What started off as a bluebird day quickly turned cloudy at Mad River Mountain in Bellefontaine as the resort kicked off its season Friday at 3:00 p.m.
Skiers and snowboarders were greeted with ideal conditions for opening-day runs.
Several lifts are operating on opening day, including the 4 Star Express, Skid Row Carpet, and Discovery Handle Tow.
Terrain ranges from beginner areas like Valley View, Summit, Sundowner, Fanny Hill Learning Area, and the Discovery Learning Area to intermediate trails such as Mad River, Twister, and Regulator.
Advanced terrain, including Sugarbush and Capital Park, is also available.
Guest Services, the café, The Loft, rentals, and the Ski and Ride School (offering private lessons only) are open, with most services running from mid-afternoon through 10:00 p.m.
After opening day, the resort will move into early-season hours:
- Saturday, December 13: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
- Sunday, December 14: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Monday, December 15 – Thursday, December 18: 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Friday, December 19: 3:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Winter operating hours begin Saturday, December 20.
General Manager, Al Fiel, is excited for the opening and says the mountain is ready for guests:
Mad River Mountain’s roots trace back to 1962, when it first opened under the name Valley Hi.
The ski area was created by John and Ralph Shoots, who transformed a former maple sugar camp south of Zanesfield into one of Ohio’s first ski resorts.
A major snowstorm just days before the grand opening helped launch the project in dramatic fashion, drawing thousands of skiers and spectators.
Valley Hi was later renamed Mad River Mountain in 1975 and has since grown into the state’s largest ski resort.
