Paoli Peaks' Arctic Blast tubing was an absolute mess and a clear example of poor planning and worse communication. We drove 2 1/2 hours to get there, only to have the experience effectively canceled. No warning ahead of time, no meaningful explanation on site, just a refund. To make it even more frustrating, the refund email was titled "Thank you for your purchase," which felt incredibly tone-deaf considering the experience never happened. There was no apology, no acknowledgment of the inconvenience, and no effort to take responsibility for the situation. The staff at the window showed no care and said "yeah a lot of people have booked that for today" when expressing that we booked for it and were charged for this experience. Wasting customers' time, gas, and entire day with this level of disregard is unacceptable. Paoli Peaks clearly prioritizes sales over customer experience. We won't be back, and I strongly recommend others think twice before making the trip. read more

As someone skiing for the first time, I believe Paoli Peaks was the perfect place to learn! I came three times in the span of a week, and here is what I learned. Opening weekend/Sunday afternoon: The rental line was no joke two hours long. It became significantly shorter later in the evening. If you don't want to wait, come later or bring your own gear. Somewhat crowded but not so much that I wasn't able to learn in the discovery zone. During the week: The temperatures were above freezing, so what snow was left was turning to slush. Better than the ice experienced a few days prior though. There were several points where I was the only person in the discovery zone, especially as it got later in the evening. Being here at night is so cool! read more

Paoli Peaks - Magic carpet - Ski Resorts Near Me - Paoli, Indiana

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Went on a busy weekend, rental line was extremely long although it did move fast. Recommend reserving your rentals online on their website. The ski lifts were backed up but they moved very efficiently. The snowpack was very smooth and powdery after a full week of snow and snowmaking. Although not all trails were open even though the whole resort was covered in 12 inches of snow. read more

Paoli Peaks - Line for rentals wrapped around the whole building. I spent an 1 hour and 13 minutes in this line. - Ski Resorts Near Me - Paoli, Indiana

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READ THIS BEFORE U GO‼‼ Okay so the trails are nice bc there's a lot of them like 5. The thing of it is, the lifts aren't safe now what do I mean by that? The lifts don't have the handles that secure u and your legs (they have it on the small lift but not on the others) so if u lean forward u can fall and break a leg or an arm etc. The trails aren't that long and there's not much snow so ur basically skiing/snowboarding on ice. Also if u are a beginner I guess it's okay but if u are better at skiing most def not. Also for the price it's kinda expensive. Staff is pretty nice and helpful that I will sayyyyy!!!! read more

I visited this establishment after calling to ensure my family and I could explore winter sports. i was told there is an area for 2-6 year olds to get comfortable in the snow before tubing and skiing. Upon arrival, there was no kid's area. I drove 3 hours after being assured from an employee who stated there is an area called "Bunny Meadow" for kids to practice. The employees were rude. This is no place for a family. We were walking around and were followed by an employee that confronted us aggressively saying there is no walking in this area. It was an area unoccupied by skiers and there were no signs posted advising against it. I am not comfortable giving even 1 star to this establishment. Shameful and terrible service. Do not waste your time or money and expect to enjoy yourself. I would not recommend Paoli Peaks to anyone. read more

If you're looking to try skiing or snowboarding for your first time I would definitely recommend this place. Reasonable pricing, friendly staff, not too crowded. Slopes for all skill levels. Do not expect Breckenridge or Vail type of runs. Still very fun! read more

Paoli Peaks - Overview of slope - Ski Resorts Near Me - Paoli, Indiana

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Had a blast at the peaks. But will never go back. Not because the staff at top but last Sunday every guy that worked the ski lift was not friendly at all. He was rude and even swore at my 13 year old daughter. She was having trouble getting on because it was her first time skiing. read more

Went there to go tubing (sledding) with my family of five to celebrate my wife birthday and we had a blast! The wife and I loved it and my 3 daughters (aged 9, 7 and 3) all had a great time and already asking when they can go back. We went on a relatively warm day (50 degrees) so weather was perfect. Lines were not too long and the tubing was full of good times and laughter. The basic setup is you pay $25 (no matter age) for 3 hours of tubing. They have a little building with some locker rentals, concessions, tables and chairs and restrooms. I'm sure on colder days it serves as a good place to warm up. You walk outside and grab your tube and go down a small hill and there is probably 8-10 lanes of hills to slide down. All lanes are the same so just grab the one with shortest line. Each lane has a worker at the top to make sure lane clear. (Think water slide workers at water parks. Same concept). You can go individually or link up as many as 6 people on tubes. Each person despite age has to have own tube and all tubes are single passenger. So by linking up you grab the person behind you handle and then get pushed all together down hill. The workers are also good of helping you line up next to family or friends in lane next to you if you want to "race". Once reaching the bottom you have quite a hike back up. But towards the bottom they do have a small conveyer belt for you and your tube to ride up. It's very tiny. Wish it was a bit wider. But better than nothing. All in all we had a great time and will come back at some point. At 25 a piece with a family of 5 it makes it a bit steep to go often but it absolutely can be a fun once in a blue moon daily getaway for our small family. read more

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First and foremost, we had a blast snowboarding. I paid for my rental equipment online 3 days prior to arriving and it took 45 minutes to actually have the equipment in my hands. I understand there can be technical issues, but that was insane seeing as we were the only people waiting for rental equipment. The biggest issue I have is this. We paid for out lift tickets with no mask, we snowboarded with no mask, we rode the lift, and talked to staff with no mask. We went to get a drink from the upstairs area and we were asked for our vaccine paperwork. If you're going to require paperwork, require it from the start. Don't pick and choose where your patrons can go, especially if half of your staff is unmasked. Just a weird sub par experience from the staff. If you don't mind being lead around like a sheep being told which direction you can walk through a door, then this is the place for you. We are making the extra hour drive to Perfect North today so we can actually enjoy a day with the family. read more

Paoli Peaks - Ski Resorts Near Me - Paoli, Indiana

2022 Update: They no longer require you to reserve tickets in advance. Sadly, the guy who ran the ski shop and the bar retired so they are no more. There is a new "bar", where you get can get canned Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob and Cidergeist. They now have you show a vaccine card in order to eat in the lodge. You will definitely find a table in the cafeteria. Apparently to blend into Paoli Peaks culture, you need to be wearing your hunting camo and/or blasting music from a portable speaker. We counted 31, yes 31, airplane bottles of Fireball on the snow under one of the ski lifts. And this was only under ONE lift. I don't know who was responsible for ALL of them, but probably the two dudes I saw chucking one as they exited the lift. Shoutout to the dude skiing in a t-shirt and banana costume. Random bit of Paoli history - my sister used to work at PP and she said that the official uniform used to be a camo hoodie that said "Git 'Er Done"! I am not making this up. read more

This has to be the best kept secret in Indiana. It's just the right spot for ski slopes. The staff is ultra friendly. The pro shop is top notch. We had two of the best ski days of our lives here. Highly recommend coming early on a Saturday and renting from the pro shop upstairs to avoid the line downstairs. read more

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My family just made our first trip to Paoli Peaks over President's Day. We really enjoyed our day. No surprises here, but Paoli Peaks won't win any awards. This is a ski resort in Indiana after all. Overall the snow is all mostly man-made and therefore pretty icy. Not ideal skiing, but it is less expensive and much closer than driving to Michigan. Here is what we really enjoyed: Most area schools were in session on President's Day. The place was empty. We were able to ski right up to the lift most of the day. Longest wait was maybe 5 minutes throughout the day. Our girls had never skied before. Paoli has some nice bunny hill options and once they were ready for something bigger, they really enjoyed the series of Family Trail runs. Especially the Skywalker. All the Paoli Peaks staff we encountered were super friendly and helpful. Great environment for beginner skiers. Paoli's more difficult runs offer some steeper sections and allow for good speeds. It may not be Colorado level skiing, but you can definitely make your day a bit exciting if you want. read more

Well organized staff. Slopes are still running, tubes are closed. They have an eating area that offers warm food. Tiny bar. Lots of space.

Unreasonable Covid policy. Nowhere to sit at a table inside to eat your own lunch without being asked for proof of vaccine and photo ID. Will frequent Perfect North instead of Paoli due to this until policy changes. read more

I have been coming to Paoli since I was a teen. I have always enjoyed what it offers despite not being your typical "Colorado skiing". The lessons are every hour on the hour, and I remember them framing my skills for the years the come. After the lesson we were off to the slopes. The slopes furthest left are the bunny/easiest. Walnut is the furthest to the right and it is also a fairly easy one, it was always our favorite slope. The lifts are less busy on this side too, since you don't have the bunny crowd. They have a variety of food options in the cafeteria style setting. It's pretty good though a bit steep. I had some soup which was great and a nice option from the cold. Definitely will fill you up from a hard day of skiing. There's also hot cocoa, and cappuccino offerings to warm you up. This past time going was the first time I had a serious fall. I took a blow to the head and chest and what I thought was a Paoli Peaks patrolman skied right by me without a word. I was kind of surprised though maybe he thought it looked like I was under control. I was able to get up with my brothers help and get up to the ski patrol. The staff there were helpful and friendly, though not doctors. They took my skis and boots, and asked a bunch of questions to put into a database. Overall it's not a dangerous place to ski but beware it is fake snow so there are certainly ice patches and somewhat risky sections. Just be safe. The staff throughout the entire place is super friendly and feels like a family run place. It's just an hour or two drive from several bigger cities/towns, so it makes for a great day trip. Enjoy what you have around you! Adult entry, ski rental and lift ticket: $66 After 2pm, lift ticket goes down $6. read more

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My review is graded on a curve. Would the skiing conditions and terrain encountered here be worthy of 4 stars in Colorado or Utah? No, but Paoli Peaks is great for what it is, and should be evaluated accordingly. We take several ski trips a year to destination ski areas across the country. Paoli is not that. It's impossible to have great powder and thousands of vertical feet in southern Indiana. Paoli is, however, a place to actually ski in southern Indiana. If your expectations are set accordingly, you should be well satisfied. It is a tremendous asset to the area to have a place to get your ski fix throughout winter and a place to teach friends and family to ski. Lift tickets are affordable (Paoli is also owned by Vail Resorts, so if you happen to have an Epic Pass it is accepted here as well). There are two good beginner areas that we found pretty good for teaching our kids to ski. I will caution that Paoli lacks a good next step between the bunny slope and a real trail. The first real trails have a few fairly steep portions that can surprise a new skier that believes themselves ready to progress beyond the beginner areas. (Not unmanageable, just something to note) The lifts are in good working order and are adequate for the terrain they serve. The snow itself can be hit or miss. (As should be expected in the climate they have to work with) They have good snowmaking capacity and can create some nice (for the area) conditions in short order. Overall, Paoli tries hard and makes the most of what they have. The staff is friendly and helpful. It's not fantastic skiing all the time, but it's skiing in southern Indiana and I'm glad it's available to me. read more

Amazing staff! Great place to come anD ski in southern Indiana!! Slopes are ready! Weather is beautiful! read more

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We had such a great time skiing. I know the resort is doing everything they can to love things along when we check in. It was rough, which is why the four stars. But the place was wonderful and the day was great. I wish they had chopped up some of the snow during the day. The ground got very icy. And I wish the bar would have been open. Still, amazing day and we will definitely return. read more

hour 2 of waiting in line to start skiing after purchasing tickets in advance. Absolutely abysmal service. the time it takes to drive to Perfect North is saved in the waiting in line. read more

I know we are in a Pandemic but having to wait in line for over an hour to get rental equipment, especially after purchasing tickets on line is beyond unacceptable!!! read more

Paoli Peaks - This is the line to check in at Paoli Peaks on January 23, 2021. - Ski Resorts Near Me - Paoli, Indiana

I was considering going for the first time... But because of the unnecessary and unconstitutional restrictions; I find the staff, accommodations and atmosphere to be quite unpleasant and even hostile during a time of uncertainty. I had to walk away by the lack of respect this place had for others. read more

Well it's not Colorado skiing, but for this part of the country it will have to do. It's for beginners skiers I would say. Like me... I signed up for the women's clinic, a one-day work shop. The ski instructor ladies are the sweetest bunch I've met in a long time, albeit somewhat unorganized, but hey, it makes you feel at home. They are very encouraging and positive even when you roll down the hill backwards or wipe out in the ski lift. We were divided into first timers and those who already had a little experience. they helped us rent equipment, including helmets. Then we had our lessons. It took a little bit until everybody was in a group where they felt comfortable with their skill level. We learned quite a bit. By the way this falls under easier said then done... Theoretically I'm a great skier now, but the execution is still quite far off. I'm proud to have only fallen twice though. There is a huge cafeteria (overpriced of course) but the food is decent. Typical burgers, hot dogs and pizza of course. There are a multitude of hills in varying degrees of difficulty. It tends to be icy, which makes the skiing a bit more difficult and the falls a bit more painful. If you're not into skiing, there are snow tubing lanes a bit further down the road. Those are fun and no skill is needed here. Just a little stamina and surefootedness to make it back up the hill on that magic carpet... read more

My husband and I went to Paoli Peaks -Arctic Blast Tubing, yesterday. It was a Saturday in January, about 1pm. While there, 8 lanes were open and I overheard the attendants say they were at max capacity and out of tubes. Even with the large crowd, we were able to make 9 trips down in 2 & 1/2 hours. The employees were very friendly, and helpful. While there, an unfortunate injury occurred on the lane, and the employees handled it very well, re-directing those in that line to a newly opened lane to allow for emergency patrol to pull the injured person up. The majority of people in line didn't even realize what was going on, which says a lot for the staffs ability to handle an issue without spoiling everyone's fun. We will definitely be back. read more

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First time to go skiing!! Although I had fun here and people are super nice here, I had to say it's not very friendly to a new learner here. The easiest slow zone is absolutely not slow at all... read more

2.5 How to Give the Nephew a Day of Fun: 1) Pick up his BFF and breakfast bagel sandwiches. 2) Drive the hour from Louisville to Paoli which mostly consists of a 2 lane "highway" through the flat, snowy countryside. 3) Assure your skeptical Tahoe-loving Better Half that there IS a ski resort here. Lower the expectations. 4) Arrive at Paoli Peaks and fork over $$$ for adult day passes ($41 each), children's day passes ($35, only $6 less than adults?), and adult and children equipment rentals ($29). 5) Wrestle with ski boots, grab some skis, and skip the sad and beat up looking poles. 6) Attend a complete-waste-of-$20-per-person-group-ski-lesson where you learn how to put on skis, shuffle around in a circle, get up a hill, wedge, but are given COMPLETELY INADEQUATE instruction on turns. Unacceptable! Have the Better Half give the kids a better lesson and take away their poles. 7) Cruise the bunny slope. Reply to friendly employees who ask how you are doing and if you are having fun! 8) Go inside to defrost and eat junky cafeteria food like greasy cheesy pizza. 9) Gear up to rock the green run which is icy in parts and slushy in others. Beam with pride as they swoosh down without falling. Not bad for first time skiers! 10) Hightail it home for homemade soup and smores. 12/12 read more

If you were trekking in the Sahara, are out of water, and come across an oasis with some water, would you complain that the water is not filtered, is not cold, does not come in a nice clean cup, etc.? Should you? Living in metro Indianapolis is the Sahara equivalent of mountains - there are none around here. There are very, very few skiing options within short driving distance. There are no clean, cold water options here. Paoli Peaks is pretty good in that context. The staff is friendly and helpful, especially towards newbies, which make up almost all of the skiers there. Yes, the slopes can be very crowded. Yes, the group lessons can be very full - but you can get private lessons for not much more. Yes, the prices seem steep - but how much more is it to fly to somewhere else for the weekend? If you are used to skiing out west, you'll probably be very disappointed. Remember where you live and what your options are and be realistic. One tip: If you are staying in French Lick, do not take County Rd 25 to Paoli Peaks no matter what your GPS says. That road is very steep and unplowed and you will almost certainly crash. We have a 4x4 SUV and had to put it in 4x4 Lo (not even 4x4 Hi) just to barely make it *down* the hills in first gear using engine braking. Three kids from Tennessee crashed and we tried to pull them out, but to no avail. Take state road 56/150 instead. read more

I have been going to Paoli Peaks since the 90s and it's still a decent place to go if you live close. Yes, it is pretty much a giant hill with mostly fake snow, but it still does the job for a nearby place. There have been times when I was there when there were actually spots where the snow had melted and you had to avoid mud holes, but most of the time that is not the case. You just have to go there at the right time. But you should never expect a real snow powder experience like you would get in Colorado. It is always going to be more like soft ice, which does make it harder to ride on, especially if you are a noobie. I have also done the tubing there and you do pick up some nice speeds. Just be careful though because the lines can get long during certain times of the year. PROS -Great for a nearby place -Decent runs for a giant fake snow hill -Fun for kids -Lift lines never too bad -Decent tubing CONS -Mostly fake snow, which is more like soft ice and not powder -Have to go at perfect weather times or it's not a good experience -Tubing lines can get long TIPS -If you are renting a snowboard, pay the extra money to rent a real name brand board like Burton. Generic rental boards are just horrible and you will waste your time using one. -Check weather forecasts and go when it has recently snowed. read more

We are from Florida and we went skiing with a five year old. We got a private lessen for her and the instructors name was Ashley. She was young but very patient with the five yr old! I would highly recommend her. We had an awesome time there! Well worth the money! In fact we are heading back today to go tubing! read more

Paoli Peaks - Enjoying the day - Ski Resorts Near Me - Paoli, Indiana

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i spent 97 mfn dollars to go down two runs because they closed at 6PM. they changed their hours without putting it on the website and we got there at 3:30 thinking we would have all night. my friends and i are pretty pissed because they changed the hours so drastically without warning and we didn't get to do much. it's just a janky place too, not very good quality. go to Perfect North, fuck this place. read more

We had a great trip to Paoli Peaks this last year. We stayed in Salem which is just right up the road at an Airbnb(The Ole Country Store). Quick travels to and from the Peaks. We will defiantly visit again. read more

Loved this place and atmosphere it was a great place for my first time attempting to ski and the instructor was great at teaching I would love to go back it was so much fun read more

Hats off to the staff. My son lost his season pass on Thursday. We didn't have the insurance so we had to pay $50 for a replacement on Saturday. Sunday morning Dottie emailed me that they had found his old pass. Called the office on Monday morning and they refunded my $50 and told me to keep the new pass, The old one was damaged from a grooming machine. It's refreshing to do business with honest fair people. Thanks read more

I love Paoli Peaks! Their Slopes are Awesome,They're Food is Good, and it is Really Fun!!!! read more

Paoli Peaks - Paoli Peaks! - Ski Resorts Near Me - Paoli, Indiana

Not Paoli Peaks fault, but skiing is a big succ, although I did enjoy that everything said PP on it.

May be good for Indiana? Spent more time on lift than on the hill, and I do mean hill. Staff was friendly. Possibly good for beginners but space will be a real issue if crowded. Park was closed when I went read more

hey skiing in southern indiana--they try hard could improve lift staff try it if close read more

A must do if you are in the area. We went tubing on a family trip and had a blast. The price was really reasonable.

In regards to snow tubing; I'm here right now and this place is a real joke. I will never be back! 90 percent of what their website says is a lie! When they are confronted on the multiple lie from their website I get the same story, "It all depends on lanes conditions, weather, temperature, the way the wind blows, how bright the moon is, etc. Only 4 out of 9 tubing lanes are open and there is a 20 minute wait in each lane. SAVE YOURSELF SOME TIME AND GO TO PERFECT NORTH!!! read more

Drove 2 hours. Paid $100 for half day ticket (2 adults /2 children) on tubing hill, got to ride three times. Staff didn't seem to care and was not notifying arriving customers of long line delays. Only 3 of 8 runs open. Feel ripped off. read more

Paoli Peaks is a hill. But it's a really nice hill to teach a 5-year old to ski, and it's the only option for miles, so appreciate the good in your hill, Indy/Kentucky/Tenn. Very family friendly, reasonable prices, cute little chair lifts (albeit nearly horizontal), and great lessons for newbies. My baby girl had a super fun day here and really enjoyed her lesson on the bunny hill. So she was very excited to get a postcard thank you note from her instructor last week. What a sweet touch! They don't do that in Vail....and they really don't have to. But thanks for trying, Paoli Peaks. read more