Winter in Central Ohio might not rival the Rockies, but it’s packed with opportunities for lots of fun. Whether you’re carving up the slopes, speeding down a sledding hill, or gliding (wobbling for me) across an outdoor ice rink, there’s something for everyone. Heck, you can even smash into your friends on ice bumper cars if that’s more your speed.
Here’s your ultimate guide to outdoor winter sports in Central Ohio — because who says you need to hibernate until spring?
Snowboarding and Skiing
While Ohio isn’t exactly Aspen, you can still get your fix of downhill thrills at two fantastic spots:
Mad River Mountain
1000 Snow Valley Rd, Zanesfield, OH 43360
Just under an hour from Columbus, Mad River Mountain offers slopes for all skill levels, from bunny hill beginners to black-diamond daredevils. With 20 trails, three terrain parks, and a tubing park, it’s a must-visit for winter sports enthusiasts.
Snow Trails
3100 Possum Run Rd, Mansfield, OH 44903
Located in Mansfield, Snow Trails boasts a family-friendly atmosphere with 17 trails and the longest tubing lanes in Ohio. Their lodge is perfect for warming up with hot cocoa after a day on the slopes.
Sledding
Nothing screams winter nostalgia quite like sledding. Here are the best hills to conquer:
• Highbanks Metro Park
9466 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center, OH 43035
A solid choice with well-maintained sledding areas.
• Scioto Grove Metro Park
5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH 43123
Ideal for family sledding with wide-open spaces.
• Alum Creek Park Sledding Hill
221 W Main St, Westerville, OH 43081
A local favorite with manageable slopes for all ages.
• Scioto Park (Dublin)
7377 Riverside Dr, Dublin, OH 43017
A Dublin classic with hills steep enough for an adrenaline rush.
• Coffman Park (Dublin)
5200 Emerald Pkwy, Dublin, OH 43017
Another great option in Dublin, perfect for families.
• Quarry Trails Metro Park
2600 Dublin Rd, Columbus, OH 43228
For an urban sledding vibe that’s quite literally in an old quarry. This hill is steep and it’s real REAL fun.
• Battelle Darby Creek Hill
1775 Darby Creek Dr, Galloway, OH 43119
If you’re looking for a wild ride, this steep hill will make your inner daredevil very happy. Just hold on tight!
Ice Skating
Channel your inner figure skater or just try to stay upright at these outdoor ice rinks:
Riverside Crossing Park Ice Rink (Dublin)
6635 Riverside Dr, Dublin, Ohio 43016
• Why Go: No time limits mean you can skate to your heart’s content.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly and perfect for all levels (though skate trainers aren’t provided).
• Extras: Heated restrooms nearby.
Coffman Park Ice Rink (Dublin)
5200 Emerald Pkwy, Dublin, OH 43017
This seasonal gem is a favorite for its convenient location and charming setup. Ideal for a family outing or a casual skate under the stars.
Obetz Ice Rink
4390 Lancaster Avenue, Obetz, OH 43207
Affordable and fun, this rink is a community favorite with plenty of space to practice your best moves — or your best attempts.
Outdoor Hockey
If you’re ready to lace up your skates and hit the ice for a good old-fashioned game of hockey, Columbus has you covered. Outdoor rinks are available at four parks across the city. Please reach out to the department of recreation prior to visiting to ensure they are open and that the rinks are available for use:
• Dodge Park
667 Sullivant Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
• Krumm Park
854 Alton Ave, Columbus, OH 43219
• Lazelle Woods Park
575 Lazelle Rd, Westerville, OH 43081
• Tuttle Park
240 W. Oakland Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
Miscellaneous Winter Fun
Land-Grant Brewing’s Wintergarden
424 W Town St, Columbus, OH 43215
If you’re looking for something a little different, Land-Grant has turned their outdoor space into their annual Wintergarden, aka a wintery hub for frosty fun (not Wendy’s Frostys, though). Plus there are heated igloos to help you warm up on those extra chilly days/nights.
• Ice Bumper Cars: Smash, spin, and laugh your way around the rink.
• Brewery Curling: It’s curling, but with kegs and a craft beer in hand. What’s not to love?
Ready, Set, Winter!
Whether you’re shredding slopes, conquering sledding hills, or gliding across the ice, Central Ohio offers plenty of ways to embrace the chill. So bundle up, grab some friends, and make the most of winter. Bonus points if you hit every activity on this list — just don’t blame us if you’re sore the next day!
Did we miss one? Did one of these places close? Send us a note!