While we’re still waiting for the snow to fall here in Toronto, the slopes surrounding Toronto and the GTA are covered with wonderful, fluffy snowflakes. It’s time to hit the slopes, everyone! Whether you’re ready to plan a longer excursion, or something closer to home, we’ve rounded up 10 great ski hills close to Toronto.
If your family is new to the world of skiing, most ski hills also offer ski lessons for kids starting at 4 years old. The hills also have beginner slopes, so your little ones can learn the basics before hitting the black diamonds.
You also need to ensure you’ve got all the proper gear. You’ll not only need skis and boots (or a snowboard and boots), as well as a helmet. Most ski hills and resorts will have rentals for the above equipment but don’t forget you’re kids will also need snowsuits, waterproof gloves, and SPF protection.
Take a look at our top 10 picks for the best places to go downhill skiing with your family near Toronto.
Horseshoe Resort • Barrie
Located just an hour north of Toronto, Horseshoe Resort is ideal for fun-filled family ski and snowboard trips. Hit one of the 29 alpine trails or register your kids in ski and snowboard lessons. They offer both private and group lessons and run March Break ski camps. Once you’re done on the slopes, take a spin around their slope-side skating rink, fly down their snow tubing hill, or explore the beauty of the Copeland Forest by snowshoe.
Brimacombe • Orono
Rated “The Best in the Snow Business” by the Canadian Ski Council, Brimacombe has something for everyone. They have 23 runs and trails during the day, and 11 runs open for night skiing. Brimacombe is great for the adrenaline junkie with 2 terrain parks and riglet park. And they have 100% snowmaking coverage, so even if Toronto is bare, a short 1 hour will deliver you to Brimacombe’s snow-covered slopes.
Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Club • North York
While this may be the closest ski hill to Toronto, Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Club does require colder temperatures to create their snow. As of today, Earl Bales is expected to open January 15, 2020. They also offer a variety of skiing and snowboarding programs for everyone from beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders.
Lakeridge • Uxbridge
Less than an hour’s drive from Toronto,Lakeridge Resort is nestled in the beautiful Oak Ridges Moraine. There are 23 runs spread over 70 acres that cater to everyone from beginners to experts. If you’re looking to ski moguls, hit a snow tubing park, or shred it up in a snowboard park, Lakeridge is the place for you. They also offer lessons, rentals, and ski and snowboard repairs.
Dagmar Ski Resort • Uxbridge
Fifty minutes north-east of Toronto lies Dagmar Ski Resort, the GTA’s go-to family resort. From learn-to-ski lessons, 2 magic carpet lifts, and specialized children’s instructors, their Family Learning Center has everything you need to have a great family ski day. Dagmar’s scenic slopes provide a fun and exciting learning experience for all.
Glen Eden • Milton
In just a short 50 minute drive to the west of Toronto, you’ll find yourself at Glen Eden ski hill. They have everything you need to have a great day of winter family fun—a rental shop, skiing, a fully-equipped terrain park for snowboarders, and lessons for all ages and skill levels. With four trails in their learning centre, Glen Eden is a great place to teach your little ones to learn to ski or snowboard.
Blue Mountain • Collingwood
If you’re ready to take a longer trip, Blue Mountain is located two hours north of Toronto. With everything you could possibly need onsite, Blue Mountain is great for a day on the slopes or for a weekend away this winter. They have lessons for kids for all skill levels, an indoor aquatic centre, onsite lodging, and even childcare options available.
Mount St. Louis Moonstone • Coldwater
Located just north of Barrie in the snow belt region of Ontario, Mount St. Louis Moonstone is only a 1.5-hour drive from Toronto. With 36 slopes to choose from, Moonstone is one of the largest family-owned ski resorts in Ontario offering great ski hills for skiing and snowboarding. The resort has a reputation for being family-friendly and accommodating the beginner skier to the most advanced skier.
Hockley Valley • Mono
Just one hour north of Toronto, Hockley Valleyhas 16 runs, from beginner to double black diamond. They have a 100% fully lit terrain for night skiing, and Friday nights are family nights—for $99 the whole family can ski all night and get 50% off any rentals. They also have Riglet snowboard lessons for ages 3 to 8 for any kids that are looking to slide over rails, boxes, and ramps.
