Sleigh Rides
An oldie-but-goodie, sledding is a classic fun-for-all winter activity. We’ve got the frosty details on three sledding hills that are packed with potential.
Barrett Sledding Hill
Head to this hill that’s just steep enough to be thrilling. Located in Cleveland Metroparks’ Rocky River Reservation, there’s a lot of natural majesty to take in from the top of the hill (or on your way down). “There’s so many beautiful views,” says Valerie Fetzer, manager at Rocky River Nature Center. “Every spot is going to offer something unique, and something enjoyable to see.” clevelandmetroparks.com
Kendall Hills
Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s hidden gem is great for families wanting to spread out, so you can enjoy the thrill without feeling crowded. The hill offers different sections for sleds and toboggans. “There’s a lot of length to it,” says Emily Garrison, park ranger at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. “Lots of people can be going down the hill in different sections. It’s not a narrow space to go down.” nps.gov/cuva
Riverview Park Sled Riding Hill
Located in Lake County Metroparks, this hill is not for the faint of heart. It features slippery, steep slopes and is guaranteed to satisfy even the most intense thrill-seeker. “If you’re looking for a sledding hill that packs a little bit of a punch as far as speed goes, that’s the one to go to,” says Brian Davidson, education manager at Lake County Metroparks. lakemetroparks.com
Chuting Star
Cleveland Metroparks’ Mill Stream Run Reservation offers us the chance to tap into our icy adventurous side with its twin toboggan chutes that hit speeds of up to 50 mph and have been around for more than 50 years. “A lot of people remember coming as a kid,” says Amy McRitchie, chalet manager at Mill Stream Run Reservation. But things might look a little different this year.
While the 700-foot-long chutes will stay open all winter, as long as it’s below 50 degrees, the chalet is closed to the public. Instead, refreshments are available from a to-go window offering hot chocolate and more. To keep things safe, face masks are required.
To ensure social distancing, reservations to ride the chutes, whether it’s one ride or an all-day pass, are required as well. But those guidelines won’t be able to stop the fun of whooshing down the 70-foot drop. “For people that are thrill-seekers, it gives them something to do in the wintertime,” McRitchie says. clevelandmetroparks.com
Hoof It
For winter fun at a more leisurely pace, snowshoeing offers a chance to take in the nature around you. Julie Dougherty, guest services representative and former snowshoe instructor at Holden Arboretum, gives us some tips and tricks.
Prep Work: Bring a water bottle and wear things with zippers, so you can easily remove layers in the event you start to feel hot or dehydrated. “You want to dress in layers because you’re going to get warm pretty fast,” Dougherty says.
Snug Fit: Make sure to keep an eye on how tightly secured your boots are to the snowshoe. Even a tumble into the snow hurts. “Especially in the back, so that strap doesn’t fall off and when you lift up all of a sudden your snowshoe’s not there,” Dougherty says.
Check-In: Most spots with snowshoeing trails offer rentals for all ages. But check online or call ahead to make sure the trails are open. “It’s a fun family thing and it gets you outside, get some exercise instead of sitting in the house all the time,” Dougherty says.
Downhill Race
Between Alpine Valley and Boston Mills/Brandywine, winter warriors have plenty to choose from for downhill fun. Greg Maguire, whose Mentor-based ski and snowboard shop Little Mountain Ltd. partners with both spots, steps us through the differences.
Alpine Valley
The Slopes: Alpine Valley’s seven different runs, most of which are long and gentle slopes, make it a great spot for beginners. The Amenities: Alpine Valley recently upgraded its five ski lifts and offers private lessons geared towards beginners. The Snowbelt Saloon offers beer, wine and cocktails.
The Thrill: While Alpine Valley has snowmaking capabilities, its location in Northeast Ohio’s snowbelt offers the chance to hit real powder. “It’s very scenic, very country,” Maguire says. “It tends to get a lot more natural snow, and tends to be the area that opens up first and closes last.”
10620 Mayfield Road, Chesterland, 440-285-2211, alpinevalleyohio.com
Boston Mills/Brandywine
The Slopes: The 18 runs between the two sister sites are typically steeper and more challenging than Alpine Valley, drawing intermediate and advanced riders.
The Amenities: While both sites offer cafeteria-style food such as burgers and pizza, they also each have bars with 20 beers on tap. Brandywine’s Polar Tubing Blast lets all ages get in on the fun.
The Thrill: Boston Mills/Brandywine is the best fit for a seasoned skier or snowboarder. “It’s really for a person that’s maybe challenging themselves for a trip up to western New York or out West, and they want to make sure they get on some steeper slopes,” Maguire says.
7100 Riverview Road, Peninsula, 330-657-2334, bmbw.com
