Located in scenic Possum Run Valley in Mansfield, an hour north of Columbus, Snow Trails offers a seasonal outdoor getaway for those who want to brave the elements for skiing, snowboarding and, perhaps especially, tubing.
Snow Trails officially opened for its 61st season on in mid-December. Typically, the season ends in the middle of March.
The slopes are now open for snowboarding, skiing, glow tubing and other seasonal activities.
Glow tubing begins around twilight (approximately 5 p.m.) from Thursday through Sunday, and tickets must be purchased in advance on Snow Trails’ website. Guests can purchase two-hour passes to go glow tubing.
Two-hour tubing passes are $25 ($15 for ages 5 and under). Season passes are $150. The season will run until March.
Credit: Nate Wolleson
Credit: Nate Wolleson
Throughout the season, an array of colorful LED lights line the park. Guests can set off at the top of the hill and glide down the snow-packed and LED-lined lanes with a number of guests following along behind them in a train of tubes.
The Vertical Descent Snow Tubing Park is unique in that it offers the longest tubing lanes in all of Ohio.
Due to the socially-distanced nature of glow tubing, no additional COVID-related measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of guests. This is mostly due to the fact that guests will already be wearing the required facial coverings and gloves to keep warm.
After hitting the slopes, guests can grab a bite to eat or a drink at one of the many eateries in the ski lodge on premises. A table-reservation system will be in place at the Snow Trails Lodge, while a tent will be set up outside of the lodge to cater to socially distanced dining. Facial coverings are required at the eateries unless consuming food or beverages. Or, if a quick pick-me-up is needed, guests can huddle around the nearby fire pit.
Aside from paying a visit to Snow Trails, there are many other unique and interesting destinations within and just outside of Mansfield. Those looking for even more outdoor adventure can head to Malabar Farm State Park in nearby Lucas, Ohio, to enjoy miles of ungroomed trails perfect for cross country skiing.
However, if being outdoors in the cold doesn’t appeal to you, perhaps a visit to the set of the Shawshank Redemption could spark your interest. The Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, a centuries-old prison steeped in chilling history and plenty of creepy ambiance, provided the setting for the famous movie. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday through Sunday, visitors can take tours of the Ohio State Reformatory.
For more reasons to make a day trip to Mansfield, pay a visit to destinationmansfield.com.
Credit: Nate Wolleson
Credit: Nate Wolleson
WANT TO GO?
What: Glow tubing
Where: Snow Trails; 3100 Possum Run Road in Mansfield
When: Season continues through March
Cost: $25 for two-hour ticket, children five and under are $15. Advance online reservations required.
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