Indiana Ski Resorts

The smallest state west of the Appalachian Mountains, Indiana offers three main choices for skiing. What the family-friendly mountains lack in elevation they more than make up in beauty. Each of these areas offer accommodations nearby, with a variety of choices provided, including B&Bs, inexpensive motels, and high end inns. Special ski packages are often available.

  1. Paoli Peaks

    • Located in the hills of southern Indiana, Paoli Peaks offers some of the biggest slopes in the state. Catering to beginner and expert skiers and snowboarders, it has a summit elevation of 900 feet and a 300-foot vertical drop, with 17 trails and three terrain parks. Instructors are trained to work with young children ages 5 -12 in the Snow Monsters Program. A Kids Fun Park lets children learn and improve their skills in a specially designed area with brightly colored foam figures to ski around, a snow tunnel and the Wonder Carpet, an 80- foot moving sidewalk on the snow. The lodge has a cafeteria-style restaurant and pizzeria and a separate bar. The season runs from mid-December to early March, depending on weather conditions. The slopes are open seven days week, with late night skiing available on weekends.

      Paoli Peaks

      2798 West County Road 25

      South, Paoli, IN 47454

      812-723-4696

      paolipeaks.com

     Perfect North Slopes

    • Perfect North Slopes in southern Indiana enjoys a summit elevation of 800 feet and a 400-foot vertical drop. In 100 acres of terrain, nine lifts cart skiers to 23 trails, two of which are expert and four most difficult. Its longest run is one mile. The area draws skiers from southern Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Perfect North has three locations for dining: a large main lodge with a full menu, and the Snack Shack and the Slip- n-Slide Shack. The main lodge also has a pro and repair shop, view of slopes, and decks for outdoor dining. The ski/ride school offers classes in children's school, race clinics and camps. The area is open seven days a week, with extra late skiing on Friday and Saturday nights till 1 a.m. The season typically begins in mid December and closes in early March, depending on the weather.

      Perfect North Slopes

      19074 Perfect Lane

      Lawrenceburg, IN 47025  

      812-537-3754

      perfectnorth.com

    Pines Peak Family Ski Area

    • Pines Peak Family Ski Area in Valparaiso boasts a mountain carved by the same glaciers that formed Lake Michigan. The only downhill slope in northwest Indiana, the area’s four lifts dash skiers to nine ski trails throughout the 36-acre area. The ski resort enjoys an annual snowfall of 36 inches, a summit elevation of 860 feet and a 150-foot vertical drop. There are trails for beginners and experienced skiers, and lessons for adults and children. The family-friendly mountain has long been a favorite for novice skiers looking to perfect their skills. Take the quad chair up to the main hill and see Chicago, only 50 miles away. Pine Peaks is open from November to March, weekdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and all day Saturday and Sunday.

      Pines Peak Family Ski Area

      674 North Meridien Road

      Valparaiso, IN, 46385

      ski-resorts.findthebest.com/detail/1056/Pines-Peak-Family-Ski-Area