Growing up in the Cincinnati Tristate area, I thought it was completely normal to be able to go snow skiing right here in the Midwest. I had no idea that every Midwestern town did not have their own Perfect North Slopes. I remember the excitement of waking up and looking out my window to see if Perfects (how locals refer to Perfect North Slopes) was blowing snow that day. That same excitement has carried over in my adult life as a parent, when I get to see my son wake up and look out our window to look for that huge fluffy cloud of snow hanging over Perfects.
He started skiing when he was five years old and if I would let him, he would camp out at Perfect North Slopes all winter long and never leave! I love that it gives him an opportunity to be outside and active during the winter. He actually prefers the winter over the summer because he says “you cannot go outside during the summer unless it is to swim, it is too hot and humid, but during the winter, you can go skiing, ice skating, ice fishing, sledding – there is so much to do!”
Over the years, this local skiing haven has expanded and adapted, adding a variety of new features and events to enjoy all year. Whether you’re thinking about getting a season pass, or are a local who’d like to check it out for a different reason other than skiing, here’s my list of top reasons to visit Perfect North Slopes:
1. They have many different events throughout the winter and ski season, but in 2023 they started a Fall event called ColorFall! Visitors can take a one mile walk or hayride around the lake and experience a Fall Wonderland, complete with LED-lit trees, Halloween and Fall displays, pumpkins, and more! Seasonal food and beverage available for purchase!
2. One of my favorite ways to ring in the New Year’s is at the Perfects NYE celebration! You can ski, party with their DJ, and watch the firework display as the ball drops! Keep an eye on the Perfect North Slopes event calendar for event announcements!
3. When the ski season finally comes to an end, Perfect North Slopes hosts the Spring Carnival to celebrate a great ski season! The Spring Carnival hosts a variety of events, such as the Garbage Bag Race, Decorated Cardboard Box Race, Scavenger Hunt, Slush Pit Event and Mahalo Rail Jam! It is a great event to send off the ski season and welcome spring!
4. Not sure where to get ski/snowboard equipment? Check out the Annual Sale and Swap – an event that combines shopping for your ski and winter equipment with live music, food trucks, awesome giveaways, and more. This is a great opportunity to grab some new or used equipment, pick up your season pass, and get excited for winter to arrive! Other options are renting your gear from Perfects and purchasing it from their Loft Shop!
5. Regardless of your experience level or ability, Perfect North Slopes has something for everyone. Do you want to take lessons? They have those! Lessons for adults, kids, snowboarding, skiing – you name it. Do you need some assistance? They have Adaptive Programs to ensure everyone can develop new skills, build self-confidence and enjoy the sport of skiing and snowboarding in a safe, fun and positive environment. Do you want to ski competitively? They have racing programs and competitions too, such as Big Air and multiple Rail Jams!
6. There is a large variety of trails, ranging from the beginner bunny slopes to double black diamonds, so no matter your experience level, there is something you will enjoy! For example, I prefer the easier, gentle slopes, whereas my son loves to fly down Center Stage with his friends. There are also two Terrain Parks for those who want to expand their skill set and have a fun experience on unique features, such as ramps, rails and more!
7. As soon as the season ends is the best time to buy your season pass for the following season! Passes are 40% off until April 1, then they go up in price over the summer until the season starts.
8. Did you know that Perfect North Slopes has a sister slope in West Virginia called Timberline Mountain? The season pass level allows your direct access to both Perfect North Slopes and Timberline Mountain and all other passes get your 50% off your lift ticket! Book a weekend trip and go stay at Timberline Mountain for a few days!
9. Perfect North Slopes not only has skiing and snowboarding, you can also Snow Tube! Season passes include snowtubing, so if you want to change it up one day, you can go grab a tube and fly down the snow tubing lanes! Snowtubing season passes and day passes are also available. Snowtubing is great for birthday parties, group events, team building, or just for fun!
10. If you need to take a break from the slopes to refuel and warm up, the Lodge offers a great variety of food and beverage for purchase! If you prefer to bring your own food, you can pack a bag or cooler. Some people even bring crockpots for bigger groups that are there all day long!
11. Towards the end of the season, Bonus Days are initiated, which gives you some extra perks! Season pass holders are allowed to ski anytime, regardless of their pass. Some passes allow you to “Bring a Friend” and get them a free lift ticket! Discounted pricing also goes into effect during Bonus Days, so these are all great opportunities to get your friends out on the slopes who have been wanting to try it out!
Want to learn more about Perfect North Slopes? Check them out on Facebook, Instagram , and the Perfect North Slopes website.
