Resorts

by all accounts, "Mount Bohemia" in michigan's upper peninsula is the all around best in the midwest...but it's also 12+ hrs away from dayton. 

you probably already know that, wherever you travel, your best bet is to take advantage of the lake effect snowfall on the eastern areas of the states surrounding the great lakes (imo, if you want man made snow and just park features, you're probably better off just staying local)

From what I can see, New York's "Peek'n Peak" is the closest to you (5.5 hrs) that gets some of the biggest, most consistent lake effect dumps. "Holiday Valley" is 40 min farther, but is in an even more premium lake effect zone....plus it has the equally kick-ass Holimont resort right next door.  Boyne mtn in michgan is the third closest - looks like it has some long runs, but Holiday Valley's are longer and steeper

Thanks guys i appreciate it!