The mountain itself is located at 1000 Snow Valley Road in Zanesfield, but that’s only half the story. Only a few minutes down the road in downtown Bellefontaine, you’ll find a whole different kind of memorable experiences waiting for you.

A day of skiing and then heading into Bellefontaine? It’s a match made in Heaven.

While Mad River Mountain is renowned for its world-class skiing, the town of Bellefontaine is rapidly becoming a fantastic place to unwind after a long day on the slopes. And if you are planning to visit for a few days on the terrain, there are plenty of great options for lodging.

Why Bellefontaine Should Be on Your Itinerary

Bellefontaine is well and truly back in the spotlight, and it’s looking better than ever. In fact, over 58 historic buildings have been lovingly restored into unique shops and eateries for visitors to Mad River Mountain. The result is that more and more people are discovering this fantastic little town as the perfect place for a day trip or as a base for a multi-day skiing adventure.

It’s got to the point where we’re starting to see more and more regular visitors. Curious why? Come visit, and find out! It’s one thing to read information here; it’s quite another to experience it for yourself.

After the Ski Resort: Food & Fun

After a day of carving up the mountain on your skis, you’re going to be starving. (Trust us, we know from experience!) So, here are a few of our top picks for grabbing a bite to eat and warming up in the cold at Mad River Mountain:

• Brewfontaine: Ohio’s number one beer bar! You can get a great craft pint and a fantastic panini to go with it, all in a cozy environment that’s perfect for unwinding after a day of skiing. This is a great spot to hang out with friends.
• Six Hundred Downtown: The owner is a six-time world pizza champion—you might have guessed that already, though. They make their pizzas in old-world brick ovens at 600 degrees, which gives them a taste like no other. Try the award-winning “Montana” or the world-famous garlic knots.
• The Syndicate: There’s a great story behind this place. It’s a beautifully restored 1940s- newsstand-turned-restaurant, with a custom bar made from glass and a gourmet menu that’s got something for everyone—from prime steaks to a huge brunch on the weekends. It makes a great date night!
• The Flying Pepper Cantina: If you love the flavors of Mexico, then this is the place to go. They make all their dishes from scratch, using regional recipes to bring a taste of Mexico to Bellefontaine. Try the street tacos, birria, or a handmade guava margarita.
• The Morning Riot: This place is a riot—fun, quirky, and full of color. They do the most amazing breakfast sandwiches, like the “Common Man” on an everything bagel with hollandaise. It’s a great place to fuel up for the day or grab a treat after a skiing session.

Unbelievable Antique Hunting

Bellefontaine is also a strong stop for antique and vintage lovers. You have to check out these two massive antique shops in Bellefontaine:

• The Olde Mint Antiques: This is a four-story treasure trove in the heart of the old town. You can lose yourself for hours browsing their collection of vintage furniture, rare books, and just about anything else you can think of.
• The Nest 1896: This place is like a Christmas miracle—over 60 local vendors all under one roof. It’s like a one-stop shop for vintage vinyl records, antique furniture, handmade jewelry, and just about anything else you could imagine. Have a question? You’ll find someone with a smile on their face, happy to help you.

Something for Everyone

• The Naked Goat Bath & Body: If you’re looking for natural skincare products that are actually made with goat milk, then this is the place to go. Their soaps, lotions, and multi-balms are perfect for soothing dry skin after a day skiing in the wind at Mad River Mountain.
• Queen of Hearts: This is a luxury gift shop that’s just a little bit different. They’ve got gourmet chocolates, beautiful pottery, and all sorts of other lovely things to treat yourself to.
• The Fun Company: Since 1983, this place has been a local favorite for toys, games, and just about every other kind of fun thing you can imagine. It’s a great place to keep the kids and adults entertained for hours.

Modern Perks & Amenities

To make your visit to Mad River Mountain as easy as possible, we’ve also got a DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) set up in the town. So, grab a drink from a local spot and enjoy it while you wander around the shops.

More to See & Do Around Mad River Mountain – Weekend Getaway

If you’re looking to turn a day of skiing into a whole weekend, you’ve got plenty of options to weigh in on when you’re looking to book some lodging nearby. Here’s what’s on the agenda:

• Axe Quacks: Check out NEW duckpin bowling right in Downtown Bellefontaine.  
• Make Time: Make time for new creations including pouring your own candle.
• The Holland Theatre: Catch a show in this beautifully restored historic loc
• Putt & Play: Golf in the cold with their indoor gold simulators and putt putt course.

Quick Tips for Making the Most of Your Mad River Mountain Visit

• Winter Bonus: Be aware that Bellefontaine gets pretty crazy in the winter, so make sure to get your dinner reservations and lodging locked down as early in the week as you can. Why not get things moving today?
• Before You Go: Give the official page a look to find out what the snow’s looking like and get up to speed on trail conditions.
• Manage Your Account: Go ahead and log in to grab that season pass or book a lesson in advance—easy peasy.
• Rent, Refine, Re-Ski: Don’t have your own gear? No problem! Mad River Mountain has what you need. They offer all sorts of rentals, plus lessons to get you skiing in no time.