The five best ski hills in Ontario, listed

The history of skiing in Ontario is intertwined with the province’s cultural and recreational evolution. Skiing was introduced to Ontario in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily by Norwegian and Swedish immigrants who brought their skiing traditions with them. These Nordic roots were reflected in the early dominance of cross-country skiing before alpine skiing gained popularity.

Ontario’s diverse landscape, with its rolling hills and cold, snowy winters, provided a natural setting for the sport’s growth. The establishment of ski clubs and resorts was pivotal in popularizing skiing in the region. Clubs like the Toronto Ski Club, founded in the 1920s, were among the first to promote and organize skiing activities, including races and social events, which helped build a cohesive skiing community.

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The mid-20th century saw a significant expansion in the number of ski areas and resorts in Ontario, driven by the growing demand for outdoor recreational activities and the increasing accessibility of these regions by car. Resorts like Blue Mountain and Mount St. Louis Moonstone started to offer a range of skiing options, from beginner slopes to more challenging runs, catering to a broad spectrum of skiers.

Infrastructure development, such as the installation of ski lifts and the creation of groomed trails, further enhanced the skiing experience, making the sport more accessible and enjoyable. The introduction of snowmaking technology ensured more reliable ski conditions, extending the skiing season and making the sport less dependent on natural snowfall.

Ontario’s skiing scene has also been marked by a strong competitive spirit, with numerous athletes from the province achieving success in national and international competitions. This competitive aspect has fostered a culture of excellence and continuous improvement in skiing techniques and facilities.

Today, skiing in Ontario is not just a sport but a vital part of the province’s winter tourism and recreation, drawing visitors from all over Canada and beyond. The province’s ski resorts continue to evolve, offering a blend of traditional skiing experiences and modern amenities, ensuring that the legacy of skiing in Ontario endures and thrives. Here are the five best ski hills in Ontario.

Blue Mountain

Blue Mountain Resort, nestled along the shores of Southern Georgian Bay and sprawled across the Niagara Escarpment, has evolved from its modest beginnings into a premier four-season destination. The resort’s journey began in the 1940s when Czechoslovakian-born Jozo Weider started operating it with rudimentary ski lifts. Since then, it has grown to become Ontario’s largest mountain village resort, continually ranking among Canada’s top family-friendly destinations.

The 1960s marked a significant turning point with substantial expansions, including the addition of new lifts and the development of the Central Base Lodge. The subsequent decades saw further growth, with the installation of a major snowmaking system and additional amenities, reinforcing its status as a prime skiing location. Intrawest Corporation’s acquisition in 1999 catalyzed another wave of development, introducing high-speed chairlifts and dramatically improving the resort’s uphill capacity, effectively reducing congestion at the lifts.

Today, Blue Mountain Resort boasts a vibrant pedestrian village at the Base Lodge, featuring a plethora of condominiums, hotels, and an array of dining and shopping options, all set against a European ski resort backdrop. The resort offers a rich tapestry of activities throughout the year. During winter, guests can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, sleigh rides, snowshoeing, and ice skating. The summer months bring opportunities for golf, mountain biking, rock climbing, and zip-lining, among others. This diversity, coupled with its scenic location on the UNESCO-designated Niagara Escarpment, makes Blue Mountain an idyllic retreat for both adventure and relaxation​​​​​​​​.

Searchmont Resort

Searchmont Resort, situated near Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, is a notable skiing destination, particularly cherished for its significant vertical drop and ample terrain, offering a fulfilling skiing experience. Renowned for its natural beauty and scenic rock formations, the resort presents a diverse range of terrains that cater to skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels.

With a vertical drop of approximately 703 feet, the resort provides 26 runs, with 10 extending over a kilometer, making it a paradise for those who love long and thrilling descents. The resort spans about 100 acres of skiable terrain, ensuring ample space for everyone. The terrain park at Searchmont is designed to cater to thrill-seekers, featuring multiple areas with table tops, grind rails, ramps, and barrels, offering a fantastic playground for snowboarders and freestyle skiers.

For those looking to hone their skills, Searchmont Resort is well-equipped with rental facilities, providing the latest equipment in the industry. The resort also offers comprehensive ski lessons, ensuring that beginners and advanced skiers alike can enhance their abilities on the slopes.

The resort prides itself on its snow conditions, boasting an annual average snowfall of 132 inches, supplemented by snowmaking capabilities covering 90% of the terrain. This ensures a consistent and high-quality skiing experience throughout the season.

Despite its impressive offerings, Searchmont Resort is known for maintaining short lift lines, a significant advantage that allows visitors to maximize their time on the slopes. The resort’s lift system, comprising a quad lift, triple lifts, and belts, efficiently manages the skier flow, maintaining a smooth and enjoyable experience for all.

In summary, Searchmont Resort stands out as a premier skiing destination in Ontario, offering a blend of challenging terrain, excellent facilities, and beautiful natural landscapes, ensuring a memorable skiing and snowboarding experience for visitors​​​​​​​​​​.

Calabogie Peaks Resort

Calabogie Peaks Resort, situated near the town of Calabogie in Ontario, Canada, is renowned for being the tallest ski and snowboard resort in the Ottawa area. This resort offers a wide range of skiing and snowboarding options suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced. The longest beginner run in the province, diverse intermediate terrain, and challenging steeps and dips ensure that every visitor finds their sweet spot on the slopes. The resort also boasts the longest run in the province, spanning an impressive 6961 ft (2.1km), and the mountain itself has a summit elevation of 1,285 ft (392m), providing a vertical drop of 780 ft (238m)​​​​.

The resort is not only limited to winter sports. Calabogie Peaks also serves as an all-season destination, offering a variety of activities such as golf, motorsports, and hiking trails. The area is particularly popular in the summer months, drawing in tourists for its golf courses and the Calabogie Motorsports Park, recognized as one of the longest race tracks in Canada. The region’s natural beauty is enhanced by Calabogie Lake and the surrounding cottage town atmosphere, making it a sought-after destination for both adventure and relaxation​​​​.

With an impressive 95% of the terrain covered by snowmaking, Calabogie Peaks ensures quality snow conditions throughout the season. The resort offers 26 trails, with a breakdown of 25% expert/advanced, 45% intermediate, and 30% beginner, catering to a wide range of skill levels. Additionally, the resort is equipped with facilities such as a cafeteria-style eatery, a bar with a big screen TV, a snow school, and rental and repair services, making it a convenient and comfortable destination for winter sports enthusiasts​​​​.

Calabogie Peaks is easily accessible, being approximately 50 miles west of Ottawa, and offers a variety of accommodation options, including the Calabogie Peaks Hotel and Mountain Lodges, ensuring a comfortable stay with amenities like outdoor hot-tubs, indoor swimming pools, fitness rooms, and fine dining restaurants. The resort’s rich history, dating back to its establishment in 1969, and continuous development have made it a premier destination for skiing and much more​​​​.

Mount St. Louis Moonstone

Mount St. Louis Moonstone, a family-owned resort north of Barrie, Ontario, and just over an hour’s drive from Toronto, is a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders in the Toronto area. The resort is well-known for its focus on enhancing snowboarding conditions, having recently added snowboard parks and a range of facilities aimed at improving the snowboarding experience. This includes a pipe Monster Groomer, a Magic Carpet, and snow cams, among others​​.

With a summit elevation of 1,252 feet and a base at 751 feet, Mount St. Louis Moonstone offers a vertical drop of 550 feet. The resort spans 170 skiable acres with 36 trails, and it’s equipped with a lift capacity of 23,600 skiers per hour, ensuring a smooth experience even on busy days. The resort boasts a variety of terrain that caters to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders. Notably, about 50% of the trails are rated more difficult, while 15% are classified as most difficult, ensuring challenges for those seeking them. Snowboarders have the option of three terrain parks, and the resort is equipped with comprehensive snowmaking capabilities, covering 100% of the terrain​​​​.

The resort is characterized by its beginner-friendly slopes, making it an ideal destination for those new to skiing or snowboarding. About 35% of its trails are rated as beginner, and the resort’s Difficulty Score™ places it in the bottom 10% of North American ski areas in terms of overall difficulty, indicating its accessibility for novice skiers. However, it also offers a fair share of more challenging runs for those looking to advance their skills​​.

Mount St. Louis Moonstone doesn’t have accommodations on site but offers plenty of lodging options nearby. Two base chalets provide amenities such as cafeterias, rental shops, and boutiques. The resort also features night skiing, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy the slopes even after the sun goes down. Moreover, the resort provides a range of services including lessons, rentals, and a demo center, alongside childcare options for younger guests​​.

In summary, Mount St. Louis Moonstone stands out for its family-friendly atmosphere, extensive facilities for snowboarding, and a variety of slopes suitable for all skill levels, making it a preferred destination for many winter sports enthusiasts in the Toronto area.

Horseshoe Resort

Horseshoe Resort, positioned just over an hour north of Toronto and near Barrie, is a sought-after destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a plethora of activities across its expansive 275 hectares (680 acres). This family-friendly resort ensures a year-round adventure haven, catering to various preferences and skill levels.

In the winter, Horseshoe Resort transforms into a snowy paradise with 29 slopes for skiing and snowboarding. The resort’s infrastructure supports a vibrant skiing experience, featuring high-speed chair lifts, comprehensive snow-making capabilities, and the option for night skiing. For beginners eager to learn or experts looking to refine their skills, the resort provides an array of lesson options.

The resort is not just limited to winter sports. During warmer seasons, it becomes a hub for a multitude of activities. Guests can indulge in hiking, taking trails such as the Salomon Trail or exploring the expansive Copeland Forest, home to a network of trails suitable for various levels of hikers. The adventurous can try their hand at euro bungy jumping, a unique experience that combines trampolines with bungy jumping for heightened thrills.

Golf enthusiasts have access to two courses at the resort, offering a serene and picturesque environment to enjoy the game. For biking aficionados, the resort offers a selection of downhill mountain biking trails, catering to different skill levels, alongside options for cross-country biking.

After an action-packed day, guests can unwind at the Amba Spa, offering a range of treatments from facials and massages to full-body aromatherapy wraps, or they can look forward to the opening of the new Vetta Nordic Spa.

The resort’s accommodations include comfortable rooms and an array of dining options, ensuring a well-rounded and memorable stay for guests. Whether it’s for adventure or relaxation, Horseshoe Resort offers a versatile and enriching experience for visitors throughout the year​​​​​​​​​​.