A Travel Guide to Blue Mountain Resort
Blue Mountain Resort is a top ski destination for families. It’s located in southern Ontario, nestled in the Georgian Bay near Nottawasaga Bay. Lake Huron lies to the west and Lake Ontario, to the southeast. The mountaintop views are breathtaking. With its 220 metres of vertical drop, 364 skiable acres, and 42 runs (including 30 that are lit for night skiing), Blue Mountain Resort has carved out a place among the top ski areas in Ontario—and even in Canada. In fact, it consistently ranks among the country’s top resorts. Whatever your level, whether you’re just starting out with your first runs or dialling in a huge trick, you’ll surely have a mountain of fun and return home with plenty of memories.
Every year, the mountain receives just over 300 cm of snow, making the resort an enjoyable, reliable destination for snow. Keep in mind that its proximity to the Great Lakes means abundant lake effect snow. This occurs when cold air passes over the warmer waters of a lake. Some of the water evaporates and warms the air. The humid air then moves away from the lake. After cooling down, it releases that moisture onto the ground, often turning into snow. The snowfall is often significant. Moreover, the resort’s excellent snowmaking capabilities result in more consistent, extremely enjoyable conditions. It’s no wonder that it’s Ontario’s most popular resort.
Key Stats
220 metres of vertical drop
364 acres of skiable terrain
13 lifts
Lift capacity 26,750 hourly
42 runs, including 30 lit for night skiing
- 11 green runs (green)
- 15 intermediate runs (blue)
- 8 advanced runs (black)
- 8 expert runs (double black diamonds)
3 snow parks
1.6 km: longest trail, the winding Gord’s Groove.
Just over 300 cm of snow yearly
3rd most-visited ski resort in Canada
About a 2-hour drive from Toronto
Snow parks
Who said that snow parks are only for pulling off spectacular tricks?
Blue Mountain Resort has democratized freestyle skiing and riding by offering three snow parks for different levels. For novice and intermediate freestyle skiers and snowboarders, L-Park and Yahoo are the perfect places to hone their skills. Those with more experience, who enjoy spinning through the air, will be stoked about the Badlands Park.
Where to sleep and eat?
Beyond the splendid skiing conditions, Blue Mountain Resort has a highly regarded pedestrian village reminiscent of Europe. The fantastic restaurants and hotels at the base of the mountain attract many patrons. The lively atmosphere is also a big draw. Whether you want to have a fun family outing, celebrate après-ski in style, or refresh your wardrobe, Blue Mountain Resort has what it takes to meet and exceed your highest expectations.
Accommodations
Looking for a place to spend the night? At Blue Mountain Resort’s village, many accommodation choices are available. There are nine accommodation options, with more than 1,000 units, ranging from hotel rooms to private homes. You’re sure to find something that meets your needs and budget.
Food service
Want a quick bite between runs? A hearty meal after a long day of hitting the slopes? At Blue Mountain Resort’s village, there’s something for everyone. On site, you’ll find dining establishments perfect for fuelling up before skiing, meal breaks, hot chocolate, and après-ski. Between restaurants, bakeries, cafés, and bars, there’s no lack of choices!
The village offers nearly 30 restaurant options. Enjoy breakfast at The Pottery, ski to the base of the Waterfall and Cruiser runs to South Bite for a snack between descents, or if you have a sweet tooth, head to Death Cookies to try their decadent goodies.
For après-ski, several venues—each designed for the ultimate post-skiing experience—offer up a vibrant atmosphere. The Bullwheel Pub, for example, features live music. As if that wasn’t enough, outstanding specials, like beer for $5 on Saturdays from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. really make you want to hang out a bit longer. At Jozo’s Original Après restaurant and bar, you can also enjoy live music. Fan of Bloody Caesars? The 1858 Caesar Bar will treat your taste buds to more than 20 different kinds of the iconic cocktail that’s perfect for après-ski. Enjoy original Bloody Caesars or unleash your imagination and create your own!
Meet at Off-Piste Après Garden for an extraordinary experience. It’s patio season year-round at this outdoor restaurant perched atop the Waterfall trail. This ultimate winter gathering spot offers games, fire pits, live music, craft beers, refreshing drinks, and freshly cooked baked dishes. What more could you ask for? Truly special out-of-bounds adventures happen at the Off-Piste Après Garden.
Activities
If skiing isn’t your favourite activity or if you like to mix things up during a trip, the resort offers a host of options for the whole family.
Enjoy an outdoor skating ring, explore snowy trails on fat bikes or snowshoes, or venture out on AT skis and take in the breathtaking views. For an adrenaline hit, treat yourself to a ride on the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster, am slpine slide that weaves through the woods.
Wellness and Relaxation
After a busy day, spoil yourself with some relaxation and exploration. The village has more than 20 shops, such as The North Face, Columbia Sportswear, Burton, and L’Occitane en Provence, in addition to off-site stores to meet all your needs, whether you’re looking for sportswear, souvenirs, or local products.
As for wellness, two outstanding spas invite you to fully unwind. The Iwa Spa is a wellness centre offering various services, creative packages, a shop with exclusive products, and unique yoga sessions on heated volcanic rocks. Their vision is expressed in every detail, from the warm welcome to personalized experiences. The Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain offers a relaxing experience in nature with hot baths, saunas, waterfalls, and relaxation areas. Add a massage to take your relaxation to the next level. Or take a stroll on the forest bathing trail, browse in a shop, and lounge at a bistro.
