Industry News
The first snowfall is a glimpse of winter returning to Ohio, and the team at Snow Trails has been busy throughout the off-season, bringing fresh enhancements both on and off the slopes for the resort’s 65th season. From lift and terrain park upgrades to expanded snowmaking capabilities and a bolstered grooming fleet, guests can expect the same high-quality Snow Trails is known for—now with even more efficiency, comfort, and innovation throughout the resort.
“Snow Trails is entering the 2025-26 season stronger than ever,” Nate Wolleson, Marketing Manager, said in a press release. “Thanks to our ongoing off-season improvements – from upgraded snowmaking for top-to-bottom snow coverage and enhanced accessibility – guests can expect a premier resort experience from their first run of the season to the last,” he added.
Mountain Stats
- Vertical Drop: 301 feet
- Longest Run: 2,200 feet – Timberline Trail – the “Longest Trail in Ohio”
- Base Elevation: 1,174
- Peak Elevation: 1,475
- Number of Lifts: 10 – 4 Triple Chairlifts, 2 Double Chairlifts, 2 Ski Conveyor Carpet Lifts, 1 Rope Tow, and 1 Tubing Conveyor Carpet Lift
- Trails: 21 – All 100% lighted for night Skiing, Snowboarding, and Snow Tubing
- Terrain Parks: 5 – Terrain Based Learning Park, Progression Park, Alpine Terrain Park, Rustler Jump Line, and The Woods Terrain Park
- Tubing Park: Up to seven 1,100′ long snowy lanes – the “Longest Tubing Lanes in Ohio”
Here are a few of the improvements ski and snowboard enthusiasts and first-timers alike can look forward to this winter season:
Snow Trails remains committed to delivering higher volumes of snow with exceptional quality, making skiing and snowboarding possible in Ohio from December into March. This season, the resort has enhanced its snowmaking system with the addition of a new SMI Mobile Snow Gun and four new SMI Tower Guns. Four new Snow Gun locations were added to The Woods Terrain Park, along with behind-the-scenes upgrades featuring new wiring, piping, and hydrants. Snow Trails has also added a new Pisten Bully 400 Park Pro to its snow grooming fleet. Ten tower guns were also refurbished to expand the overall snowmaking efficiency and capacity.
Snow Trails will introduce a new Swiss Cord Rope Tow by Sun Kid, servicing the Progression and Alpine Terrain Parks, providing convenient access to small and medium features in the parks. Additionally, off-season excavation and grading in these parks will reduce the amount of snowmaking required to create terrain features and enhance the overall layout. This supports the progression and training style of park skiers and snowboarders, with enhanced uphill capacity for increased park laps per hour.
The West Woods Triple Chairlift received new tower tops to hold bright LED lights, along with updated communication systems. The West Woods and Beginners lift also received fresh paint, giving a refreshed look and protecting infrastructure from the elements in-season. Comprehensive lift maintenance ensures all lifts are ready to operate smoothly and with the highest level of safety throughout the winter.
Off-season work included adjustments to the West Woods Rope Tow path to ensure a smoother and more comfortable ride for guests while being towed uphill. New LED lighting has been installed on select trails. The Rental Center Parking lot transitioned from gravel to a smooth, paved asphalt surface, with finishing touches of bright yellow striping throughout all parking areas, enhancing traffic flow and organization.
Snow Trails continues to refresh its ski and snowboard rental inventory with the latest equipment. Snow sports instructors will be sporting new dark green jackets featuring the iconic Snow Trails snowflake on the back. This will increase their presence on the slopes and reinforce the authenticity of the Snow Trails brand while ensuring instructors are visible and accessible to every guest.
Lucky’s Cafeteria received a back-of-house expansion to improve efficiency and storage. The resort also added 25 large lockers to the Gold Members and Preferred Lower Level Locker Rooms. Smaller daily-use lockers near Guest Services were replaced with 48 larger lockers. The Ski Lodge vestibule was refreshed with barn siding, new windows, and a fresh coat of paint. New stair treads were also replaced on the double staircase to the second floor, enhancing the overall guest entry experience.
Season Passes are still available for the 2025-26 season, with the potential to sell out due to the resort’s popularity. Snow Trails is currently interviewing candidates for winter employment in all departments. Employees enjoy a host of benefits, including Season Passes, free or discounted equipment rentals and lessons, discounted meals, flexible schedules, winter jackets, and more. Snow Trails’ season typically runs from December into March.
Snow Trails, the first commercial ski area in Ohio, is the only privately owned ski resort in Ohio and has been under the same family management since its inception. The resort features six chairlifts, including a slow-moving Beginner’s Double Chairlift and two ski carpets dedicated to the Beginner’s Area. A third carpet lift is utilized for the Snow Tubing Park with the “Longest Tubing Lanes in Ohio.” The Resort offers 21 total trails and is known for the Timberline Trail – “Longest Trail in Ohio.” There are three glade areas, plus five Terrain Parks. A Rope Tow was added last season in The Woods Terrain Park, and a new Swiss Cord Rope Tow by Sun Kid in the Progression and Alpine Terrain Parks was added this season. A 9,000-square-foot rental center features user-friendly equipment and offers a self-service system.
