Mad River Mountain Resort | Get on the Snow This Winter in Ohio

Want to ski or snowboard the largest resort in Ohio? No need to look any further. Mad River Mountain Resort, in Zanesfield, Ohio has the most skiable terrain in the state. On top of having the largest ski area in Ohio, they also have the largest lodge for skiing. If you want big in Ohio, Mad River is the place to visit.

Read on to discover why you should visit Mad River in Zanesfield for your Winter vacation this year in Ohio.

Highlights of Mad River Mountain Resort in Ohio

Some of the highlights and stats of Mad River Ski Resort include –

  • 20 trails
  • 12 Lifts
  • 100% snowmaking
  • terrain park
  • 300 foot vertical
  • Night skiing
Skier at Mad River,Ohio.

Where is Mad River Mountain Resort Located?

Mad River Mountain Resort is located in Mad River, West Virginia It makes it one of the larger ski resorts to go skiing or snowboarding near Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Even though Mad River Resort Resort is located in West Virginia, it is super easy to get to in one day’s drive. Here are a few locations nearby –

  • Columbus, OH – 45 Minutes, 53 miles
  • Dayton, OH – 1 Hour, 58 miles
  • Toledo, OH – 2 Hours, 101 miles
  • Findlay, OH – 1 Hour, 55 miles
  • Indianapolis, IN – 2 Hours and 40 minutes , 165 miles
  • Cincinnati, OH – 2 Hours, 112 miles
  • Lima, OH – 45 minutes, 42 miles
  • Springfield, OH – 45 Minutes, 33 miles
  • Delaware, OH – 35 Minutes, 36 miles
  • Fort Wayne, IN – 2 Hours, 109 miles

Need Mad River Mountain Resort Directions? Map it from your place here.

With so many towns and cities nearby, it’s easy to see how Mad River Ski Resort can draw a crowd. Continue on below to find out the best time to visit the resort.

What is Mad River Mountain Ski Resort?

Mad River Resort is a vail run resort in Ohio. They have an excellent lesson and rental program at the resort which is helpful for newer riders. Mad River has been a staple of Ohio skiing and snowboarding for over 50 years!

Lodging Near Mad River Mountain Resort

There are really two choices of lodging at Mad River Mountain Resort since there is no on-site lodging at Mad River.

  1. Stay nearby at a hotel close to Mad River Ski Resort
  2. Find a vacation rental by owner

If you go the route to find a hotel near Mad River Mountain, the most reasonable options are the Hampton Inn in Marysville, the Comfort Inn in Bellefontaine, or the Super 8 in Bellefontaine.

Bellefontaine is only 10 minutes away from the resort and has all the essentials. Marysville is 20 minutes away and the Hampton Inn is a little bit better place to stay. If you don’t mind the little further drive then check out Marysville.

In the case that hotels aren’t your thing, you want more space or have a larger group, there are some vacation rentals by owner close to Mad River Resort. They run from cabins to full houses and start at around $100 a night.

Does Mad River Mountain Resort Have Night Skiing?

Mad River has night skiing. They specifically sell tickets for after 3 pm slots. Basically, it is skiing and snowboarding from 3 pm till close. Night skiing at Mad River is a fun experience because you’ll have more of the mountain to yourself.

Does Mad River Resort Have Snowmaking?

100% of Mad River Ski Resort trails have snowmaking capabilities. You might think the largest resort in Ohio won’t be able to blow snow on all 20 trails, but they can. The experienced crew at Mad River has been making snow for over 50 years. It’s safe to say they have it all figured out!

The Best Time to Visit Mad River Mountain Resort

The best time to visit Mad River Mountain Resort is in the weekdays. Stay on top of the weather and plan your trip in advance. The best timing depends on how much snow there is, the temperature and other factors but a general rule of thumb is that the resort is a little less crowded on the weekdays.

You can book Mad River lift tickets online in advance so be sure to take advantage of that. If you book nine or days more in advance, Mad River will even mail your lift ticket so you can skip the lines.

Checking the webcams is also a great way to see how crowded Mad River is currently.

Skis on snow.

Mad River Mountain Resort Terrain Park

There is 4 areas of free style terrain at Mad River.

  • Kicker Lane
  • Capital Park
  • Momentum
  • L.V.L.P

Momentum is a great place to learn trcikers while Kicker Lane is for the show offs. So is there a park for everyone at Mad River? Yes there is. You just have to go to the right one for your skill level.

Is Mad River Mountain Resort Good for Beginners?

Mad River Mountain Resort is a great place for beginners. Being a vail run resort, their learn to ski and snowboard program is top notch. Their rental shop has more than 700 pairs of skis and snowboards.

Once you have your rentals or if you brought your own gear, you can check out one of the two very beginner areas, Fanny Hill or Discovery Hill. After that, beginners can progress up the mountain to Deer Run. Mad River is one of Ohio’s best resorts to work on your Winter skills.

Trails at Mad River Resort – What to Know

20 trails. Of course. Trails for all skills levels, they have it. Mad River has a mix from beginner to double black diamond which includes mogul runs for the most technical riders.

There is even 4 terrain park trails and two beginner learning areas thrown in for good measure.

Other Winter Activities at Mad River Resort

Did we mention the snow tubing park at Mad River? Bubly’s tubing park is the biggest snow tubing park in Ohio. The snow tubing is only open Fridays through Sundays so don’t try to stop by on a week day. It is a fun, no skill level activity. Just hop on, ride down and take the surface lift back to the top!

Final Thoughts:

Mad River Mountain Resort is an Ohio staple. The more than 50 years in business proves that. If you have visited than you know the fun runs like Sugarbus and Sundowner. For those who haven’t had the opportunity to visit yet, maybe this is your Winter!

Make an effort and we might just see you out on the trails at Mad River Mountain this year!

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