Despite all the snowfall, Nebraska’s lack of mountains makes skiing or snowboarding seemingly impossible. However, that doesn’t stop Nebraska natives Daniel Zavadil and Matt Porro from shredding the hills at Mahoney State Park.
The park features an abundance of tubing and skiing hills. Zavadil said the record amount of snowfall this season made for fluffy powder on the slopes.
“It’s called ‘Paradise on the Plains’ for a reason. You have to work with what you have,” Zavadil said.
Mahoney provides groomed slopes to maintain ride quality, and Zavadil said he often traverses to Mahoney to snowboard during the winter months. He also emphasized the importance of staying warm in the elements.
“You have to layer up – maybe like a long sleeve, then jacket and then a coat. But it’s a double-edged sword because running up hills makes you sweaty. There [are] no ski lifts in Nebraska,” he said with a smirk.
Beginner snowboarder Matthew Porro said he purchased snowboarding gear to learn the sport in Nebraska before eventually heading to Colorado. He said The Metro’s desolate winters are peaceful and reflective.
“I can just vibe – shred a little bit and hang with friends. Who doesn’t enjoy that? It’s just me and the birds,” Porro said.
