Best Ski Resorts In Ontario For Winter 2017
Though the slopes of Mont-Tremblant and Whistler tend to get all of the credit, Ontario is home to some incredible ski locations as well. This winter, take a trip a bit closer to home by checking out one of the many ski resorts close by. From prime mountains in Barrie to Sault Ste. Marie, here are the best ski resorts in Ontario to visit this season for the ultimate winter adventure.
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Blue Mountain is Ontario’s largest year round ski resort. With over 42 trails and 13 lifts, this resort is a major ski destination for all of Canada. On top of the usual skiing and snowboarding, Blue Mountain resort offers other wintertime activities, such as snow-tubing and snowshoeing. For lodging, Blue Mountain Inn is a modern cottage-inspired housing compound with four outdoor hot tubs and an outdoor pool to relax in post-ski. The resort also has a number of spas close by, such as Iwa Spa, a full service wellness destination that offers unique treatments like a yoga practice in a warm volcanic rock studio.
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Mount St. Louis Moonstone Resort
This family owned ski resort was founded 52 years ago by Austrian Alpine skier Josl Huter. Located near Barrie, Mount St. Louis Moonstone is only an hour’s drive from Toronto, making it an ideal retreat for those looking to escape the city. With 36 slopes and 9 chair lifts, this ski resort prides itself on being a family-friendly attraction and is known for their comprehensive lessons for younger ones looking to get their start on the slopes. Though Mount St. Louis does not offer formal accommodation, there are number of hotels in close proximity to the mountain, including Comfort Inn, Best Western and Four Points by Sheraton.
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Located in Barrie, the Horseshoe Resort is home to 29 runs and 45 kilometers of Nordic trails. Coming in at only 308 feet tall, this mountain is great for beginners not ready to tackle the bigger slopes yet. If you get burnt out from skiing and snowboarding, Horseshoe Resort offers a number of other winter activities such as skating, snow-tubing, snowbiking and snowshoeing. The resort offers on-site lodging with a variety of room styles and an indoor pool. The Shizen Spa is also located in the resort and features treatments like facials, massages and scrubs.
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For skiers closer to Northern Ontario, head to Searchmont Resort. Located near Sault Ste. Marie, this resort has 18 runs and 100 acres of terrain. The mountain is on the taller side, with a summit elevation of 1,600 feet, making for a thrilling trip down the slope. Searchmont Resort is home to a selection slope-side villas and chalets available for guests. On top of skiing and snowboarding, the resort offers snowshoeing, snowmobiling, hiking and mountain biking.