Winter in Ohio abounds with snow-bound activities such as sledding and cross-country skiing. As the snowflakes start flying across the state and the lakes start to freeze over, you will find many outdoor enthusiasts donning their snowshoes for trail hiking or preparing to drill holes for ice fishing. This is also an ideal time to go winter camping in state parks for solitude and spectacular views.
Snow Sports
Ski resorts abound in Ohio; one of the best-known is Alpine Valley in Chesterland, which has snow slopes for downhill skiing, snow tubing and snowboarding as well as half pipes and rails. Located in the heart of the state's snow belt, the resort provides plenty of snow for winter sports. Also visit the 23-acre Big Creek Ski Area located just a 30-minute drive from downtown Cleveland. Ski while surrounded by the Lake County Metro Parks backdrop as you go down a vertical drop of up to 175 feet.
Winter Camping
Most Ohio State Park campgrounds are open during winter. Hocking Hills and Buck Creek State Parks offer electric campsites with amenities like picnic areas, fire rings, drinking water and heated shower facilities. Trails are open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the park. Hocking Hills also offers gas-heated cottages that can sleep up to six persons.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a great alternative for hikers and runners who like to stay fit outdoors during wintertime. The Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Brecksville has snowshoeing trails and snowshoe programs for exploring the valley's trails, wildlife and plant life. Stop by the park's Winter Sports Center at Kendall Lake Shelter for information regarding snowshoe trail hikes. The center also provides a place to warm up with a hot beverage and relax at the end of the day.
Ice Fishing
Anglers can fish many of Ohio's lakes and streams during winter. Jackson Lake State Park in Oak Hill offers winter angling for fish species like bass, bluegill, muskie, carp and catfish. Fish while you enjoy the park's scenic landscape of rugged hills and valleys. A fishing license is required.
Events
Ohio hosts numerous winter events including the Holiday Arts and Crafts Bazaar in Salem, Christmas on the Green in Piqua and the Carousel of Crafts in Wadsworth. Christmas on the Green, held on the first Friday of December, is a family holiday-entertainment event that features food booths, arts and crafts, horse-drawn carriage rides and live music.
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