The sparkling snow and thrill of adventure are calling, and you can answer without venturing too far outside Toronto. Before you book a flight to the Rockies or venture to the mountains of Quebec, avail yourself of some of the best ski resorts in Ontario, just a short drive away. Toronto’s ski facilities provide everything from family-friendly beginner slopes to challenging terrain parks and scenic trails. We love to enjoy the majesty that this region and season present. With detailed insights on travel time, standout features, and amenities, you'll find the perfect spot for your next snowy escape. Whether skiing, snowboarding, or simply enjoying the après-ski atmosphere, a nearby resort and ski experience is tailored to fit your needs.
Best Places to Ski Near Toronto
Blue Mountain Resort
Location: Just 2 hours north of Toronto in Collingwood.
Blue Mountain Resort is Ontario’s largest ski resort, boasting over 42 runs and a variety of terrain that caters to skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The resort offers night skiing on multiple slopes, allowing you to extend your day well into the evening. Beyond skiing, the resort features several terrain parks designed for freestyle enthusiasts looking to practice their jumps and tricks.
Activities Beyond Skiing: Blue Mountain isn't just about hitting the slopes. For those who prefer a slower pace, the resort offers snowshoeing trails, mountaintop skating, and a tubing hill, making it a versatile winter playground. One of the biggest draws is the Scandinave Spa, where you can relax in outdoor hot pools surrounded by snow-covered trees after a long day on the mountain.
Quick Tip: Book your accommodations early during peak season, as this popular resort fills up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays.
Horseshoe Resort
Location: Approximately 1.5 hours north of Toronto, near Barrie, Ontario.
Horseshoe Resort is a fantastic choice for families and beginners looking for a well-rounded winter experience. With 28 runs ranging from beginner to intermediate, it’s ideal for those still mastering their skiing or snowboarding skills. The resort also offers night skiing, allowing visitors to extend their time on the slopes after sunset.
Activities Beyond Skiing: Horseshoe Resort stands out for its winter sports options beyond downhill skiing. For those who prefer to explore the scenic trails, there’s cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and even fat biking through the snowy landscape. Families can enjoy tubing for a more lighthearted winter adventure. For those looking to make a weekend of it, Horseshoe offers ski & stay packages, complete with on-site dining options for a hassle-free getaway.
Quick Tip: Take advantage of the resort’s ski & stay packages to make the most of your visit, especially during peak weekends.
Mount St. Louis Moonstone
Location: A quick 1.5-hour drive from Toronto, situated in Coldwater, Ontario.
Renowned for its top-notch grooming and diverse range of runs, Mount St. Louis Moonstone is a favourite among skiers and snowboarders. The resort is particularly popular for its terrain parks, which attract freestyle athletes looking to hone their skills. Despite its relatively compact size, the resort packs in a lot of variety, making it a perfect choice for those who want to avoid the crowds of larger resorts.
Activities Beyond Skiing: While the focus here is very much on skiing and snowboarding, the resort also caters to families and beginners with a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. The resort is family-owned, and this personal touch is reflected in its emphasis on service and the quality of the ski experience.
Quick Tip: If you’re a snowboarder, head straight to the terrain parks for some of the best freestyle features in Ontario.
Glen Eden
Location: Less than an hour from Toronto, in Milton, Ontario.
Glen Eden is the perfect spot for beginners or families looking for an accessible, budget-friendly, or last-minute ski experience. While smaller in scale compared to other resorts, it offers a variety of runs and a focus on skill development that are perfect for beginners. The resort also offers night skiing, making it an easy choice for a spontaneous after-work outing or weekend adventure.
Activities Beyond Skiing: The emphasis here is on education and skill-building, so lessons are available for all ages. There’s also a small terrain park for snowboarders looking to practice in a low-pressure environment.
Quick Tip: Due to its popularity among locals, especially on weekends, consider visiting on a weekday for a quieter experience.
Calabogie Peaks Resort
Location: Approximately 4 hours from Toronto, located in Calabogie, Ontario.
For those willing to venture a bit farther, Calabogie Peaks Resort offers a more serene and scenic skiing experience. Known for having the highest vertical drop in Ontario, it’s a great destination for skiers looking for longer, more challenging runs. The stunning lakeside views and relaxed atmosphere make it ideal for a longer weekend getaway, away from the bustle of Toronto’s closer resorts.
Activities Beyond Skiing: Beyond the slopes, Calabogie Peaks offers a range of winter activities, including snowshoeing and scenic winter hikes. For those interested in unique experiences, the resort even offers ice fishing on the lake. The relaxed setting also makes it a great place to unwind with après-ski options, including cozy dining and lakeside bonfires.
Quick Tip: Plan to stay for a couple of days to fully enjoy everything Calabogie Peaks has to offer, especially if you’re interested in exploring the surrounding trails and lakeside scenery.
Hockley Valley Resort
Location: Located just 1.5 hours north of Toronto, in the scenic hills near Orangeville, Ontario.
Hockley Valley Resort offers a boutique skiing experience focusing on luxury and comfort. While it may not be the largest resort, it makes up for its size with a refined atmosphere, perfect for those looking for an elegant skiing experience. The resort features 16 runs, catering to beginners and intermediate skiers, with a few more challenging slopes for the more skilled patrons. Hockley Valley is also known for its on-site ski school, making it an excellent choice for families wanting to learn together.
Activities Beyond Skiing: What truly sets Hockley Valley apart is its blend of outdoor activities with upscale amenities. The resort is home to a full-service spa, perfect for unwinding after a day on the slopes. There’s also an indoor pool and various dining options, including a farm-to-table restaurant that focuses on locally sourced ingredients. If skiing isn’t your only interest, you can also explore the surrounding area with snowshoeing trails.
Quick Tip: Make dinner reservations in advance if you plan to dine at the resort’s fine dining restaurant, especially on weekends when it tends to fill up quickly.
Lakeridge Ski Resort
Location: Just 1 hour from Toronto, situated in Uxbridge, Ontario.
Lakeridge Ski Resort is a favourite among locals for its varied terrain and close proximity to the city. It offers 23 runs, ranging from beginner-friendly slopes to more challenging black diamond runs, making it an excellent option for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. The resort is particularly popular for its terrain parks, which are well-designed for those interested in freestyle skiing and snowboarding.
Activities Beyond Skiing: Lakeridge is more than just a downhill ski resort. It’s a versatile winter playground with snow tubing hills and a dedicated snowboarding terrain park. For those who prefer cross-country skiing, the resort also features groomed trails that wind through scenic woodlands. Its location within the Oak Ridges Moraine means you’re surrounded by beautiful winter landscapes, making it a perfect spot for snowshoeing as well.
Quick Tip: Arrive early on weekends to avoid the crowds, especially if you’re interested in tubing or the terrain park, as these areas can get busy.
Snow Valley Barrie
Location: Located just under 1.5 hours north of Toronto, close to Barrie.
Snow Valley Barrie is the go-to spot for families ready to enjoy a fun-filled day on the slopes. Focusing on beginner and intermediate skiing, this resort offers 19 runs, making it a fantastic choice for those new to the sport or families with young children. Snow Valley is particularly known for its friendly atmosphere and emphasis on teaching, with excellent ski school programs to get newcomers started.
Activities Beyond Skiing: Snow Valley is famous for its snow tubing park, which is one of the best in Ontario, with multiple lanes that guarantee a thrilling ride for all ages. The resort also offers groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, allowing visitors to enjoy the peaceful winter scenery.
Quick Tip: Consider booking snow tubing tickets in advance, especially on weekends, as it’s a popular attraction that can fill up quickly.
Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre
Location: Conveniently located within the city of Toronto, in the heart of North York.
Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre is a hidden gem for city dwellers who want a quick ski fix without leaving Toronto. This small urban ski hill offers four runs and a terrain park, making it a great spot for a few hours of skiing or snowboarding without the need for a long drive. It’s the perfect place for beginners to practice their skills before heading to a larger resort.
Activities Beyond Skiing: While primarily focused on skiing and snowboarding, the centre also offers lessons for all ages, making it an excellent spot for locals to learn the basics or fine-tune their skills. Its convenient location means you can combine a visit with other city activities for a full day of fun.
Quick Tip: The centre can get busy on weekends, so consider visiting on weekdays for a quieter experience.
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