Skiing

To join a special Why Not Ski e-mail list, please send a request to Lis.

(Also, please email Lis with additions to the following list of websites.)

Alpine (Down Hill)

Informational Websites

• Cleveland Metro Ski Council (CMSC). Look here for—
  • northeast Ohio ski clubs,
  • CMSC sponsored trips,
  • local ski club trips including one-day, two-day, weekend, and week long trips.
• Ski Central
• Midwest Ski Resorts
• OnTheSnow ski reports
• Ski links on Gorp
• Ski Maps
• Ski Conditions
• Ski Town Resort Guide, Michigan
• Pennsylvania State Parks
• Ski Coupons
• West Virginia Elk River Touring Center

Ski areas by state

• Illinois
• Indiana
• Maryland
• Michigan
• New York
• Ohio
• Ontario
• Pennsylvania
• West Virginia

Nordic (Cross Country)

Informational Websites

• A1 Trails XC guide
• Cross-Country Skiing Online
• Cross country ski areas from CCSAA
• Great Lakes Nordic Ski Council
• Michigan parks search page
• XC Ski Resorts (tends to feature more distant resorts)

Nordic Ski areas by state

• Ohio
  • Ohio State Park Trails
  • Ohio Nordic Ski Club
• New York
  • New York State Parks with XC Skiing
  • RoundTheBend's Cross-Country Skiing in Upstate New York
  • Allegany State Park We have a lot of good experience with this park
• Pennsylvania
  • State Parks
  • Susquehannock Lodge in northcentral Pennsylvania
  • Wilderness Lodge, a small resort where we've stayed

Notes

• State Parks, County Parks, National Parks, National Forests, State Recreation Areas, Campgrounds, Golf courses, Arboretums may all offer additional XC Ski Trails. These sites usually will list if related winter sports such as ice skating, snowshoeing, sledding, dogsledding, ice fishing or tubing are available in the area.
• Check Parks and Departments of Natural Resources websites for trails and lodging such as cabins or lodges, or group facilities. Hostels (AYH/HI) may offer inexpensive lodging as well as regional Bed and Breakfasts.
• Ski Lodges and Resorts usually offer rental skis, poles, helmets, snowboards, boots, and lessons for additional fees. Not all Cross Country Ski Areas offer rentals or lessons. Best to contact them ahead of time. Ski Resorts also usually post information on Snow Tubing and Snowboarding Parks.
• Buckeye Sports in Cuyahoga Falls and Chapin Forest in Lake County offer rentals. Cuyahoga National Park Schedule of Events and the Cleveland Metroparks Emerald Necklace usually offer XC Ski lessons during the winter. See also Lake Metroparks, Summit County Metroparks, and Geauga County Metroparks winter activity schedules for XC ski events.
• Most ski resorts offer season passes. Visit the resort website for season pass information. There are package deals and holiday specials also listed on their sites.
• Alpine and Nordic skiing are strenuous activities and should be undertaken only when you are rested and fit. There are many books and websites offering fitness training tips for these sports and how to purchase equipment, clothing, and ski maintenance. It is best to ski with a buddy, stay hydrated, dress in layers, wear sunscreen, and carry your medical insurance card. Helmets are strongly recommended. Schedule regular breaks or rest periods during your ski adventures and be sure to keep your energy up with adequate meals and snacks. Hypothermia is a real danger when you are out in the cold. Know the warning signs for yourself and your skin partners. See this wikipedia site for more information.

Maintained by Bob Iden