The Top 7 Ski Resorts Near Toronto

Alpine Skiing in Toronto 

Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre 

This unique gem sits on a hill just 20 minutes from downtown Toronto and is accessible by bus and the subway. There’s no mistaking this little hill for Whistler, but what could be more beautifully incongruous than laying down turns at night under a glowing urban skyline? With two beginner slopes, a rope tow, and one intermediate run, it’s a great place for beginners and children to develop their skills. Few ski areas have such affordable lift tickets: prices are as low as $26.38 for adults and $20.87 for kids. And no resort can beat downtown Toronto’s innumerable world-class options for après-ski. 

Number of runs: 3 

Vertical drop: 43 m 

Night skiing: Yes 

Snow park: No 

Glades: No 

Skin track: No 

Food services: No 

Rental/repair shop: Yes 

Alpine Skiing in the Simcoe County Hills 

Horseshoe Valley Resort 

This ski resort bears its name well. The aesthetically pleasing curvature of the north-facing hill does indeed look like a giant horseshoe. It also creates a cold, snowy microclimate. The broad, short runs, leisurely chairlifts, and Ontario’s longest magic carpet let beginners and children ease into their new sport. On the other end of the spectrum, freestyle skiers and riders will love the Outlaw Terrain Park’s huge features, which have been revamped this year for a smoother flow. And all that skiing bliss is just an easy hour-long drive from the city. 

Number of runs: 29 

Vertical drop: 94 m 

Night skiing: Yes 

Snow park: Yes 

Glades: No 

Skin track: No 

Food services: Yes 

Rental/repair shop: Yes 

 

The Junkyard snow park at Mount Saint Louis Moonstone. Photo by Mike Bourdages.

Mount Saint Louis Moonstone 

Mount Saint Louis Moonstone lies just an hour north of Toronto. As one of Ontario’s largest family-owned ski resorts, it combines a friendly atmosphere with state-of-the-art facilities. Its two peaks offer views over the area’s bucolic landscape of fields and wooded hills. The varied terrain accommodates all skier levels. Freestyle skiers and riders have three snow parks to explore. The Junkyard Progression Terrain Park and Outback Terrain Park have massive jumps, ramps, and grind rails. Budding freestyle skiers can hone their skills in the SkooL YaRd. With plenty of parking, on-site rentals, and dining options, the resort makes day trips from the city a breeze. 

Number of runs: 35 

Vertical drop: 168 

Night skiing: Yes 

Snow park: Yes 

Glades: Yes 

Skin track: No 

Food services: Yes 

Rental/repair shop: Yes 

Alpine Skiing in the Georgian Bay Region 

Blue Mountain Resort 

Blue Mountain Resort spans a broad swath of the Niagara Escarpment, where breathtaking views over Lake Huron will heighten your carving flow. The location’s abundant lake effect snow sometimes delivers deep powder days. It’s a ski destination of superlatives—the highest vertical drop, the most visitors, the biggest ski village, and the widest variety of skiing experiences of any resort this close to Toronto (1.5 hours). Advanced skiers can improvise lines through the mountain’s eight glades. Thrill seekers will be stoked about the four snow parks with features for every level. Ski tourers can tackle the 217-meter climb through the woods on Grind trail, then ski down on one of the Orchard runs. The resort is also home to a bustling ski village with many shops, restaurants, accommodations, and an aquatic centre and spa, so those who don’t want to ski all day will have plenty to do.  

Number of runs: 43 

Vertical drop: 220 

Night skiing: Yes 

Snow park: Yes 

Glades: Yes 

Skin track: Yes 

Food services: Yes 

Rental/repair shop: Yes 

Alpine Skiing in the Haliburton Highlands 

The sundeck at Sir Sam's Ski/Ride. Photo courtesy of Tofflemire Photography

Sir Sam’s Ski/Ride

Seeking a resort with a kid-friendly, laid-back vibe? Head north into the Canadian Shield and its frozen lakes, vast woodlands, and rugged hills. With easy parking and short lift lines, the community-owned, family-oriented Sir Sam’s Ski/Ride boasts twelve runs spread over two hillsides. The colder, dry climate and abundant natural snow often create impeccable conditions for smooth carving. Youngsters learning to ski and snowboard can take the covered magic carpet tunnel to the top of the bunny slope. And adults can unwind in Muskoka chairs on the spacious sundeck while sipping local microbrews after a day of spring skiing. 

Number of runs: 12 

Vertical drop: 101 m 

Night skiing: No 

Snow park: Yes 

Glades: No 

Skin track: No 

Food services: Yes 

Rental/repair/pro shop: Yes 

Alpine Skiing in the Muskoka Region 

Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area 

Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area is a member-owned private club in cottage country that’s open to the public. Undoubtedly the Muskoka region’s best ski hill (also the only one!), the resort receives an impressive average 343 cm annual snowfall. It has a quiet, community-oriented atmosphere and serene views over Peninsula Lake and the surrounding forest. Glades with tight trees and a few old-school narrow runs immerse skiers in the woods. The hill also features a competition-class snow park and a kiddie park that lets youngsters practice on small rails and boxes. Craft beer fans will want to stop at Canvas Brewing Company for après-ski with some hearty appetizers and delectable brews. 

Number of runs: 15 

Vertical drop: 100 m 

Night skiing: Yes 

Snow park: Yes 

Glades: Yes 

Skin track: No 

Food services: Yes 

Rental/repair shop: Yes 

Alpine Skiing in the Durham Region 

Brimacombe Ski Resort. Photo Courtesy of Durham Tourism

Brimacombe 

Less than an hour’s drive from Toronto, Brimacombe is a broad ski hill with over 65 acres of skiable terrain served by seven chairlifts. This quick escape from the city lets you breathe some fresh air and soak in the rolling woodlands of the Oak Ridges Moraine. Run by a not-for-profit organization, the mountain doesn’t have the type of development—condos, shops, chalets, and so on—often clustered around ski areas. At the Brim, it’s all about the family-friendly atmosphere and having a blast on the slopes. You normally won’t spend much time finding parking and buying a pass. Once at the top (having taken lift A), bear skier’s right to one of the green runs for a long, scenic cruise. While some steep, narrow black diamond runs can be found between lifts F and G, there isn’t any true expert terrain. For freestyle enthusiasts, the mountain has two snow parks, including one for beginners. 

Number of runs: 23 

Vertical drop: 91 m 

Night skiing: Yes 

Snow park: Yes 

Glades: Yes 

Skin track: No 

Food services: Yes 

Rental/repair shop: Yes