Ready for a rush you will still be talking about in July?
The Chalet in Strongsville serves up a 700 foot toboggan run that turns chilly nights into pure adrenaline.
You get the wind, the speed, and the glow of fireplaces waiting inside when you need a warm up.
Grab gloves, rally your crew, and find out why locals call this one of Ohio’s coolest winter thrills.
What to expect on the 700 foot run
That first launch off the platform at The Chalet hits you with a jolt of cold air and instant speed. The 700 foot chute is smooth and fast, like a wooden rocket line you can feel in your stomach.
You hear the scrape, see the lights blur, and in seconds you are laughing at how your nerves vanished the moment gravity took over.
Rides are unlimited during your session, which means you can chase that perfect run again and again. The surface conditions change a bit with weather, and some riders swear it is faster on milder days.
Either way, staff keep things moving, giving clear instructions and focusing on safety so you can focus on fun.
Bring gloves because they are required, and you will want them anyway while holding the toboggan rope at the start. You will climb a lot of stairs to earn every ride, so pace yourself and hydrate.
The payoff is worth it when you tuck in, lean forward, and feel the chute carry you like a winter roller coaster.
Lines can grow on weekend afternoons and holidays, so go early if you want more runs. A night session has its own magic, with the lights reflecting on the ice and a quieter buzz.
Whether you are here for your first time or for a tradition you love, the 700 foot run will deliver that giddy grin.
Hours, pricing, and reservations
The Chalet operates seasonally with public hours that center on weekends, so planning ahead pays off. Typical hours list Friday evenings 6 to 9 PM, and Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 12 to 5 PM, while Monday through Thursday are closed for public riding.
Always check the official Cleveland Metroparks page before you go because weather or events can shift the schedule.
Admission has been praised for value, with recent reviews pointing to around fifteen dollars per person for unlimited rides during your time block. That is a strong deal when you consider how many runs you can squeeze in if you time it right.
Reservations are smart, especially during peak days, because popular slots can sell out and walk ups risk long waits.
Arrive a bit early to check in and gear up without stress. You will sign waivers, grab any rental add ons if offered, and confirm your session window.
If the line looks long, do not panic, the crew usually keeps a steady flow and the chute cycles faster than you expect.
If you want to maximize value, aim for the opening bell on weekend afternoons or select a Friday night. Those times often deliver shorter waits and more rides per dollar.
Budget a little extra for snacks or hot chocolate inside the chalet, then call it a perfect winter outing.
How to beat the lines
Lines at The Chalet can swell on weekend afternoons and holidays, especially when schools are out. You can still rack up rides with a little strategy.
Book the earliest available time, arrive fifteen minutes before your slot, and start climbing as soon as you check in.
Friday evenings often feel less crowded than prime Saturday windows, and night rides are extra atmospheric under the lights. If afternoons fit your schedule better, aim for the 12 PM opening bell when energy is high and queue times are manageable.
Keep your crew moving, avoid long photo breaks on the stairs, and you will cycle faster.
Consider riding first, snacking second. The chalet’s fireplace and concessions are tempting, but your session time matters most when lines build.
Warm up after you have banked two or three runs, then head back up while the queue is still reasonable.
Watch the weather too. Slightly warmer days may speed up the chutes and turnover, while frigid days can bring big crowds seeking weekend thrills.
However it shakes out, a calm mindset helps, because even a longer wait ends with a big whoosh down that 700 foot slide.
Safety tips and gear checklist
The Chalet’s staff puts safety first, and you should too. Gloves are required to ride, so pack a warm pair that still lets you grip.
Dress in layers, cover ears and neck, and choose wool socks to keep toes happy while you wait in the queue.
Footing matters on snowy stairs, so wear boots with real traction, not slick fashion soles. If you have a helmet from skiing or biking, bring it for extra confidence, especially for kids.
Follow staff directions at the start, stay behind marked lines, and sit as instructed to keep weight balanced and hands clear.
Secure phones and keys before you ride to avoid distractions or drops. A small crossbody or zip pocket works better than holding items in your hands.
Keep a calm posture during the run, lean slightly forward, and let the toboggan track do the work.
When you finish, exit the runout area quickly so the next sled can clear safely. Help young riders step aside and regroup at a designated spot.
With simple preparation and attention to the rules, you will feel confident and ready for repeat thrills.
Climbing the stairs without burning out
Yes, the stairs at The Chalet are famous, and you will feel them in your legs. The trick is to pace your first climb, not sprint it, so you can ride more.
Take steady steps, use the rail for balance, and pause at a landing if you need to regroup.
Layer smart to avoid overheating on the ascent. Unzip a jacket a little while climbing, then zip back up at the top as you wait to launch.
Hydrate before you arrive and bring a small water bottle for quick sips between rides.
Make a game of it with your crew. Count stairs, trade friendly dares, and celebrate each successful round trip.
Kids especially love earning another go, and the payoff is instant when you drop into that chute and fly.
If mobility is a concern, take extra care and listen to your body. There is no shame in fewer runs if it means comfort and smiles.
At day’s end, you will remember the laughs and that electric whoosh far more than any stair count.
Best times to visit
Timing your visit to The Chalet can make a good day great. Early afternoon openings on weekends are a sweet spot, with fresh energy and shorter initial queues.
Friday nights offer a different vibe, with twinkling lights, a colder bite in the air, and usually a more relaxed crowd.
Holiday breaks draw big numbers, so plan ahead or choose alternate weekends. If you only have one shot during a busy time, arrive early for your reserved slot and head straight for the stairs.
You will likely squeeze in more rides before the late crowd swells.
Watch the weather forecast. A slightly warmer day can deliver slicker, faster runs and a fun contrast to deep winter chills.
Super cold and windy conditions can test patience between rides, so pack hand warmers and extra layers to stay cheerful.
Regardless of timing, the thrill never fades once you launch down the 700 foot chute. Pick your window, plan your layers, and lean into the moment.
You will leave with flushed cheeks, happy legs, and a story your group will repeat all season.
Food, hot chocolate, and warming up
The chalet building is your cozy HQ between runs. Step inside to feel that instant glow from the fireplaces and the hum of families warming up.
Concessions keep it simple and satisfying with hot chocolate, snacks, and quick bites that do not slow you down.
Prices are reasonable, which helps when you are treating a group after a cold lap. Grab your drink, thaw fingers, share run highlights, and then gear up for another climb.
If you prefer, there are outdoor tables and charcoal grills where some visitors heat their own food.
It is smart to plan snack breaks strategically. Ride first while queues are shorter, then warm up when the line stretches.
Keep gloves drying near a vent or in your pocket so they go back on feeling toasty instead of damp.
Remember, hydration matters in winter too. Water plus something warm keeps energy steady and spirits high.
With a little rhythm, you will balance comfort and thrill like a pro and turn the chalet into part of the experience.
Bringing kids and first timers
The Chalet shines for family days and first timers because the setup is welcoming and clear. Staff explain everything, from how to sit on the toboggan to when to go, and they keep a close eye on safety.
Kids who feel nervous usually relax after watching one launch and hearing the cheers that follow.
Make a plan before you climb. Decide who rides together, agree on a meeting spot at the bottom, and remind everyone to exit the runout quickly.
Layer up, check gloves, and tuck scarves so nothing flaps near the sled or blocks vision.
For little legs, the stairs are the big challenge. Keep pace gentle, weave in encouragement, and celebrate after each successful lap.
A photo at the top platform becomes a proud moment and a fun memory to replay later.
Pick earlier sessions if possible so attention spans last longer and lines are shorter. Warm up with cocoa between rides and listen to energy levels.
With patience and a bit of planning, kids and first timers will call this the best winter day of the season.
Private events and group outings
The Chalet doubles as a group magnet, perfect for company parties, school team building, and family gatherings. The setting gives you shared excitement on the chutes and cozy conversation by the fire.
Reviews shout out friendly staff who help events run smoothly even when weather is tricky.
Plan your headcount, confirm available time blocks, and ask about space inside for staging snacks or announcements. Groups can ride together in waves, then regroup for photos and warm ups.
A simple schedule helps, like two rides, a cocoa break, two more rides, then an end of night toast.
Music and decorations are usually handled with light touch, keeping the winter vibe front and center. If you have a DJ or a theme, coordinate with staff so volume and timing fit the flow of riders.
Clear instructions at the start set the tone and keep the line efficient.
Arrive early for check in, distribute wristbands or passes quickly, and remind everyone about stair pacing. With a little structure, the night turns into a highlight reel of cheers, quick climbs, and that glorious whoosh.
Your team will talk about it long after the snow melts.
Weather, speed, and what affects your ride
Weather plays a big role in how your toboggan feels under you. Warmer winter days can make the chute slicker and faster, while very cold temps may feel slightly slower but still thrilling.
Light snow adds atmosphere without changing the basics of a smooth, controlled run.
Your clothing and grip affect comfort too. Streamlined layers reduce flapping fabric, and proper gloves keep your hands where they should be.
Follow the staff’s sit posture and keep weight balanced for the most stable ride.
Another factor is timing. Early sessions can offer fresher surfaces and fewer scuffs, while later sessions may feel a touch quicker depending on how the ice wears.
Either way, the crew monitors conditions and adjusts as needed to keep things safe and fun.
Do not overthink it. Choose a session, dress right, and let gravity do its perfect work.
The variations become part of the charm, giving each lap its own personality and a reason to come back for just one more ride.
Essential planning checklist
Lock in your plan by starting with a reservation for your preferred time slot. Confirm the address at 16200 Valley Pkwy, Strongsville, and set your map before you drive so parking is stress free.
Aim to arrive fifteen minutes early to handle check in and get a jump on the first climb.
Pack gloves, wool socks, traction boots, and layers that zip and unzip easily. Toss in hand warmers, a small water bottle, and a dry bag or zip pocket for your phone.
If you bring kids, add backup mittens and a simple snack to ward off the crankies.
Set a group plan for riding pairs, meeting points, and cocoa breaks. Keep a light pace on the stairs and celebrate each lap to keep motivation high.
Snap one photo at the platform, then stash your phone so you can ride fully present.
Finally, check the official Cleveland Metroparks page the morning of your visit for any changes. Weather and special events can nudge the schedule, and it is easy to adapt if you know early.
With this checklist, you will turn The Chalet into your favorite winter tradition.