15 Best Ski Resorts in Ontario | Top Ski Hills Around the Province

When it comes to Ontario ski resorts, the province has over 50 of them. So, you’ll have no problem finding a place to catch freshies down the hills. But what are the best ski resorts in Ontario for your ideal winter break?

Knowing which resort best suits you can be challenging if you’re a beginner or have last skied in years. But worry not. This list of places to visit this winter has a slope for everybody of all skill sets.

Find the top 15 ski hills and resorts to fill your list of winter activities in Ontario below.

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Tips for Visiting the Best Ski Hills in Ontario

It is exciting packing and planning for a skiing trip. Here are a few tips to help set you up for the best possible winter getaways in Ontario this season: 

When is the Best Time to Visit a Ski Hill in Ontario?

Winter in the province is between December and February, although it’s pretty chilly in November, March, and April too. However, the snowiest months in Ontario are usually January and February. 

January is typically the coldest month of the year. Depending on where you are in the province, the weather can range from daytime lows of -0°C (32°F) to -11°C (12°F).

How Long is the Ski Season?

The ski season in Canada is quite long and could last about six months. You could catch the slopes as early as late November. In some parts of the country, you can still do the last bit of skiing in late April (well into spring).

If you’re considering a last-minute trip to ring in the season early or take advantage of a late snow, we recommend contacting the Ontario ski hills you’re interested in to find out if they are open. You can also check their websites or social media accounts for updates.

Where to Do the Best Skiing in Ontario

These 15 spots are the best ski resorts Ontario has to offer. Whether you’re travelling as a family, on a couple’s getaway, or just hoping for a few days on the slopes with friends, you won’t go wrong with any of these hideaways.

Blue Mountain Resort

Blue Mountain Resort is the biggest Ontario skiing resort. Its snow-covered peaks sit between Ravenna and Collingwood and span across the Niagara Escarpment. It offers family-friendly slopes, runs, and facilities throughout the year, as it’s also situated along the shores of the Southern Georgian Bay.

About 147 hectares of skiable terrain are at an elevation of 219 metres. There are 42 trials of various difficulties. However, if you want a real challenge, try Gord’s Groove. It is the longest run in the park at 1.6 kilometres. There are 12 lifts to various hills in the park, which you can use during the day or for the 30 nighttime trails.

Besides the slopes, the resort also has a quaint pedestrian village with lots of shopping, dining, and nightlife options. And, when it comes to keeping the kids busy off the tracks, there are plenty of options — from clay painting to the aquatic centre and snow school. It’s a great option for those searching for the best winter resorts in Ontario for families.

The Blue Mountain Resort Village Suites are great places to stay. They allow you to be only a stone’s throw from the resort’s top attractions without breaking the bank. Suites are modern and spacious, with big windows allowing lots of natural sunlight and views of the freshly fallen snow.

Glen Eden 

There are about 18 hectares of terrain for skiing, with 13 trails and five lifts. The eight runs range from easy to complex, allowing you to build your comfort level as you go.

When you’ve worked up an appetite in the snow (and you will), you can head to the three on-site eateries in the park. The Snowflake Cafe and trailhead retail shop sell snacks and hot and cold food and drinks. If you want something a little more substantial, the Sunset Grill in the West Lodge is the place to go.

Note: While no accommodation is available in the park, you can stay at many hotels in nearby Milton.

Ski Snow Valley

Running for over 70 years, this ski resort in Barrie has definitely figured out how to have visitors return repeatedly. It is one of the top family ski resorts in the country, at least according to Ski Canada Magazine.

This resort has something for everyone, no matter their age. For the young ones, there are preschool and racing programs where they can improve their skills. And while the kids are occupied, the grownups can shred the slopes at one of the 22 slopes available.

There are a few moderate to difficult runs in the park, including ‘Vertigo,’ the most challenging slope of them all. Of course, the slopes are open for a nighttime shred too. These Barrie ski hills take on a different kind of beauty at night as the brightly lit snow contrasts with the sparkling sky.

But don’t let this scare you off, as there are many other snow activities in the resort, like snow tubing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. 

All the resort’s parks are open during the day, including an Outback Terrain Park that allows you to freestyle at a higher elevation. While the Outback Terrain Park isn’t available at night, the other four parks are. They offer a well-lit terrain under the stars.

While there aren’t any accommodation options on the resort, there are many lodging options just outside the park, like Stone Gate Inn. Here, you can enjoy facilities like golf, indoor pools, a lounge, and a fitness centre, all within a short trip from the ski hills.

Loch Lomond

You may have heard of Loch Lomond in Thunder Bay, as this alpine ski resort is one of the top resorts in Ontario. It sits on the Lake Superior shore, and although it may be a bit small at 24 hectares of ski terrain, there’s no shortage of fun here.

Loch Lomond has 17 runs, with its longest run being 2.4 kilometres. There are four lifts to take you to the top, at 229 metres. While there are a good amount of beginner-friendly runs, 70% of them are for intermediate to advanced skiers. The park offers night skiing at an additional fee on Thursdays to Saturdays.

There is no denying that skiing is the most enjoyable activity in the park. However, there are also a few other activities to partake in here. In mid-2014, the park upgraded its facilities to incorporate more fun. This included an updated patio and deck area, a tube park where you can ride a sled, and more activities for kids.

There are also regularly scheduled park events throughout winter, with competitions, races, and live music.

If you’re a beginner to the Ontario ski scene, you can attend snow school for a few hours to get a quick lesson or refresher on the ropes. But if you’re a seasoned skier, you’ll have no problem challenging yourself to cross-country skiing, four-terrain parks, and more challenging runs. Simply scan your RFID tickets at one of the three lifts to get started.

While Mountain Cat Cafeteria offers a quick bite to eat, the Canthooks Restaurant at the Calabogie Peaks Hotel is more suited for an après ski.

The newly added chalet sits at the foot of the peaks, overlooking the snow-covered landscape. Inside, you’ll find an après cafe perfect for a mid-afternoon bite or sundowners to warm you back up. On Saturdays, patrons are treated to live music while they enjoy poutine, oven-baked pizza, and local drafts.

Searchmont Resort

You can find Searchmont near the St. Marys River in Sault Ste. Marie. Not only is the community home to Searchmont Resort, but it is also home to many outdoor activities in northern Ontario.

You’ll have a blast no matter what season you arrive. However, ski season takes the cake in terms of adrenaline-pumping exercises.

This resort is known by locals for its rugged mountain terrain that offers amazing yet challenging trails. And, while it may be far from nearby cities, its remote location makes for one of the province’s most beautiful and unique ski trails.

The mountain has a 229-meter vertical drop and 26 runs along the alpine-covered landscape. There is also one terrain park where seasoned skiers can try out their tricks with ten jibs and a jump. 

There are a few accommodation options available on-site. You can warm up at the Kiln restaurant by enjoying a drink by the fire or eating a hefty Searchmont classic meal after a long day in the snow.

Horseshoe Resort

Horseshoe Resort offers some of the best skiing in Ontario and is a great biking and golfing retreat. Visiting this great, year-round recreational centre is one of the top things to do in Barrie. This is why we believe it should be considered one of the best resorts in Ontario for families.

The resort’s ski terrains usually open in mid-December for the season, with 29 runs, 24 hectares of ski terrain, and 32 kilometres of cross-country trails. The resort has the province’s longest beginner carpet, making it an excellent park to start as a novice skier.

Besides skiing, the resort also offers other winter activities like snow tubing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. If you’re looking for more activities on wheels, the resort has you covered with fat biking and Yamaha snowmobile riding.

While here, you can stay at one of Horseshoe Resorts’ ski-in ski-out accommodations. The resort has a spa, hot tub, restaurants, and more to keep you entertained out of the cold.

There are also great activities for kids that aren’t skiing. A ticket to the tube park offers you two hours of fun with three runs from about 30 metres high. And, for kids aged eight to 15, there are freestyle and terrain park programs where they can improve their ski skills and compete in friendly competitions.

Tip: On Wednesdays, college and university students get a discount on the six-hour lift and rental tickets.

Lakeridge Ski Resort

This small ski resort is set in the Oak Ridges Moraine near downtown Toronto. It sets itself apart from other ski resorts by adding fun terrains and trails along its 28-hectare landscape.

The resort has 23 runs, two terrain parks, and a tube park fanned over six lanes. While some runs are the usual straight lanes, there is also a fun banked slalom and mogul run. These runs need you to zig-zag between obstacles like flagpoles or bumps to challenge your abilities.

Another fun trail in this park is the snowcross trail, which you’ll embark on with snowmobiles over three parks. Your skill level doesn’t matter here, as everyone has a trial. However, if you want a more relaxed afternoon in the snow, I’d recommend the snow tubing trails instead.

If you’d like to visit this park, you’ll have to act soon as tickets usually sell out quickly.

When you’re tired of skiing, you can go for a round on the snow tubes for just $20, while cross-country skiing is $15. Pick up rentals from the chalet if you don’t have your own gear. The chalet has a canteen, bar, and fireplace to relax after some serious shredding.

Dagmar Ski Resort 

This cross-country ski resort is north of Whitby, less than an hour away from Toronto. It is another great getaway destination for families, as there are a few award-winning ski learning programs here for the little ones.

The 12 hectares of skiable terrain is in Uxbridge, Ontario, about a 50-minute drive from Toronto. The park’s 16 runs and 199-metre summit elevation are incredibly beginner-friendly. There are four chair lifts and two magic carpets to carry you up. This, in addition to the Dagmar Ski School learning programs, is why many families bring their young ones here.

However, older teens or adults shouldn’t feel that that’s all the resort offers. There are also intermediate to difficult trails, like at the Impound or Compound extreme terrain parks. 

Ready for Your Trip to One of the Best Ski Resorts in Ontario?

Ontario is a vast province that gets below-freezing temperatures in winter. So, it’s no surprise that many ski resorts are dotted around. We’ve barely scratched the surface of all the area’s winter fun resorts.

Thankfully, that also means that there are resorts for everyone in the family, from young to old and beginner level to expert. If you think you may be a little rusty since last winter, many resorts offer private or group lessons in snow school to get you back up to speed.

Now, you don’t have an excuse to miss out on any adrenaline-pumping fun in the powder. The next time you’re bored this winter, why not take a weekend road trip from Toronto to these fantastic places to Ski in Ontario?

Do you agree with our list of the best Ontario ski resorts? Did we miss your favourite resort? If so, let us know in the comments!

FAQs

What is the biggest ski mountain in Ontario?

With more than 20 ski resorts across the province, there are options for skiers of all interests and skill levels. But where will you find the biggest resort in the region?

Blue Mountain Resort (Collingwood) holds this title with a total of 364 acres, or 147 hectares, of skiable terrain. This includes 42 named trails and 30 lit night trails from east trails like Happy Valley and the Southern Cross to the more challenging runs for experts, like Avalanche and Elevator Shaft.  

What is the longest ski run in Ontario?

If you are searching for the longest ski run in the province, you will need to take a trip to Antoine Mountain, just outside the town of Mattawa. Located at the base of one of Ontario’s highest mountains, the resort is home to Ontario’s longest ski run at 2.9 km.

What is the steepest ski hill in Ontario?

Adventure seekers who would prefer a steep ski run may be interested in planning a trip to the Ottawa Valley. Here, on the slopes of Mount Dickson, you will find Calabogie Peaks.  The tallest public ski resort in Ontario, Calabogie Peaks also offers the province’s highest vertical drop, a heart-pounding drop of 780 feet.

What gear do I need for an enjoyable day (or night) skiing in Ontario?

If this is your first time skiing, you may be unsure what gear you need. You can rent the necessary ski equipment at most resorts, which is an excellent option for beginners to try the sport without making a significant financial investment.  Speaking from experience, you don’t want to be caught outside on a cold winter’s day without the winter clothes necessary to protect you from the elements!

When getting dressed for your first ski trip, dress in layers, including:

• Thermal base layer, such as long underwear (avoid cotton)
• Fleece or wool sweater
• Insulated winter jacket
• Ski pants
• Mittens or gloves
• Warm wool socks
• Neck warmer or balaclava
• Ski goggles

Don’t forget to put on sunscreen before heading out. While the temperatures may be lower, that doesn’t mean the sun’s rays aren’t beating down on you!