From Hitting the Slopes to Enjoying a Soak: How to Enjoy a Perfect Weekend in This Winter Ohio Town

Editor's Note: An earlier version of this article conflated Zanesfield, Ohio, with Zanesville, Ohio. The error has been corrected, and we apologize for any confusion this may have caused.

"Like handshakes, house pets, and raw carrots, many things are preferable when not slippery, and the least preferable slippery thing is a slope." One almost has to wonder if Lemony Snicket and his TV writing team ever went skiing, because there are, indeed, good slippery slopes out there. Here in the Buckeye State, the biggest ski and snowboard resort is tucked away in Zanesfield, and the community is surprisingly perfect for a weekend getaway. Pack your cold weather essentials now, because this Ohio ski slope awaits the most adventurous travelers.

With fewer than 200 residents, Zanesfield is a cozy small town. It was named for Isaac Zane, the younger brother of the man for whom the much-larger Zanesville was named. Once a Northwest Territory guide, he was perhaps one of the most well-known early settlers in Zanesfield's early days. Nowadays, his community is perhaps best known for Mad River Mountain, the largest ski and snowboard resort in Ohio.

Group lessons are offered for total newbies, and family lessons are also an option if you're bringing the little ones out for their first winter sporting experience. If you're experienced in skiing or snowboarding, you're going to love getting to know the slopes at Mad River Mountain. Boasting the most expansive terrain and the largest snow-making system in Ohio, it's absolutely jaw-dropping. And if that's not enough, they also offer snowtubing.

Snow tubing is exactly what it sounds like. You plop on a giant tube and zip down delightfully slippery slopes, and snow tubing in Ohio is no joke. Mad River Mountain boasts the state's largest snow tubing park, featuring lanes that stretch for more than 1,000 feet. It's absolutely perfect for families. However, if you're planning on visiting during busy times, like over the holidays, it might sell out; so it's best to arrive early.

After hitting the slopes, it's natural to feel a bit of tension. You might benefit from a nice soak in the hot tub.

This gorgeous waterfront soak is available via Airbnb, and it's just one of many amazing features you can enjoy if you choose to stay local. This charming cottage in Huntsville is perfect for up to six guests, and its proximity to Indian Lake means you'll be treated to views like no other. With an indoor fireplace and outdoor firepit, there are endless opportunities to cozy up and unwind after your time on the slopes.

After your soak, you deserve dinner and a drink. LaPizzeria Restaurant has delighted locals for circa three decades, and the casual atmosphere and great meals keeps residents returning time and time again. Its menu has everything from burgers to pizza, but you might be especially drawn to the soup options after spending your day in the cold.

While that option is close to your Airbnb, you can also dine right at the ski resort. Lunch is served daily, and it's the coziest spot to warm up after your time on the slopes.

If your time in the great outdoors doesn't have you resenting the cold, there are also local parks worth checking out. Bellefontaine alone has over a dozen community parks to explore, including nature centers and reservable lodges. Ohio Caverns, one of the most stunning natural attractions in the state, is also just a short 15-minute drive away.

Zanesfield and its surrounding communities make for a delightfully cozy getaway, and you're going to love exploring everything from its slopes to its soaks. While you're in town, make sure you budget some extra time to go exploring. There are hidden castles in nearby West Liberty that are absolutely stunning!