Ohio ski slopes begin opening for season
After the first substantial snowfall of the new year, some folks might be itching to hit the slopes this weekend.
Mad River Mountain, located near Bellefontaine in Logan County about 53 miles northwest of Downtown Columbus, opened for the season Friday.
Larry Kuebler, Mad River Mountain’s general manager, shared the announcement on the resort’s Facebook page earlier this week. Warm and wet conditions so far this winter made it challenging for Mad River to open sooner, but Kuebler said this week’s cold and snowy forecast made for good snowmaking conditions.
Unfortunately, Kuebler said, weather hasn’t been the only obstacles to kicking off the season.
Mad River will operate on a limited schedule because of staffing shortages. The resort will be open seven days a week: weekdays from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. and weekends and holidays from 10 a.m. to 5 pm., weather permitting.
“I know this will be disappointing news to some, but the reality is we are dealing with the same challenges that have affected many other businesses across the country and around the world,” Kuebler said. “We are not unaffected by the nationwide staffing shortages, supply chain issues and impacts of the Omicron variant.”
Despite issues, Kuebler said he is grateful for the entire crew at Mad River who’ve made it possible to open at all this season.
“The Mad River community is truly special and passionate about our sport,” Kuebler said. “In that spirit, please continue to show our employees the compassion and respect you have always shown and of course – get out there and have fun!”
Mad River isn’t the only Ohio ski resort that was set to open for the season Friday.
Snow Trails resort near Mansfield was set to be open for skiing and snowboarding from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday. Advanced booking is required at Snow
Trails and tickets for walk-ups will not be available.
Boston Mills Ski Resort in Peninsula near Akron was set to open from 3:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday, and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Brandywine Ski Resort, also in Peninsula, and Alpine Valley Ski Resort in Chesterland will remain closed for the time being.
Jake Campbell, general manager of Boston Mills, Brandywine, and Alpine Valley resorts, announced on social media Wednesday afternoon that staffing shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic will keep Brandywine and Alpine closed for now.
“While we were optimistic that the steps we took ahead of the season would help us contend with the staffing shortages that have affected so many businesses across the country, we do not yet have the staffing levels needed to operate our normal hours in a safe manner,” Campbell said. “And while we have taken great measures to ensure the safety of our employees and guests, we are still feeling the impacts from the Omicron variant.”
shendrix@dispatch.com