Teaching my son to ski at Perfect North
Skiing in Indiana
Skiing in Indiana may not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning a winter getaway, but the state boasts two prominent ski resorts - Perfect North Slopes and Paoli Peaks. Despite the lack of towering mountains, these resorts offer a unique and enjoyable winter sports experience for locals and visitors alike. In fact, Olympic freestyle skier and silver medal winner Nick Goepper grew up skiing at Perfect North Slopes and has won several gold medals in the Winter X Games. Indiana may be one of the best states to teach your kids how to ski. In this review, we will delve into the offerings of each resort, comparing and contrasting Perfect North Slopes and Paoli Peaks.
Attribute | Perfect North | Paoli Peaks |
Vertical Drop | 400' | 300' |
Number of Runs | 23 | 15 |
Skiable Acres | 100 | 65 |
Cost | $$ | $$ |
Location | Southeast IN | Southern IN |
Accepts EPIC Pass | No | Yes |
Snow Tubing | Yes | Yes |
Map of Paoli Peaks (Paoli, IN) and Perfect North (Lawrenceburg, IN)
Perfect North Slopes: A Winter Wonderland in Lawrenceburg
Perfect North Slopes, nestled in the charming town of Lawrenceburg, is a popular destination for skiing enthusiasts in Indiana and neighboring states Ohio and Kentucky. The location is easily accessible from major cities like Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and Louisville making it a convenient choice for a weekend getaway. The resort features a variety of slopes catering to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced skiers. Perfect North Slopes pride themselves as the best in the snow making business and they need to be proficient since the slopes are in southeastern Indiana. They offer visitors 23 unique trails and 3 terrain park areas from 5 chair lifts and 7 tows / carpets.
Perfect North Slopes Terrain Park (Right) and Center Stage (Left)
Perfect North makes the most of their 400’ vertical by offering a diversity of runs. The Far Side runs a mile down the slope and starts off of the Orange Chairlift. It is a nice long run and my favorite for intermediate to beginner skiers. Center Stage is the premier run that garners attention as the focal point of the ski area. It is steep and wide sometimes littered with moguls. But my favorite part about Perfect North are the offshoots and tree runs throughout the ski area. You can find these fun adventures off the Runway and Special Effects. Make sure to wear your helmet and only attempt if you are an advanced skier and at your own risk because colliding with a tree is very dangerous and potentially deadly.
Another perk about Perfect North Slopes is that they just acquired a new resort in West Virginia called Timberline Mountain. This recent acquisition shows that Perfect North Slopes is well managed and offers a great skiing service to the community. Timberline Mountain has 1000’ of vertical drop and benefits from the excellent snow making abilities of Perfect North.
Perfect North Slopes View of Main Lodge from The Green Chair
Perfect North Highlights
400 feet vertical drop
23 unique runs
12 chairlifts, ropes, and carpets
Longest run is 1 mile long
3 terrain park areas
Best in class snow making ability
Night Skiing
Lodge with rental shop and dining
Snow tubing
Perfect North Pros
Diverse range of slopes suitable for all skill levels
Convenient location with easy access from major cities
Well-maintained facilities and excellent customer service
Best vertical drop in Indiana
Similar cost to Paoli Peaks and cost effective compared to traditional ski resorts
Perfect North Cons
Limited vertical drop compared to traditional ski resorts
Crowded during peak weekends and holidays
Does not accept the EPIC Pass
Paoli Peaks: The Southern Ski Getaway
Situated in the picturesque town of Paoli, Paoli Peaks offers a different skiing experience with a tranquil and scenic backdrop. The resort provides an intermediate to beginner range of slopes, making it an ideal destination for families and those looking for a more laid-back atmosphere. The natural beauty surrounding Paoli Peaks adds an extra layer of charm to the skiing experience. Paoli Peaks is located between the major cities of Louisville, Evansville, and Bloomington. It offers 15 trails down 300’ of vertical drop. 8 chairlifts, tows, and carpets service the slopes with 1 terrain area. Paoli also runs a snow tubing operation which is popular amongst families. A big differentiator between Perfect North and Paoli Peaks is that Paoli accepts the EPIC pass. If you get an EPIC pass you can ski other prominent resorts around the country such as Vail, Breck, and Park City to name a few. If you plan to ski in Indiana and make a trip somewhere else, Paoli may be the most cost-effective option for you because of the EPIC pass.
Paoli Peaks Highlights
300 feet vertical drop
15 unique runs
8 chairlifts, ropes, and carpets
1 terrain park areas
Night Skiing
Lodge with rental shop and dining
Snow tubing
Paoli Peaks Pros
Good intermediate and beginner terrain
Accepts EPIC Pass
Serene and picturesque setting
Affordable lift ticket prices
Paoli Peaks Cons
Limited advanced skiing terrain
Small vertical drop
Only 65 skiable acres
Snow conditions may vary due to the resort's southern location
Snow Making and Best Times to Visit
Snow Blower at Perfect North Slopes
Both Perfect North Slopes and Paoli Peaks heavily rely on snowmaking capabilities to ensure consistent snow coverage throughout the season. Thanks to advanced snowmaking technology, visitors can enjoy quality skiing conditions even when natural snowfall is limited. The best times to visit are typically during the peak winter months, from mid-January through February, when both resorts are most likely to have optimal snow conditions. Check the snow report before you head over to make sure the slopes are open, especially if its early or late in the skiing season.
For those seeking an alternative to skiing, both resorts offer exhilarating snow tubing experiences. Perfect North Slopes and Paoli Peaks provide dedicated tubing areas, complete with groomed lanes and lifts to whisk riders back to the top. This family-friendly activity adds an extra element of fun to the winter adventure, making it an excellent option for non-skiers or those looking to mix up their snow sports experience.
Conclusion: Choosing Your Indiana Ski Adventure
In conclusion, both Perfect North Slopes and Paoli Peaks offer unique skiing experiences in the heart of Indiana. Whether you prefer the convenience and varied slopes of Perfect North or the scenic tranquility of Paoli Peaks, both resorts provide enjoyable winter getaways for individuals and families alike. Consider your priorities, from slope variety to the overall ambiance, when choosing between these two Indiana gems for your next skiing adventure.
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