As snowfall decreases in the Columbus area, options for winter activities are becoming limited. While nearby spots like Snow Trails and Mad River Mountain offer skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing, sledding enthusiasts may find fewer opportunities. Though the new sledding hill at Quarry Trails Metro Park is highly anticipated, it requires adequate snow cover, leaving locals wondering what else they can do in the meantime.
One great option is The Chalet at Mill Stream Run Reservation, located just a short drive north on I-71. This park features two side-by-side, 700-foot refrigerated ice chutes, operating through late February regardless of snowfall—perfect for a winter outing.
The concrete chutes, each 20 inches wide, allow riders to reach speeds of up to 50 mph. Several factors influence how fast you’ll go, including the number of people on your toboggan (up to four), the total weight of the riders, the day’s humidity, and the outdoor temperature.
The chutes start on a hill 70 feet high and 90 feet long, angled at 33 degrees. Riders then hit a straightaway of 510 feet of refrigerated ice, followed by an additional 100 feet to slow down.