Paoli Peaks in Indiana is a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders. As part of a series on ski resorts, Huffington Post Travel offers our guide to Paoli Peaks, featuring all the key information snow lovers need to know before they hit the slopes.
The Basics
is located in southern Indiana, a little more than two hours south of Indianapolis and 2 1/2 hours northeast of Lexington, Kentucky. Visitors can fly into surrounding metropolitan airports or the tiny Paoli Municipal Airport, located only a short drive from the resort. As one of few snow resorts in the area, Paoli is known for its versatility, offering a little something for everyone in the family. The park has everything from terrain parks to snow tubing, ensuring that the whole group can find something to do.
The Mountain
Paoli Peaks offers
on more than 70 acres, with a 300-foot vertical drop. Though the area receives an average annual snowfall of only 18 inches, the resort uses more than 100 snowmaking machines to keep powder on the mountain. This means that even if daytime temperatures climb into the 40s and 50s, slopes stay open and fresh. Paoli's season runs from mid-December until March, depending on the weather. The resort needs about two weeks of low temperatures to develop a good base for snowmaking, so visitors should monitor Paoli's
before hitting the mountain.
Trails And Lifts
Eight lifts service 15 trails, making this resort small enough to tackle in a day but just big enough to keep even seasoned skiers and snowboarders interested. The average grade is 10 to 15 percent, and the terrain is about half intermediate and one-quarter beginner, with the remainder reserved for black-diamond thrill-seekers. Trails are fed by five chairs, one rope tow and two carpet lifts.
are possible for any level of skier or snowboarder.
In The News
As a smaller resort -- and one tucked into a rather unconventional neck of the country for seasoned skiers and snowboarders -- Paoli Peaks hasn't had much time in the spotlight. The resort is family-friendly and features holiday events, as well as
throughout the season. Created in the late 1960s by SKI Magazine, NASTAR is a recreational ski and snowboard
that takes place at locations around the U.S. Races occur four days a week on Paoli Peak's Beech Grove trail. An annual
also occurs each February, offering both new and seasoned snowbirds a chance to socialize, bond and spend a weekend honing their skills.
Cost
at Paoli Peaks cost $25 to $41, depending on age, date and conditions. Season passes start at $299 if purchased early, and family season passes purchased by the end of March for the next snow season run $899 for a family of six and offer unlimited use. Group and school rates are available. Ski and snowboard rentals are $29 per day, and helmet, clothing and locker rentals are also offered. Dedicated snow lovers can opt for seasonal equipment rentals as well. Group lessons cost a reasonable $20 per hour, and private lessons are $45. Paoli Peaks also offers programs for children and those with disabilities.
Apres-Ski
After a long day on the slopes, skiers and snowboarders can grab a bite to eat at the resort's mountaintop day lodge. A cafeteria, bar and first-aid facility ensure that guests are well cared for, while rental and pro shops offer shopping opportunities. Those looking for a different kind of fun can blast down the resort's neighboring snow tubing track before calling it a night at
. Whether visitors come just for a day or plan to spend the whole season hitting the snow at Paoli Peaks, this little resort has just the right amount of country charm and fun trails to keep even veteran skiers and snowboarders pleased.
WATCH: Paoli Peaks
Indiana's Paoli Peaks offers a snowy fix for the whole family.
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.
