If you’re coming to Indianapolis, chances are you’ve got a need for speed and have booked some tickets to the Indy 500. If that’s not the case and you’re in town for some snow sports instead, enjoy a range of ski area and resort options in the area. Only a few hours’ drives from Indianapolis, have a winter day trip or go on a longer holiday. Skiing, snowboarding, tubing and other snow adventures are waiting for you in the Indianapolis area and beyond!
Perfect North Slopes, Indiana
Perfect North Slopes is a 100 acre, alpine-style ski resort just 1.5 hours outside Indianapolis. It is one of only two ski resorts in the state of Indiana, making it a favorite among locals and those from out of state as well. It has 23 trails, five magic carpets, two rope tows, five lifts, and three terrain parks. It gets 24 inches of annual snowfall, has a top elevation of 800 feet and a vertical drop of 400 feet. Lessons are available onsite, making it a great choice for beginners. In addition to skiing, there is snowboarding, snow tubing, and night skiing. The on-site lodge has equipment rentals and food options as well.
Paoli Peaks Resort, Indiana
The other of the two resorts in Indiana, Paoli Peaks resort is located near Paoli and a state favorite. With a total slope length of over 3.5 miles, it holds the distinction of being the larger ski resort in Indiana. Paoli Peaks sits at a 900-foot elevation with a vertical drop of 300 feet. There are two terrain parks, halfpipes, and a tubing park as well. Unfortunately, Paoli Peaks is a day lodge, so overnight accommodations are not available. However, they work with local hotels only a short distance away.
Swiss Valley Ski Area, Michigan
Swiss Valley Ski & Snowboard Area is a family-owned and operated snow sports destination in Jones, Michigan, just three hours north of Indianapolis. In operation for over 50 years, it is located on the highest peak in southwest Michigan. The mountain receives 60 inches of annual snowfall, which is combined with the ski area’s advanced onsite snowmaking technologies. Swiss Valley offers 11 runs, two terrain parks, and seven lifts. With a moderate vertical drop of 225 feet, it is an ideal choice for new learners. Swiss Valley also has a ski school on site, with a program for younger skiers. There are accommodation options available within a 15-minute drive.
Mad River Mountain, Ohio
Just 2.5 hours from Indianapolis, Mad River Mountain is a ski and snowboard resort in Valley Hi, Ohio. It has an elevation of 1,460 feet, a vertical drop of 300 feet, 20 runs, and 35 inches of snowfall each year. For tubing enthusiasts, check out the Avalanche Tubing Park, which has over 1,000 feet of tubing available. In terms of night entertainment, Mad River features a unique concert series consisting of free live music every weekend in The Loft. The concert series runs from December to March.
Koteewi Run Snow Tubing, Indiana
Located in Noblesville, Indiana, a mere 40-minute drive outside Indianapolis is a snow tuber’s dream. Here you will find over 700 feet of hillside, custom groomed for snow tubing fun. Koteewi Run Snow Tubing is part of an outdoor recreation complex that includes other activities such as camping, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, archery, and kayaking. So make no excuses, there is a variety of activities for the whole family.
If you’re looking for some snow sports near Indianapolis, go for the state’s own Perfect North Slopes, Paoli Peaks, or the Koteewi Run. Otherwise, take a day trip or plan a weekend getaway to Swiss Valley or Mad Mountain just out of state. Either way, there are endless snow sports and winter activities for all ages and abilities waiting just around the corner.
