14 Top-Rated Ski Resorts in Ontario, 2023/24

If you love to ski and you live in Ontario, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that nearly 60 ski resorts operate here.

Regardless of the type of skiing you’re looking for, you can find it somewhere in the province. Crave a total resort experience with the most modern lifts and a fairy-tale town? Head to Blue Mountain. Looking for deep natural snow? Ski resorts in Ontario’s snowbelt regions deliver. Interested in fun family ski resorts near Toronto? Check out some local hills like Dagmar or Glen Eden. The choices and destinations are as varied as the terrain.

Don’t be afraid to venture further afield to remote areas in search of a ski resort. The increase in drive time will easily translate into more vertical due to less time spent in line. The ski hills farther from major cities have less visitors but still feature impressive vertical drops and uphill capacity. You’ll also find that accommodation, lift tickets, and food prices are substantially lower.

To learn more about where to go, see our list of the best ski resorts in Ontario.

1. Blue Mountain Resort

Located just 2.5 hours northeast of Toronto on the Niagara Escarpment, Blue Mountain Resort is the largest ski resort in Ontario. It offers an extensive array of runs, ranging from wide groomers to twisty routes through the trees, and even some knee bashing bumps.

This is my go-to ski hill for skiing near Toronto. It’s a fun, easy to get to, and the facilities are first-rate. If I see a lake-effect snowstorm developing up near Collingwood, I will plan to make the drive and get my skis onto the deep white stuff that falls in copious quantities. I’ll also head up there in the late season when the sun is shining and the snow turns to a mashed potato consistency. There’s nothing quite like those spring ski days followed by some patio time in the village. What I won’t do, however, is ski at Blue Mountain on a weekend. It’s completely bonkers with long lineups at the lifts and crowded ski runs.

The three terrain parks — Grove, Badlands, and L Park — have all the bumps, humps, rails, and boxes for you to test your skills and see how brave you really are.

Part of Blue Mountain’s allure is the village located at the base. Here, you can find luxury accommodation, great shopping in unique boutiques, and everything from fine dining to casual restaurants. One of the most convenient and best places to stay is The Westin Trillium House, Blue Mountain .

Blue, as it is most commonly referred to by locals, has incredible snowmaking coverage, with over 600 snow guns ensuring wonderful soft snow on most runs.

Lift capacity consists of seven chairs and four surface lifts, which amply service the 720 feet (220 meters) of vertical. Although the runs may not be long, the ride to the top is quick, and skiers can rack up some serious vertical over the course of a day.

Passes and Deals: Blue Mountain offers significant deals on lift tickets purchased prior to the season. One of the best is the 5×7, which gets you unlimited midweek skiing and weekend skiing after 3:30pm. As a bonus, you also get night skiing seven days a week, with only limited blackout dates during Christmas, New Year’s Day, and on Family Day in February.

Blue Mountain is part of the IKON Pass program.

Official site: https://www.bluemountain.ca/

Accommodation: Where to Stay in the Blue Mountains

2. Mount St. Louis Moonstone

Just over an hour drive north of Toronto, this resort is an easy destination to reach if you are coming from the city. Like Blue Mountain, Mount St. Louis Moonstone is located in Ontario’s snow belt region, and it generally sees very good conditions. It also has a bit of everything for skiers and boarders.

Those that haven’t skied here in a while will be impressed. Mount St. Louis Moonstone has just installed Ontario’s first 8-seater chairlift. This new chair will be on the Moonstone side of the resort and will have an automated safety bar. It’s the only one of its kind in Ontario and only the second one in Canada.

New Upgrades: Recently, seven million dollars has been invested in new equipment and the changes have been stunning, especially the installation of a six-seat, high-speed chairlift and new lighting for night skiing. The resort has also invested in new RFID ticket scanners at the lifts — no more lifties slowing down the lines by checking tickets.

Out of sight of most guests but hard at work at night is the new Piston Bully PB600 groomer, which has been added to the snow-care fleet. This incredible machine churns out endless miles of spectacular corduroy for those early birds lucky enough to enjoy it.

The base lodge expansion has been a big hit with skiers loving the increased upper level seating and the enlargement of the rental shop.

The 550-foot (168 meter) vertical drop is serviced by nine chairlifts and three magic carpets.

The longest run is over two kilometers, and the resort covers 180 acres of skiable terrain.

Also popular are the resort’s three terrain parks: SkooL YaRd Grom Park, Junkyard Progression Park, and Outback Super Park.

Official site: https://mountstlouis.com/

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Coldwater

3. Horseshoe Resort

About a 1.5-hour drive north of Toronto, Horseshoe Resort is one of the best places in Ontario to learn how to ski. Their ski school has over 100 instructors who will be able to take you from zero to hero in a short period of time. The ski hill is not large, with 29 runs, but has a decent vertical at just over 300 feet (91 meters), making it a perfect size for a family outing.

The resort has undergone a transformation that has been well-received by skiers and boarders. The new snowmaking equipment now churns out piles of the snow, while the new groomers spread it around. Gone are long lift lines, the new High Rider Quad made short work of them.

Horseshoe is a hot spot for boarding and freestyling. The Outlaw terrain park is one of the better ones in Ontario and has a good assortment of humps, bumps, and rails. Three runs include the slopestyle Bullpen, with large and medium features; Horsefly Hop, which is all about rails and is progression style; and Rodeo, home to the border cross run.

Horseshoe is more than just downhill skiing and boarding — 20 miles of cross-country trails are available, and fat snow biking is on offer, as is snow tubing. If you still have energy after skiing all day, lace up your ice skates for a pleasant evening out under the stars.

Extensive renovations to the condos at the bases of the hill have recently been completed; some of these units are just steps to the lifts. If you prefer, lower-cost accommodation options are available in Barrie or Orillia, a short distance away.

Passes and Deals: Similar to Blue Mountain, Horseshoe has significant preseason discounts and also has a 5×7 midweek/night skiing pass that is also good for skiing on the weekends after 3:30pm. Unlike Blue Mountain, Horseshoe’s 5×7 pass does not have any blackout dates.

Official site: https://horseshoeresort.com/

4. Loch Lomond Ski Area

Located near Thunder Bay, in Northwestern Ontario, Loch Lomond has been one of the premier skiing destinations in Central Canada for decades, attracting skiers from Ontario, Manitoba, and Minnesota. The ski hill is just minutes from downtown Thunder Bay, where you’ll find a wide variety of places to stay and eat.

Loch Lomond can be easily divided up into the north side, where you’ll find the steepest and most challenging runs, and the south side, where the inclines are gentler and the runs more suited to beginners. Those who like to ski in the trees will find a few runs as will the double black diamond daredevils. The resort also has a terrain park with all the latest features.

If you crave a few more turns, or want to get a few laps in after work, night skiing is available Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 6 until 9pm for an additional fee.

The resort has recently added a tubing park. Unlike many resorts, admission is included with the price of your lift ticket. Tubes can be rented for a modest fee or bring your own toboggan.

Three chairlifts provide access to a 750-foot (229-meter) drop across 17 runs, and night skiing is available on just over half the runs.

Official site: https://www.lochlomond.ca/

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Thunder Bay

5. Hockley Valley Resort

Just a short distance down the road from Horseshoe Valley Resort is Hockey Valley Resort. Similar in nature to Horseshoe Resort, this full-service getaway destination is popular with Torontonians. The vertical drop of 375 feet (114 meters) and 16 runs make this resort perfect for beginners and families with young children. Two fun and challenging terrain parks will keep teenagers happy doing endless laps. Four lifts will whisk you back up to the top quickly.

Night skiing is available six days a week until 9pm each evening.

One of the unique features of Hockley Valley Resort is the ability to purchase timed lift access. If you have young children or just don’t think your legs can handle a full day, consider buying a block of four-hour segments available in packs of eight.

Perfect for a weekend ski trip from Toronto, the comfortable accommodations and resort amenities will allow adults to unwind and relax.

Official site: https://www.hockley.com/

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Mono

6. Calabogie Peaks Resort

Located in the Ottawa Valley, just an hour from Ottawa, is Calabogie Peaks. Built on the slopes of Mount Dickson, this ski resort has the lofty crown of having Ontario’s highest vertical drop at 780 feet (230 meters).

The skiable terrain is more than 80 acres, and the runs here are long, perfect for getting those quads quaking. The hill features 24 runs, along with one that is 1.6 kilometers long. The four terrain parks: Mini Rail Park, Rail Park, Mogul Field, and Snow Cross Track will have boarders sliding, flipping, and catching massive air.

Calabogie Peaks makes for a great weekend getaway. The ski-in, ski-out Calabogie Peaks Hotel offers hotel rooms and condos located right at the base, and an outdoor hot tub is available to soothe those sore muscles.

Off the mountain, snowmobile rentals, cross-country skiing, pond skating, and snowshoeing are available should you have the energy. If not, pull up a chair and sit by the outdoor bonfire pit under the clear winter skies.

Calabogie is part of the INDY Pass program, participants receive two free days.

Official site: https://www.calabogie.com/

7. Sir Sam’s Ski/Ride

If you feel like a weekend getaway in the northern Canadian wilderness, plan a trip to Sir Sam’s Ski/Ride. Located just over three hours from Toronto, the ski hill has a 325-foot (99-meter) vertical drop and is set in some of Ontario’s most beautiful countryside.

Fourteen runs serviced by four chairs, a pony tow, and a covered surface lift will get you back up to the top of the hill. The resort also has a terrain park with the usual rails, bumps, and humps.

A trip here can also be a romantic couples’ getaway by staying at the adults-only Sir Sam’s Inn and Spa. Dating from 1919, the restored inn is cozy and comfortable with fine dining.

Official site: http://sirsams.com/

8. Dagmar Ski Resort

You’ll find all kinds of family fun at Dagmar Ski Resort which even includes a giant dog named Daggy, roaming the bunny hill. At Dagmar, the focus is on learning and the resort prides itself on the talent level of the specialized children’s instructors. Over the years, the ski school has consistently won awards from local media.

It’s not all about kids though – the Family Learning Center has certified snow sports instructors right up to level 4, so if the moguls have caused you trouble over the years, these folks have the solution.

The terrain at Dagmar is family-friendly and not too steep. Four chairlifts and two magic carpets service skiers and boarders on 18 runs. The terrain park is the largest in Durham Region and boasts 60 features. It runs right under the main chairlift, so a ride up usually provides plenty of entertainment.

Dagmar is conveniently located just north of Pickering and Ajax, and access is easy off of the main highways.

Official site: https://www.skidagmar.com/

9. Lakeridge Ski Resort

Less than an hour from Toronto in the rolling hills north of Whitby is Lakeridge Ski Resort. This small resort has 23 runs of varying difficulty across mixed terrain and is an ideal family day trip destination. The vertical drop of 300 feet (91 meters) is impressive for a resort so close to the city.

Lakeridge has some unique and fun runs, including a banked slalom run and a snowcross route. It also has two fantastic terrain parks. The hill has recently upgraded its base facilities with a brand new day lodge that is roomy and bright.

In addition to the skiing, Lakeridge has a large tubing park, open to adults and children. No experience or skills are required except the ability to jump on the tube and head down hill.

Discount lift tickets, including buy one, get one free, or 50 percent off are available in a coupon book the resort has available.

Official site: http://ski-lakeridge.com/

10. Glen Eden

Sixteen short but steep runs and a 240-foot (73-meter) vertical drop are what you’ll find at Glen Eden. Operated as part of the Kelso Conservation District, the hill is an especially popular place for night skiing owing to its location, just a short drive from Toronto and the surrounding cities. It’s easy to spot as you drive east on Highway 401, with the white patch of runs carved out of the Niagara Escarpment.

In addition to the steep runs, a separate beginner area is located away from the main lifts. Here, you’ll find a gentle incline and lots of room to learn to ski or spend time with the youngsters.

Lift tickets are some of the cheapest of the ski hills closest to Toronto. A free shuttle runs every 10 minutes from the parking lot to the ski hill.

Official site: https://gleneden.on.ca/

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Milton

11. Mount Baldy

Thunder Bay’s Mount Baldy, operating for over 60 years, is a family-run ski resort that has long been a popular destination for skiers and boarders. The ski hill has a vertical drop of 475 feet (145 meters) and three lifts.

Mount Baldy has been revitalized with the addition of the new quad last season, skiers are loving the shorter lift ride times and the ability to crank up way more vertical.

In addition to a great terrain park with all kinds of obstacles and bumps, you’ll find 10 runs that skew towards beginner and intermediate skiers. Mount Baldy is a perfect family destination. Lessons and rentals are available, and the large day lodge with its big windows is a great place for lunch or a warm-up.

Natural snow is plentiful here, on the north shore of Lake Superior, and the average snowfall is just over six feet (187 centimeters). The resort also offers a tubing hill and cross-country ski trails.

Official site: https://www.skimountbaldy.ca/

12. Searchmont

Searchmont Resort is located near Sault Ste. Marie and has long been a favorite with local residents and those from the United States, just across the bridge in Michigan. The vertical drop here is impressive at 750 feet (229 meters).

Searchmont has recently invested significant sums in upgrading the resort experience. A brand-new restaurant with giant picture windows has been added at the base area, new snowmaking equipment purchased, and a new groomer joins the team to keep the runs in perfect condition.

The mountain has 21 runs, serviced by four lifts and two belt rides. Eight of the runs are more than a kilometer long — perfect for getting your groove going. You can also test your skills at the terrain park.

The installation of the new Buzzsaw beginner chair was a big hit with learners this past season as was the addition of 30 additional snow guns on the Goulais trail.

Lake effect snow off Lake Superior means natural snow is plentiful, with nearly 11 feet (336 centimeters) annually. The chances of a powder day here are decent. If Mother Nature is being stingy, don’t worry, the mountain has 95 percent snowmaking coverage.

Searchmont has also finished top-to-bottom renovations on the condominiums at the base of the hill, making it one of the only Northshore resorts to offer on-mountain accommodation. Units hold four to twelve people in a variety of configurations.

Official site: http://searchmont.com/

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Searchmont

13. Mount Pakenham

Mount Pakenham is a small, family-focused ski hill near Ottawa. The hill has a drop of 285 feet (85 meters) and only 10 runs, which are mostly designed for beginner and intermediate skiers.

The ski resort is even better now: more snow now that increased snowmaking equipment is fully operational, lift lines are shorter with the new quad chairlift, and 100 percent night skiing lighting coverage now means you can rack up incredible vertical. Cozy up to a stunning new stone fireplace in the day lodge and enjoy better seating as you have lunch.

Uphill capacity consists of three quad chairlifts and a T-bar. Other smaller equipment includes a rope tow, a handle tow, and a carpet lift. A snow tubing park is also on-site, but you have to walk your tube back up to the top. Snowshoe trails wind their way around the resort as well.

Mount Pakenham is a great place to learn to ski. Complete packages including rentals, lessons, helmet, and a lift ticket are available for slightly more than the cost of a single lift ticket.

Official site: https://www.mountpakenham.com/

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Mount Pakenham

14. Antoine Mountain

Located near Mattawa and the Quebec border, Antoine Mountain is the newest ski hill on the Ontario ski scene. Closed and abandoned in 2000, the ski hill reopened in 2015 with a new chairlift, significant trail enhancements, a new rental center, and a renovated ski base lodge.

Antoine Mountain has 15 runs, including the longest run in the province at 2.9 kilometers. The vertical here is 630 feet (192 meters), and the view from the top out over the Ottawa River is beautiful.

Owing to its location, you can be assured of great snow, and with virtually no lift lines, you can expect to rack up an impressive number of runs. A terrain park offers an assortment of rails, ramps, and obstacles.

Official site: https://antoinemountain.ca/

Map of Ski Resorts in Ontario

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ski season in Ontario?

This is a tricky question to answer; however, most ski resorts try to open a few weeks prior to the lucrative school Christmas break.

If December is cold, especially at night, most resorts in the south have almost 100 percent snowmaking coverage, and they can get the key runs well covered.

Resorts farther north tend to rely less on snowmaking, as their generally colder temperatures combined with some help from Mother Nature give them the base they need.

You’ll find the deepest snow in late January into mid-February but also the coldest temperatures and shortest days. The season usually wraps up around late March.

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Skiing near Toronto: If you live in Toronto, your skiing options include more than just resorts in Ontario. You can find great ski resorts in nearby areas of Upstate New York. For a more complete look, see our guide to the best ski resorts near Toronto.