📍Zanesfield, Ohio, USA
Photo: Jordan Gerard · Official resort media-use permission · Photo details
Mad River Mountain sits in Logan County in west-central Ohio, home to the highest point in the state. Despite Ohio's flat reputation, this area has ro...
Mad River Mountain sits in Logan County in west-central Ohio, home to the highest point in the state. Despite Ohio's flat reputation, this area has rolling hills carved by glacial activity that create just enough vertical for a ski area. The region is distinctly rural, with small farming communities and a pace of life far removed from the state's major cities. It is the largest ski resort in Ohio and draws visitors from Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati.
Bellefontaine is a small county seat with a charming downtown square and claims to have the oldest concrete street in America. Logan County is farm country with a friendly, no-frills Midwestern character. Indian Lake to the north is a popular summer lake community that quiets down considerably in winter.
Navigate to 1000 Snow Valley Road in Zanesfield. The resort is just off US 33 at Valley Hi, Road 292. On the approach, the tubing park comes before the ski lodge and rental building. Choose your drop-off accordingly, especially if some of the group are tubing while others take a lesson.
For an after-work ski session, check mountain hours for the specific day before leaving Columbus or Dayton. Skiing, tubing, rentals and food service can have different hours. If you want to use the terrain park, check the day’s open terrain as well.
The region offers much more than skiing. Here's what else to explore:
Campbell Hill, the highest point in Ohio at 1,549 feet, is just a few miles from the resort in Bellefontaine.
A state park on a large reservoir offering ice fishing and winter hiking, about 15 miles north of the resort.
Ohio's largest caverns near West Liberty, open year-round with colorful crystal stalactite formations.
Two historic Flemish-style castles built in the 1800s near West Liberty, available for seasonal tours.
For evenings on foot, The Flats at Rainbow Row puts you among downtown Bellefontaine restaurants and shops. Cobblestone Hotel & Suites has breakfast and an indoor pool, while Super 8 offers a simpler room on North Main Street. Plan a drive to Mad River Mountain from any of these stays. Comfort Suites in Marysville is another option for a trip that also takes you toward Columbus.
Mad River Café serves grab-and-go lunches at the base. The Loft upstairs offers pub or grab-and-go food depending on the day. In downtown Bellefontaine, Brewfontaine pairs sandwiches with craft beer and wine on tap.
Stay upstairs at The Loft for a drink while the resort is open, or head to Brewfontaine for beer and sandwiches in downtown Bellefontaine.
Real-time conditions for planning your Mad River Mountain trip
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Approximate planning ranges; allow extra time for winter conditions.
For Mad River Mountain, compare a booked room or rental around Zanesfield with a designated campsite that accepts your vehicle and winter dates. Choose your base around the daily mountain journey and the power, water and indoor facilities you need.
Compare lodging options ↗Book a designated overnight place for your vehicle and dates. Day parking does not provide permission to camp.