VALLEY HI, Ohio — Every day is a snow day at Mad River Mountain. The onsite Team Blizzard (snow making machine) uses more than 130 cannons to create terrain suitable for snow sports.
Dawn Harr started working at Mad River Mountain in 2007 and is a legacy ski instructor.
Dawn Harr.
“My mother had taught here prior to that and taught me to ski here at Mad River, and I taught my own children to ski here, and my daughter did a stint here in our children’s program as well, as an instructor.”
Harr said the staff does everything they can to give the mountain an authentic feel, even though Ohio doesn’t receive enough snow to have natural, skiable terrain.
“We have a retention pond across the street where we draw the water and our groomers are amazing. So I’d say what’s most unique about Mad River is we create this wonderful place for people to slide and ride,” said Harr.
Spectrum News 1 anchor and reporter Sophia Constantine hits the slopes.
She said Mad River Mountain is perfect for beginners to advanced skiers but she finds it rewarding to work with those who need a little help learning the basics.
“Most people are dripping in sweat lesson one,” she said.
Harr said when students finish ski school and go off on their own, “It feels great. I feel like a hero a little bit, I have to say. They get so excited to be able to ski all over the mountain and it makes me excited that they’re able to do that. It also makes me so happy to promote snow sports because it’s such a great thing to be outside in the winter, breathing fresh air in Ohio.”
Harr said her time on the mountain never feels like work.
“No, it never does. It feels like fun!” She plans to continue teaching and promoting snow sports. “So many people are like, ‘Oh gosh, it’s cold’. And they’re like sitting on the couch and they’re watching TV and they’re complaining about the weather but you know, actually, we’ve got all of this out here that you can go play on,” said Harr.
Mad River Mountain has a skier/rider responsibility code to help keep guests and staff safe. The safety guidelines include the following:
- Always stay in control, and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
- People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
- You must not stop where you obstruct a trail, or are not visible from above.
- Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others.
- Always use devices to prevent runaway equipment.
- Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
- Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.
For more information about equipment rentals, ski lift ticks and lessons at Mad River Mountain, you can visit SkiMadRiver.com.
