leggings are soft, lightweight, but warm and durable for all kinds of outdoor activities, including skiing. Click here to shop thermal tops and leggings and compare prices.
- Ski goggles – No ski trip packing list would be complete without a pair of fog-resistant ski goggles, especially if you’re going somewhere that makes artificial snow. Ski slopes often have snow blowing into the air several times a day and it can be hard to keep freezing snowflakes out of your eyes, even during clear days. We use and recommend these ski goggles. However, you can shop ski goggles and compare reviews/prices here.
- Waterproof outerwear – Possibly the most critical pieces of clothing for your ski trip packing list is durable, waterproof outerwear. Burton and Helly Hansen are famous ski brands for having best-in-class clothing that will keep you warm in the coldest, snowiest conditions. Click here to shop ski jackets and compare prices.
- Thermal layers – Thermal baselayers are absolutely critical for a smooth skiing experience, as these will keep you warm and dry underneath your outerwear. The best kinds of thermal baselayers are made of Merino wool, which is moisture-wicking and comfortable. Our favorite brand of thermal layers is SmartWool – their tops and leggings are soft, lightweight, but warm and durable for all kinds of outdoor activities, including skiing. Click here to shop thermal tops and leggings and compare prices.
- Ski goggles – No ski trip packing list would be complete without a pair of fog-resistant ski goggles, especially if you’re going somewhere that makes artificial snow. Ski slopes often have snow blowing into the air several times a day and it can be hard to keep freezing snowflakes out of your eyes, even during clear days. We use and recommend these ski goggles. However, you can shop ski goggles and compare reviews/prices here.
