Have yourself a 'Winter Blast' in the next three months at one of Lake County's best kept secrets - Chapin Forest and Pine Lodge Ski Center. Located at 10381 Hobart Road in Kirtland, the ski lodge has been recently renovated and a truly unique S-ring fire pit awaits all those who embrace this winter wonderland.
In 1949 Frederick Chapin saved this Gildersleeve Mountain area acreage
from suburban sprawl. Saved were over 390 acres and nearly 6 miles of trails now dot the site. A scenic overlook is part of the Lucky Stone Loop and on a clear day the Cleveland skyline is visible - a distance of 18 miles. While hiking the property one will see blue paint on trees. These trees were part of the original Buckeye Trail many years ago. The Quarry Pond area was instrumental in
providing building material for many of Lake County's historic landmarks
including the Kirtland Temple (1833).
On the Hobart road side of the
forest is a ski center managed by Lake Metroparks that offers
snowshoeing and cross country skiing opportunities as yet another means
of fighting off cabin fever. A one mile lighted trail provides another unique hiking
opportunity available to the public until 11pm nightly. Today the 403 total acres include the Twin Ponds Shelter, Forest Shelter, Quarry Shelter and Ledges Shelter as well as the Pine Lodge Ski Center open noon-9pm weekdays and 9 to 9-pm weekends and holidays. Snowshoe rentals start at $3 an hour while x-c skis begin at $5 an hour. Weekend lessons are available in the mornings. Class size is limited so please call in advance to reserve a spot. Private lessons or group programs are possible upon request most days.
For more information your possibilities are-
www.lakemetroparks.com --- includes a 'live' webcam of Chapin Ski Lodge
Call the winter sports hotline daily at 256-2118 x. 4178 for conditions
Call the lodge directly at 256-3810 from noon-9pm weekdays, 9am on weekends to talk to staff
Walk-ins are always Welcome!
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