Photo courtesy Blue Mountain Village
Updated November 30, 2023 / Commissions may be earned from LuxuryOntario’s affiliate partner links
While Ontario can’t lay claim to the kind of spectacular skiing that you’ll find in places like British Columbia or Colorado, it has managed to do a good job with the rather more modest hills and mountains it does have. Standouts include the slopes of The Blue Mountains and Calabogie Peaks, both as popular with seasoned skiers as they are newbies.
Beyond its slopes, the best Ontario ski resorts also offer plenty of après-ski fun to indulge in. From sumptuous spa facilities to fine dining and happy hours at swanky cocktail bars, these winter destinations boast no end of experiences that’ll help you beat the winter blues.
Whether you’re travelling from Toronto, elsewhere in the province, or even from abroad, read through our list of the best ski resorts in Ontario to help you plan the ideal winter getaway.
The Best Ski Resorts in Ontario
Blue Mountain Resort, The Blue Mountains
Ask pretty much any ski- or snowboard enthusiast where they most enjoy hitting the slopes and odds are they say The Blue Mountains (sure, some will say “Collingwood,” but they mean Blue Mountain!). Referred to most often simply as “Blue,” Blue Mountain Resort has an array of slopes that cater to both novices and seasoned ski enthusiasts.
Stretching along the Niagara Escarpment and overlooking spectacular Georgian Bay, the resort’s expansive terrain features a blend of meticulously groomed trails, challenging moguls, and dynamic glades. Beginners will enjoy the gentle inclines of the Green Circle routes, while those craving more of an adrenaline surge can venture onto the Black Diamond trails. The resort’s advanced lift system ensures minimal wait times, maximizing your time on the slopes.
Skiing at Blue Mountain isn’t just a daytime affair. As night falls, the mountain transforms into a luminescent wonderland, with illuminated trails offering an enchanting night-time skiing experience. Beyond the slopes, Blue Mountain Village bustles with activity, with everything from cozy eateries for a little après-ski dining as well as a good mix of boutique shops selling everything from art to fashion and outdoor gear.
There are also several excellent private ski clubs in The Blue Mountains worth considering. These big-ticket memberships are well worth considering if you’re on the lookout for year-round fun in Blue as they offer summer programs, hiking and biking activities, and a great social calendar.
The Blue Mountains is also home to a good number of first-rate accommodations, some of them ski-in, ski-out properties. Check out our feature article on The Best Luxury Hotels in Blue Mountains for ideas, as well as our content related to the best luxury hotels in Collingwood.
Horseshoe Resort, Barrie
Located just an hour’s drive north of Toronto (traffic-depending) near Orillia, Horseshoe Resort provides an intimate yet exhilarating skiing experience that caters to both beginners and seasoned skiers alike.
Horseshoe Resort’s terrain is diverse, offering 29 runs that range from gentle green trails to its more challenging black diamonds. State-of-the-art snow-making capabilities ensure that even in milder winters, the resort can maintain optimal skiing conditions. Beginners can take advantage of the resort’s ski school, where experienced instructors provide hands-on guidance.
Night skiing is a popular option here, with Horseshoe’s lit slopes providing a magical backdrop to your downhill fun. For those looking to mix their skiing with other activities, the resort also offers snowshoeing, snowmobiling, tubing, and cross-country skiing.
While you can book rooms at Horseshoe that are just steps away from the slopes, several other options exist in nearby Orillia hotels as well as hotels in Barrie, both just a short drive away. Dining options at the resort include Eleven01 Stone Oven Pizza and casual food fare at the always-popular Crazy Horse Sports Bar & Grill, as well as the Alpine Cafeteria.
Skiing at Sir Sam’s Ski / Ride, Eagle Lake
Located in the heart of the pretty Haliburton Highlands, Sir Sam’s Ski / Ride is a favourite destination for both local families and visiting winter sports enthusiasts. The resort’s network of 14 runs has options suitable for skiers of all levels, with beginners especially well catered to on the gentler slopes where they can hone their skill, while advanced skiers can challenge themselves on the steeper terrains. There’s a good ski lift system in place which offers excellent views over Eagle Lake as you ride.
Beyond the slopes, Sir Sam’s rustic lodge is a great place to hang out when you’re done. You’ll also want to look into booking a night or two stay at Sir Sam’s Inn & Spa. Widely regarded as one of the best small inns in Ontario, this adults-only resort is also well known for its excellent dining options.
Hockley Valley Resort, Mono
Ontario’s Hockley Valley Resort is located just an hour north of Toronto and is an inviting escape for ski lovers. Known for its meticulously maintained slopes and picturesque vistas, this resort boasts 15 runs that cater to a range of skill levels,
Beginners should cut their teeth on the resort’s gentler slopes where skilled instructors at the ski school can help you get started. For seasoned skiers, the more challenging terrains provide an exciting playground to navigate. The resort also provides a fun night skiing experience.
Off the slopes, you can enjoy fine dining experiences, indulge in spa treatments, or simply unwind in the cozy accommodations. For the latest reviews and rates, and to make reservations, visit Hockley Valley Resort.
Hidden Valley Resort, Huntsville
Situated on picturesque Peninsula Lake in Huntsville, Hidden Valley Resort is known as one of Muskoka’s premier winter destinations thanks to its location next door to the Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area. Steps away from the resort, it features ski runs that cater to all skill levels and is especially good for newcomers to the sport who will find the gentle gradients of beginner slopes welcoming. Seasoned skiers can have fun, too, navigating the more challenging terrain.
A member of the Ascend Hotels group, accommodations at Hidden Valley are good quality and comfortable. The resort also features a good dining program, while Huntsville’s top-notch restaurants are only a short drive away.
Huntsville also has a number of other first-rate accommodation options worth considering. Check out the following content on our LuxuryHuntsville website for more details:
Enjoy Authentic Muskoka @ The Best Cottage Resorts in Huntsville
Cottage Country Class: The Best Luxury Hotels in Huntsville ON
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Kim Kerr is a luxury lifestyle and travel writer. She’s also a Co-Founder of Riley and LuxuryOntario and is proud to call Muskoka, Ontario, “home”.
