Freestylers in Ohio are thrilled with the new, convenient Sunkid rope tow

With a new Sunkid Swiss Cord, the Snow Trails ski resort in Ohio (USA) has expanded its freestyle offerings for beginners and advanced riders. Since the start of the 2025/2026 season, the 137-meter-long lift has served as a quick and easy way to get back up in the Progression and Alpine Terrain Park.

Swiss Cord Snow Trails

• Use-case: Beginners' Area

• Lifttype: Swiss Cord

• Length: 137 m

• Propulsion: 11 kW

• max. speed: 1.5 m/s

Instead of using the main lifts, the resort’s freestyle guests can now return directly to the start of their next run. This shortens wait times, increases the number of runs, and creates ideal conditions for continuous learning progress. Young riders in particular benefit from the short distances and more frequent runs in the beginner and intermediate areas.

We’d like to thank Snow Trails for their extremely positive feedback, which highlights the project’s success—Nate Wolleson (Marketing Manager, Snow Trails): “Our Resort has been enhanced greatly by offering a high paced progression in our Beginner and Intermediate Parks. The Swiss Cord is easier to grip, doesn’t fray, and the adjustability is fantastic! So many smiling faces and improved skiers and riders, not to mention the load it helps to manage on our lift lines when we keep kids lapping up in the Parks and not using the chairlifts.”

Snow Trails is a historic, family-owned winter resort located in Mansfield, Ohio, just 1.5 miles off Interstate 71. Opened in 1961 as Ohio’s first commercial ski resort, it has famously remained the only family-owned and operated resort of its kind in the state. Centrally positioned between Columbus and Cleveland, it is a highly popular day-trip destination for skiers, snowboarders, and snow tubing enthusiasts across the region.

Resort Specifications & Terrain

• Vertical Drop & Elevation: The resort features a 301-foot vertical drop, with a base elevation of 1,174 feet and a peak of 1,475 feet.

• The Slopes: Snow Trails offers 21 trails spread across roughly 40 to 60 skiable acres. The layout is evenly suited for beginners and intermediates, alongside dedicated advanced areas. Its longest run, Timberline, stretches 2,200 feet, making it the longest ski trail in Ohio.

• Night Skiing: The entire resort is 100% lighted, meaning all 21 trails and terrain parks remain fully open for night skiing and riding until 9:00 PM.

• Lifts: The mountain is serviced by 11 lifts, including 4 triple chairlifts, 2 double chairlifts, 2 ski conveyor "magic carpet" lifts, 2 rope tows, and a dedicated tubing conveyor. This includes a newly added 600-foot rope tow in The Woods terrain park—the only operating rope tow facility in Ohio.

Snowmaking Advantage

Because Ohio winters fluctuate wildly, Snow Trails is highly regarded for its industrial state-of-the-art snowmaking system. It utilizes a massive cooling tower that allows the crew to pump high-quality, pristine machine snow across 100% of the resort even when natural winter weather is scarce. It typically maintains a more stable and extended season than other regional hills.

Vertical Descent Tubing Park

For non-skiers, the resort hosts the Vertical Descent Tubing Park, home to the longest snow tubing lanes in Ohio at 1,100 feet.

• Glow Tubing: During peak winter nights, the tubing park transforms into a "Glow Tubing" experience, illuminating the lanes with color-changing LED lights.

• Conveyor Lift: A step-on conveyor carpet lift brings tubers effortlessly back to the peak so you never have to walk up the hill.

• Booking: Advance online reservations are strictly required for 2-hour tubing slots.

Lodge & Après-Ski Amenities

The resort features a classic, rustic ski lodge atmosphere complete with three distinct dining and social hubs:

• Lucky’s Cafeteria: A newly remodeled grab-and-go lodge cafeteria for quick slope-side meals.

• The Last Run Bar & Deli: A full table-service restaurant option located right at the base.

• Snowflake Loft: A famous second-story après-ski bar hosting a lively atmosphere, complete with a massive fireplace and frequent live musical performances.

Operating Season: The winter season typically runs from early December through mid-March, weather permitting. Note: The resort is completely closed to the public during the spring, summer, and autumn off-season.