French Lick, Indiana, is near several skiing opportunities including snow- and water-skiing, making it a summer and winter destination. Enjoying your skis in winter or summer provides a great workout that includes your whole body and cardiovascular benefits. The sport is ideal for enjoying the serenity and excitement of southern Indiana's natural areas.
Types
Several types of skiing are prevalent in the French Lick area. If you're visiting during winter, enjoy downhill skiing at Paoli Peaks Ski Resort, or cross-country skiing through the forests and wooded areas surrounding the region. During summer, enjoy water skiing on Patoka Lake, the second largest reservoir in Indiana.
Geography
Surrounded by the Hoosier National Forest and at the tip of the state where rolling hills meet flat plains, French Lick's geography lends itself greatly to the skiing opportunities that abound in the area. French Lick is convenient to large cities, being 142 miles from Cincinnati, 108 miles south of Indianapolis, and 68 miles northwest of Louisville, Ky.
Winter Skiing
Indiana's winters provide plenty of snow for those who enjoy downhill or cross-country skiing. Paoli Peaks, in the neighboring town of Paoli, offers terrain percentages of 25 percent beginner, 55 percent intermediate, 10 -percent advanced and 10 percent expert. The average grade is 10 percent to 15 percent, with a natural hill providing a 300-foot downhill experience. A 45,000-square-foot lodge is also on the property, complete with dining options to refuel after your exhilarating skiing experience.
Cross-country skiing is available throughout the area, including around Patoka Lake. Patoka Lake is rich in natural features, including plenty of opportunities to view wildlife in the quiet solitude Indiana's winters provide.
Summer Skiing
French Lick and its neighboring towns come alive during the summers with visitors and residents alike. Patoka Lake is a mecca for summer activities, and water skiing is no exception. Patoka lake offers 8,800 acres of water, several boat docks and a pristine setting surrounded by woodlands and nature. The lake is also surrounded by merchants who rent skis, boats and other equipment for your water-skiing pleasure.
Considerations
When planning a ski trip during Indiana's winters, consider the unpredictable weather this season can bring to the region. During the coldest times of the year, weather may reach only single-digit highs, although this is not particularly common. Most ski resorts, Paoli Peaks included, post current conditions on their websites to let you know what to expect.
If you're planning a summer skiing expedition, note that the area is a tourist destination and reservations for lodging are a good idea.
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