Indiana just got hit with a massive snowstorm that swept across much of the Midwest, South, and East Coast. Now, Hoosiers are in the mood to grab their skis and snowboards to hit the slopes.
Indiana might not have towering mountain ranges, but the Hoosier State delivers some genuinely fun places to ski and snowboard. From family-friendly beginner hills to terrain parks that keep snowboarders coming back season after season, Indiana's ski resorts offer everything you need for a winter adventure without traveling far.
Whether you're a first-timer, casual rider, or just looking to enjoy snow close to home, here's your complete guide to the best skiing and snowboarding in Indiana.
Indiana Ski Resorts at a Glance
Indiana has two downhill ski resorts: Perfect North Slopes in Lawrenceburg and Paoli Peaks in Paoli. Both offer skiing, snowboarding, lessons, rentals, and snow tubing. Perfect North is the larger option with 20+ trails, while Paoli Peaks provides a more relaxed atmosphere ideal for beginners.
For snow tubing without skis, Koteewi Run near Noblesville is central Indiana's go-to winter destination. Cross-country skiing is available at Indiana Dunes National Park and various state parks when conditions allow.
Resort | Location | Best For | Trails |
|---|---|---|---|
Perfect North Slopes | Lawrenceburg | All levels, night skiing | 20+ |
Paoli Peaks | Paoli | Beginners, families | 15+ |
Koteewi Run | Noblesville | Snow tubing | N/A |
Perfect North Slopes (Lawrenceburg, IN)
Location: Southeastern Indiana, near Cincinnati
Best for: All skill levels, snowboarders, night skiing, families
Perfect North Slopes is the largest and most popular ski and snowboard destination in Indiana. Drawing visitors from across Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky, this resort offers a wide variety of runs and some of the most reliable conditions in the state thanks to extensive snowmaking capabilities.
With over 20 trails ranging from beginner to advanced, Perfect North works whether you're stepping into skis for the first time or pushing your limits on jumps and rails in the terrain park. The resort features:
20+ ski and snowboard trails across varying difficulty levels
Two terrain parks for freestyle riders
Night skiing until 10 p.m. on select nights
One of the largest snow tubing operations in the Midwest with 25 lanes
Full rental shop and ski school for beginners
Paoli Peaks (Paoli, IN)
Best for: Beginners and intermediate skiers & riders
Location: Southern Indiana
Paoli Peaks is Indiana's other main downhill ski and snowboard resort and a longtime favorite for southern and central Indiana residents. It offers a solid mix of groomed runs, chairlifts, and terrain park features in a more relaxed, less crowded setting than Perfect North.
This resort is especially great for learning. The approachable slopes, affordable lessons, and quality rental equipment make it an ideal first stop for anyone new to winter sports. Paoli Peaks features:
15+ trails with a good mix of beginner and intermediate terrain
Terrain park with rails and features for snowboarders
Night skiing available on weekends
Snow tubing hill for non-skiers
Ski and snowboard lessons for all ages
Paoli itself is a charming small town worth exploring before or after your ski day. Check out our Paoli small town breakdown for local restaurants and attractions.
Snow Tubing and Other Winter Activities in Indiana
While Indiana only has two downhill ski resorts, there are a few additional winter destinations worth mentioning, especially for families or casual snow lovers.
Koteewi Run Seasonal Slopes (Noblesville, IN)
Koteewi Run at Strawtown Koteewi Park is central Indiana's go-to destination for snow tubing. Located in Hamilton County, it's the closest winter slope experience for Indianapolis-area residents.
Cross-Country Skiing in Indiana
For those who prefer cross-country skiing, Indiana offers scenic winter trails at:
Indiana Dunes National Park – Miles of trails with Lake Michigan views
Pokagon State Park – Groomed trails in northeast Indiana
Brown County State Park – Rolling hills and forest scenery
Fort Harrison State Park – Accessible trails near Indianapolis
Various rail-trails across northern Indiana
Trail availability depends on snowfall, so conditions can vary from year to year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skiing in Indiana
Is there skiing in Indiana?
Yes. Indiana has two downhill ski resorts, Perfect North Slopes in Lawrenceburg and Paoli Peaks in Paoli. Both offer skiing, snowboarding, lessons, rentals, and snow tubing with extensive snowmaking to ensure consistent conditions throughout the winter season.
What's the difference between Perfect North and Paoli Peaks?
Perfect North Slopes is larger with 20+ trails, more terrain park features, and bigger crowds. It's the better choice for experienced skiers or those wanting variety. Paoli Peaks is smaller, more relaxed, and ideal for beginners or families who prefer shorter lift lines and a laid-back atmosphere.
Is skiing in Indiana good for beginners?
Absolutely. Indiana's ski resorts are ideal for beginners because the terrain is manageable, lessons are affordable, and the atmosphere is less intimidating than major destination resorts. Both Perfect North and Paoli Peaks have dedicated beginner areas and quality instruction programs.
Plan Your Indiana Ski Trip
While Indiana’s ski hills may be smaller than those out west, they offer an accessible, affordable, and fun way to enjoy winter sports close to home. Whether you’re introducing kids to skiing, carving your first snowboard turns, or just looking for a snowy day trip, Indiana’s ski resorts prove you don’t need mountains to make winter memorable.