Winter Recreation in Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania
SKI, SLED, SNOWSHOE & EXPLORE THE LAUREL HIGHLANDS
Ohiopyle's outdoor season doesn't end when the temperatures drop.
Winter brings a different character to Ohiopyle and the surrounding Laurel Highlands, with opportunities for downhill and cross-country skiing, sledding, snow tubing, snowshoeing and exploring familiar landscapes covered in snow.
Whether winter sports are the reason for the trip or simply part of a seasonal getaway, Ohiopyle provides a great starting point for experiencing winter in the Laurel Highlands.
Sledding & Snow Tubing
Sometimes the simplest winter activities are the most fun.
When snow conditions cooperate, Sugarloaf Mountain in Ohiopyle State Park offers a designated sledding area where visitors can enjoy a classic day in the snow surrounded by the winter landscape of the Laurel Highlands.
Don't have a sled or snow tube with you? White Water Adventurers in Ohiopyle offers seasonal snow tube rentals, making it easy to add some time on the sledding hill to a winter visit without bringing all the equipment from home.
Snowfall and conditions can vary throughout the winter, so it's always a good idea to check current conditions and rental availability before making plans.
downhill skiing
Ohiopyle doesn't have a downhill ski mountain of its own, but its location in the Laurel Highlands puts several ski resorts within reach for a winter getaway.
Seven Springs Mountain Resort offers skiing and snowboarding across a variety of terrain, including beginner, intermediate and advanced slopes and terrain parks.
Hidden Valley Resort offers another nearby option, with 26 slopes and trails, terrain parks and skiing for a range of ability levels.
Together, the area's ski resorts make it possible to combine a day on the slopes with time exploring Ohiopyle and other winter experiences throughout the Laurel Highlands.
Because operating dates, trail availability and snow conditions vary throughout the season, visitors should check directly with each resort before making plans.
Cross-country skiing & Winter trails
Cross-country skiing offers a quieter way to experience Ohiopyle in winter. Ohiopyle State Park has more than 30 miles of trails recommended for cross-country skiing, including the Sproul Trails and a section of Kentuck Trail. When snowfall is deep enough, the Great Allegheny Passage also becomes an option for cross-country skiing.
Snowshoeing is another simple way to explore the park after a snowfall. Park trails are open for snowshoeing, giving visitors a chance to experience familiar Ohiopyle landscapes at a completely different pace.
Snowmobiling is also available within designated areas of Ohiopyle State Park. The Sugarloaf Trail System and Pressley Ridge Trail include designated snowmobile routes, with access dependent on season, snow conditions and current park regulations.
Winter conditions can change quickly, so visitors should check current park information, trail conditions and activity-specific requirements before heading out.
Winterfest at Ohiopyle State Park
Looking for another reason to experience Ohiopyle in winter? Winterfest at Ohiopyle State Park brings visitors together for a day of seasonal outdoor fun at the park’s Sugarloaf Recreation Area.
Recent Winterfest events have included sledding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing demonstrations, sleigh rides and other winter activities.
Make It an Ohiopyle Winter Getaway
Winter in Ohiopyle doesn't have to be a single day in the snow.
Spend a day skiing or snowboarding at a nearby resort, then explore Ohiopyle's winter trails, go sledding at Sugarloaf Mountain or simply enjoy a quieter side of the Laurel Highlands. With several different winter activities within reach, staying for a few days makes it easier to experience more than one.
A winter getaway doesn't have to wait for the weekend, either. A few days during the week can provide plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors, explore Ohiopyle and settle into the slower pace of the season.
When you're ready to warm up, Ohiopyle Vacation Rentals offers cabins, homes and other vacation rentals that can serve as a comfortable home base for a winter stay.