If you’re like me, then you love snow. There’s something idyllic about making the trek to your favorite coffee shop and watching the flakes fall; or basically having an excuse to stay in bed all day. Even though snowy conditions have eluded us so far, Louisvillians can still get out and enjoy the perks of a winter wonderland by visiting these local ski resorts and ice-skating rinks.
While located in Paoli, Indiana, Paoli Peaks is basically close enough to call our own. The resort offers skiing and snowboarding all 7 days of the week as well as snow tubing Friday through Sunday.
Just a bit farther in Lawrenceburg, IN, you might catch a glimpse of Olympic skier Nick Goepper. Because of the convenient location and short lines, the bronze medalist grew up training at Perfect North and still skis there when visiting home. Assuming Mother Nature complies, skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing are available all week.
Paoli Peaks and Perfect North Slopes have qualified ski and snowboard instructors so children, beginners and pros alike can partake in the winter fun. The resorts manufacture their own snow, provide food, rent equipment and can help with lodging. Love playing in the snow but hate the hike back up the hill? Both winter retreats have lifts and “magic carpet” rides to the top. During midnight sessions you can ski into the wee hours of the morning if you dare. Weather permitting; trails are usually open from mid December through mid March.
Just off of Gardiner Lane, Alpine Ice Arena is a recreational ice-skating rink in Louisville that is open seasonally from September 15th through March 31st. The arena just adopted Daisy, a goat who lives behind the rink and loves to watch everyone skate. Luckily she won’t laugh if you fall.
For those who are skaters at heart, Iceland Sports Complex is open year round. Home to the University of Louisville Ice Hockey Team, the complex houses two ice rinks and is located on UPS Drive here in Louisville.
Both Alpine Ice Arena and Iceland Sports Complex offer figure skating, ice-skating and hockey clinics for adults as well as youth. Feel free to bring your own skates or rent them; concessions are also available. Public Skating is open everyday of the week so lace-em up and get on the ice!
Know of other places to enjoy winter in and around Louisville? Leave them in the comments!
Photos are credited in the headings. Cover photo courtesy of Perfect North Slopes Facebook page.
