Updated October 31, 2022
While Toronto is commonly seen as a big city full of concrete and buildings, it’s a surprisingly incredible city for outdoor adventures. Wintertime is no exception – there are several amazing places to get outside and go snowboarding or skiing near Toronto. To help you plan an incredible winter getaway, we’ve compiled this list of the best ski resorts near Toronto!
Want more outdoor activities in Toronto?
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The Best Places to Go Snowboarding & Skiing Near Toronto
Glen Eden
- Distance from Toronto: 61 kilometers (50 minutes)
- Accommodations Available: Not on site
- Ability Level: All levels, mostly beginner and intermediate
Located under one hour from Toronto, Glen Eden Resort is a fantastic family-friendly choice for beginner skiers. This small resort consists of just 12 trails across 10 acres, ranging from beginner to advanced. Beginner snowboarders and skiers can opt to participate in the CORE program, which caters to first-time riders.
Because of its proximity to Toronto, Glen Eden is perfect for a day trip or an afternoon on the slopes. The prices here are reasonable compared to the larger resort, making skiing here especially attractive for Toronto dwellers and beginners. In addition to downhill skiing, you can also try snowshoeing and cross-country skiing there as well.
Lakeridge
- Distance from Toronto: 65.6 kilometers (< 1 hour)
- Accommodations Available: Not on site
- Ability Level: All levels
Lakeridge is one of the closest ski resorts near Toronto, perfect for a day trip or even a quick afternoon on the slopes. With 23 trails over 70 acres of skiable terrain, it’s a pretty small resort that has beginner to advanced slopes. Here, you can go skiing, snowboarding, and tubing – there are designated areas for each sport within the park. Some even say that Lakeridge had the first ski tow in the Toronto area!
Not only is Lakeridge easily accessible from Toronto, but it’s also one of the most affordable places to ski. Toronto locals can purchase special coupon booklets with vouchers, or take advantage of lots of Groupon deals for the resort. Visitors love that the resort is friendly for beginners and first-timers, but has smooth progressions to challenge yourself and build your skills. Also note that it can get icy during the coldest days, so be sure to check the daily snow conditions on their website before planning a trip.
Hockley Valley
- Distance from Toronto: 81 kilometers (1 hour)
- Accommodations Available: Yes, the Hockley Valley Resort
- Ability Level: All levels
As one of the closest ski resorts to Toronto, Hockley Valley is an easy day trip or weekend getaway for frolicking in the snow. While it’s a smaller resort with just 16 trails, Toronto dwellers love it because it’s just 1 hour outside of the city and has extended night skiing hours perfect for an after-work ski or snowboard session. There are trails ranging from bunny hills to double black diamonds, so you know a day of skiing here will have something for everyone.
We love promoting businesses that care about sustainability, and Hockley Valley embodies these values to a T. Their goal is to become the greenest ski resort in Ontario and has many ongoing initiatives to back that up. While the resort is often seen as “no frills,” it’s a great, close option for snowboarding or skiing near Toronto.
Chicopee
- Distance from Toronto: 102 kilometers (~1 hour)
- Accommodations Available: Not on site
- Ability Level: All levels
Chicopee is a small area to go skiing and snowboarding near Toronto. Clocking in at about an hour away from the city, the resort’s 14 trails are a day and night attraction for winter sports lovers. The resort was a pioneer for club skiing; it started in the 1930’s by a group called “Dutch Companee,” making a name for itself in the area across generations. For beginners, there’s a snow school where you can opt to take lessons.
Locals love Chicopee because it’s close to Toronto and considered to be an “inner city gem.” It’s also considered to be an important part of Kitchener’s history, and is owned by a local non-profit organization. You can even see views of the city from the top of the hill!
Mansfield
- Distance from Toronto: 106 kilometers (~1 hr 20 min)
- Accommodations Available: Not on site
- Ability Level: All levels, mostly intermediate and advanced
Mansfield is one of the most beloved, small ski resorts near Toronto, with plenty of skiing and snowboarding trails for all levels. Started in the 60’s, the resort was known originally as “Mansfield Skiways.” Ever since, it has been a ski club focused in its members. At less than 1.5 hours from the city, Mansfield Ski Club is an easy day trip or weekend getaway for those wanting to hit the slopes. On site, there are 17 trails, the majority of which cater to intermediate and advanced level skiers and snowboarders.
Visitors and locals love Mansfield Ski Club for its impeccably groomed trails, private, exclusive vibe, and social atmosphere. You can also try snowshoeing and snow biking here if you’re looking for a change of scenery.
Horseshoe Valley
- Distance from Toronto: 127 kilometers (1 hour, 20 minutes)
- Accommodations Available: Yes, at Horseshoe Valley Resort
- Experience Levels: All levels, mostly difficult
Horseshoe Valley is a winter lover’s paradise – this resort offers the best of skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking, and tubing to intrepid city dwellers. At just 1 hour and 20 minutes from the city, Horseshoe Valley is a beloved spot for snowboarding and skiing near Toronto. As one of the larger ski resorts in Ontario, there are a mix of trails across 57 acres ranging from easy to expert-level.
With a ski school and several non-skiing/snowboarding resort amenities, there’s a ton to do here on and off the slopes. To get the most for your money, you can get great deals on lift tickets with their Double Play discount. Most people who visit Horseshoe Valley like it because it’s easy to get to and affordable, and has something for everyone, even first-timers and non-skiers.
Blue Mountain
- Distance from Toronto: 159 kilometers (2 hours)
- Accommodations Available: Yes, at the Blue Mountain Resort
- Experience Level: All levels
Located in one of the most picturesque areas of Ontario, Blue Mountain has 43 trails (30 for night use) across 364 skiable acres. Described by many as the “perfect Canadian getaway,” Blue Mountain Resort is a truly gorgeous winter escape for snowboarding and skiing near Toronto.
For when you’re not shredding the slopes, the resort boast an indoor tennis court and is close to several cute, small mountain towns with local shops and restaurants. During the holidays, the resort gets totally decked out in adorable lights and decorations. (Did we mention it’s an amazing place for a winter getaway?!)
Snow Valley
- Distance from Toronto: 118 kilometers (1 hour, 20 minutes)
- Accommodations Available: Not on site, but you can find several hotels nearby
- Ability Level: All levels, family-oriented and beginner-friendly
Snow Valley is a tiny ski resort – just 40 skiable acres – located less than 1.5 hours from Toronto. This recreational area is more of a ski hill and less of a full-scale resort, but it’s beloved by locals and visitors nonetheless.
Named as Ontario’s best ski hill for kids by Ski Canada Magazine, Snow Valley’s emphasis is on beginners and family skiing. In fact, there’s a special 2-hour discount pass, the Family Value Pack, designed specifically for families with young kids. The resort boasts one of the largest ski schools in Ontario. There’s also snow tubing, snowshoeing, and other winter sports available on site.
Mount St. Louis Moonstone
- Distance from Toronto: 142 kilometers (1.5 hours)
- Accommodations Available: Not on site
- Ability Level: All levels
As one of the largest family owned resorts in Ontario, Mount St. Louis Moonstone is one of the most adored ski resorts near Toronto. On site, they’ve got 36 trails across 2 mountains that are a mix of easy, intermediate, and difficult. And snowboarders, you’re in luck here, as the resort has special coaching programs just for you (sorry skiers, but you get a lot of love elsewhere).
Visitors like Mount St. Louis for its progressive trails that make learning easy. With 8 parks across various experience levels, it’s a fantastic place to learn new skills or practice. There’s also night skiing so you can extend the amount of time you’re on the slopes well into the evening hours. Note that while the resort makes every effort to maintain and groom trails, the weather here can often be windy and rainy, causing slopes to be icy sometimes.
Hidden Valley Highlands
- Distance from Toronto: 242 kilometers (2.5 hours)
- Accommodations Available: Yes, at Hidden Valley Resort
- Ability Level: All levels
Hidden Valley Highlands is a small, family-friendly, charming ski resort located 2.5 hours from Toronto. Here, you can find 15 trails, most of which are rated as intermediate level. There’s also a ski school for kids and adults, including a fantastic beginner deal called Discover Skiing/Snowboarding, which provides discounts on rentals, lessons, and lift tickets.
The resort is close to the mountain, making it ideal for those wanting to spend a lot of time on the slopes. Night skiing is available on all of the trails as well. Visitors love the well-groomed trails and snowmaking, which means fresh powder more often than not.
Holiday Valley, NY
- Distance from Toronto: 2 hr 45 min (242 km)
- Accommodations Available: Yes, at the Inn at Holiday Valley
- Ability Level: All levels
One of the larger ski resorts near Toronto, Holiday Valley, is actually located in New York state. Crossing the border from Canada to the US is well worth it to ski at the best resort in western New York! This 290-acre resort offers 60 trails, 39 which are open for night skiing. There are a few terrain park areas as well for some more adventurous riding, a few which are friendly for beginners to try. The Mardi Gras Rail Park is a beginner to intermediate level terrain area for those just getting in to park riding.
If you’re planning to visit Holiday Valley Resort, the best time to take advantage of discounts is during the week. It’s a family friendly resort with lodging on-site, perfect for a winter getaway or a weekday vacation. Visitors adore the ski resort as well as the charming town nearby.
Bristol Mountain, NY
- Distance from Toronto: 317 kilometers (~3.5 hours)
- Accommodations Available: Not on site, but many ski/stay packages are available with hotels in Finger Lakes
- Ability Level: All levels
Located in the picturesque Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, Bristol Mountain is a beautiful place to go skiing near Toronto. There are 138 skiable acres of terrain, with the vast majority of Bristol’s 38 trails rated beginner or intermediate-friendly. Another major plus of Bristol Mountain is that most of the trails are lit for night skiing, perfect for extending your slope adventures into the evening. Because 100% of the snow here is man made, the conditions at Bristol Mountain tend to be pristine on most days of the year.
The resort is perfect for beginners and more intermediate skiers and snowboarders alike, with special programs and packages for first-timers. Visitors love Bristol Mountain because it’s one of the most beloved ski hills in upstate New York, with beginner-friendly programs, well-groomed trails, and kind staff. However, some note that the trail splits can be confusing, as many beginner trails connect with more advanced ones. Also, don’t forget to reward yourself with a delicious waffle from the Waffle Hut!
Green Peak Mountain Resort, NY
- Distance from Toronto: 460 kilometers (~4.5 hours)
- Accommodations Available: Yes, at Green Peak Mountain Resort
- Ability Level: All levels
With 56 trails across 220 skiable terrain, Green Peak Mountain Resort is one of New York’s most beloved winter sports hubs and is a fantastic place to go skiing and snowboarding new Toronto. Suitable for all levels, the trails have a fairly even spread across easy, intermediate, and difficult, including 4 terrain parks for some extra fun. Many of the trails are lit up for night access.
For non-skiers and snowboarders, the park offers snow tubing, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing as well. Visitors enjoy the resort because it’s reasonably priced, has a cozy on-site lodge, and includes plenty of family-friendly amenities like an indoor water park. The nearby Finger Lakes region is also a stunning place to explore, with several parks and waterfalls in the area.
Sir Sam’s Ski/Ride
- Distance from Toronto: 227.5 kilometers (~3 hours)
- Accommodations Available: Not on site
- Ability Level: All levels
If you’re looking for a small resort suitable for all levels, Sir Sam’s Ski & Ride is a perfect option. This family-owned ski area has been operating for over 50 years, making it one of the oldest family owned resorts in Ontario. With just 14 trails rated beginner through advanced, there’s a a little something for everyone at Sir Sam’s, which is a perfect spot for avoiding big crowds and commercial resorts. The resort also offers a terrain park, a ski school, and several races throughout the year that are open to the public.
For non-skiers, there are also opportunities to snowshoe on nearby trails, which boast panoramic views of Eagle Lake and Moose Lake. Additionally, the summit of the ski hill has lovely views over Eagle River. Visitors love the friendliness of the owners and staff, and the intimate, family-friendly vibe of the resort.
Peek’N Peak, NY
- Distance from Toronto: 309 kilometers (~3.5 hours)
- Accommodations Available: Yes, at the The Peek’N Peak Inn
- Ability Level: All levels, mostly intermediate
Peek’N Peak Resort is one of the most beloved places to go skiing near Toronto, located approximately 3.5 hours outside of the city in neighboring New York state. This small, well-run park offers 25 trails and 3 terrain parks, with areas suitable for beginners all the way to more advanced riders. While the majority of trails are intermediate-level, there’s a good mix for everyone to enjoy.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Peek’N Peak offers 7 lanes of snow tubing, a fun activity for riders and non-riders alive. Their program for beginners consists of 5 steps to help reinforce skills learned and build strength. Skiers and snowboarders love the resort for its charming, cozy vibe, and especially enjoy the various amenities – a beautiful restaurant, a sauna, and a hot tub, to name a few.
Swain Resort, NY
- Distance from Toronto: 275 kilometers (~3 hours)
- Accommodations Available: Not on site
- Ability Level: All levels
For a fun, well-rounded winter sports experience, Swain Resort is a smaller but quite comprehensive ski resort near the Finger Lakes area that boasts 35 trails and 2 terrain parks across 120 skiable acres. There’s a good mix of trails ranging from beginner to advanced, with lessons available for first-timers and beginners looking for a refresher. The trails here tend to be slightly shorter than on other mountains, but people enjoy the variety of the terrain.
As one of the less expensive places to ski in New York, visitors love how accessible the resort is for all kinds of skiers and snowboarders. It’s pretty easy to get to, has tons of parking, and boasts a huge rental shop with any kind of equipment you may need.
Calabogie Peaks
- Distance from Toronto: 375 kilometers (~4 hours)
- Accommodations Available: Yes, at the Calabogie Peaks Resort
- Ability Level: All levels
As the tallest mountain resort in Eastern Ontario, Calabogie Peaks offers 24 trails across 80 acres, spread across all levels. Overlooking Sand Bay on Calabogie Lake, there’s no shortage of picturesque views at this resort. With the longest beginner trail in the province, Calabogie Peaks offers tons of opportunities for beginners and those looking to sharpen their skills. With a resort lodge on-site, Calabogie Peaks makes for a perfect winter weekend getaway from Toronto. For non-skiers, there’s an idyllic ski town nearby that is perfect for a mid-winter stroll.
Mont Cascades
- Distance from Toronto: 476 kilometers (~4 hours, 45 min)
- Accommodations Available: Not on-site
- Ability Level: All levels, mostly intermediate
Located just 20 minutes from Ottawa, Mont Cascades is a popular day trip for city dwellers. While it’s not super close to Toronto, it is accessible when paired with a trip to Ottawa or for a long weekend adventure. The resort has 20 trails, the majority of which are intermediate level, across 60 acres of terrain. Gratton is the longest run, which spans two whole miles, and the resort offers one of the only double black diamond trails in the area.
The mountain here is comprised of 2 sides – the North Side and the World Cup Side. These two distinct areas offer a variety of terrain and scenery to explore. Beginners and first-timers can take classes at the ski school and make rental reservations online. For a discount, head to Mont Cascades of Wednesdays, when lift tickets are half off. There are also 25 km of snowshoe trails available via the resort.
Mont Tremblant
- Distance from Toronto: 600 kilometers (~6 hours)
- Accommodations Available: Yes, at the Mont Tremblant Resort
- Experience Levels: All levels, but most trails are intermediate to difficult
As one of the largest and most renowned ski resorts in Canada, Mont Tremblant has an expansive 755 skiable acres, with 102 distinct trails. Mont Tremblant means “the mountain that trembled” in Algonquin, and it’s easy to see why when you arrive at this breathtakingly beautiful spot in the Laurentian Mountains. Some visitors even call out Mont Tremblant as one of the best places to go skiing in the East, and we’re definitely not surprised.
There’s natural snow and snowmaking on the slopes, making for well-maintained conditions for skiers. While there are plenty of resources for beginner skiers, the resort is beloved by more experienced folks looking for a challenge. Mont Tremblant definitely isn’t the cheapest spot on our list, but if you’re looking for a true adventure at one of the most iconic ski resorts in Canada, Mont Tremblant is one of the best ski resorts near Toronto and is definitely worth the trek!
Additional Resources for Skiing Near Toronto
What to Pack
- Waterproof outerwear – Possibly the most critical pieces of clothing for your ski trip packing list is durable, waterproof outerwear. Burton and Helly Hansen are famous ski brands for having best-in-class clothing that will keep you warm in the coldest, snowiest conditions. Click here to shop ski jackets and compare prices.
- Thermal layers – Thermal baselayers are absolutely critical for a smooth skiing experience, as these will keep you warm and dry underneath your outerwear. The best kinds of thermal baselayers are made of Merino wool, which is moisture-wicking and comfortable. Our favorite brand of thermal layers is SmartWool – their tops and leggings are soft, lightweight, but warm and durable for all kinds of outdoor activities, including skiing. Click here to shop thermal tops and leggings and compare prices.
- Ski goggles – No ski trip packing list would be complete without a pair of fog-resistant ski goggles, especially if you’re going somewhere that makes artificial snow. Ski slopes often have snow blowing into the air several times a day and it can be hard to keep freezing snowflakes out of your eyes, even during clear days. We use and recommend these ski goggles. However, you can shop ski goggles and compare reviews/prices here.
If you’re looking for a more comprehensive list of things to pack, head to our Ultimate Ski Trip Packing List to view our full packing list and gear recommendations for the slopes!
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