Learn how to downhill ski and snowboard in Ontario

Southwestern Ontario

Boler Mountain

Boler Mountain is a year-round destination for outdoor sports and fun in Southwestern Ontario. It’s a great spot to pick up the basics of downhill skiing and snowboarding with a variety of learning programs for kids and adults.

Check out the discovery packages for first-time skiers and snowboarders, March Break and other holiday specials, private lessons and ski school programs for kids at different ages and stages.

Location: 689 Griffith Street, London

Hamilton, Halton and Brant

Glen Eden

Located in Kelso Conservation Area, Glen Eden offers skiing lessons for every level, from core beginner programs to academy programs for experienced skiers. In addition, private lessons are available with one-on-one instruction.

Learn more about Glen Eden’s Snow School Program to find the best training course for you.

Location: 5234 Kelso Road, Milton

York, Durham and Headwaters

Lakeridge Ski Resort

Experience the beautiful Oak Ridges Moraine ski hills at the Lakeridge Ski Resort. Approximately a 1.5-hour drive north of Toronto, this resort offers winter skiing fun for everyone, including beginners.

Private and semi-private ski lessons are taught by certified instructors and run for seven weeks, ensuring skiers of all ages and skill levels are thoroughly trained before hitting the slopes on their own.

Winter holiday and March Break camps are popular programs offered.

Location: 790 Chalk Lake Road, Uxbridge

Ski Dagmar

Dagmar Resort offers a dedicated student learning centre with specialized and personalized ski and snowboarding instruction for kids and adults of all skill levels. The beginner area features a gentle slope, with more varied terrain as students progress.

From family and private lessons to holiday and March Break programs, Dagmar offers a variety of flexibly ways to learn how to ski.

Location: 1220 Lake Ridge Road, Uxbridge

Hockley Valley Resort

This boutique resort has it all—in addition to the ski and snowboard hill, it features comfortable accommodations, upscale dining, a relaxing spa and a winery. Plus, it’s just a 45-minute drive north of Toronto.

Weekend learning programs and private lessons are available or book the introductory package for a crash course on everything you need to get started.

The easy rider trail and magic carpet conveyor belt back to the top of the hill are designed for both new and learner skiers and snowboarders, while the new beginner terrain park is designed to grow your freestyle skills.

Location: 793522 Mono 3rd Line, Mono

Bruce, Grey and Simcoe

Horseshoe Valley Resort

Directly north of Toronto, Horseshoe Valley Resort in Barrie is one of Ontario’s most popular destinations for winter family fun with resort accommodations and endless winter activities, including skiing. The resort boasts 29 downhill ski and snowboard runs, a terrain park and the longest beginner carpet in Ontario.

Ski and snowboarding instruction is available with catered programs for first-time to advanced skiers, adults and private lessons offers by experienced instructors. The CADS program at Horseshoe provides opportunities for kids and adults with disabilities to experience the thrill of the hill.

Rental ski equipment and lift tickets must be purchased separately.

Location: 1101 Horseshoe Valley Road West, Barrie

Snow Valley Ski Resort

Just west of Barrie, Snow Valley Ski Resort offers a variety of runs for skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing.

Learn to ski and snowboard lessons and programs cater to new skiers of all ages, with ski equipment and helmet rental and timed lift tickets.

Location: 2632 Vespra Valley Road, Minesing

Blue Mountain Resort

Located along Georgian Bay, Blue Mountain Resort is one of Ontario’s most iconic vacation destinations for winter sports and recreation.

Ski and snowboarding lessons are available in a variety of formats, including daily and multi-week programs. A flexible snow school provides ski and snowboard instruction for all ages and abilities, tailored to individual needs, whether one-on-one or in larger groups. Kids’ group lessons focus on having fun on the slopes.

Adaptive ski lessons at Blue Mountain Resort are designed for guests with disabilities or needing special accommodations and are taught by a certified instructor.

Location: 190 Gord Canning Drive, The Blue Mountains

Mount St. Louis Moonstone

Over 30 slopes ranging from bunny hills to advanced runs make this a popular ski destination.

Located in Coldwater, just north of Barrie, the family-owned resort offers beginner packages, including group lessons divided by ages, ski equipment rental and access to lifts for the beginner ski hills.

All downhill skiing lessons are taught by instructors certified by the Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance.

Location: 24 Mount St. Louis Road West, Coldwater

Haliburton Highlands to the Ottawa Valley

Sir Sam’s Ski/Ride

Enjoy 12 groomed runs and scenic views at this Haliburton Highlands ski resort.

Holiday camps for kids, private camps and a variety of group and private snow school lessons offer comfortable learning or relearning to guests of all ages and skill levels. Emphasis is on skill development, safety and fun.

Location: 1054 Liswood Road, Eagle Lake, Haliburton

Mount Pakenham Ski Resort

Approximately a 45-minute drive west of Ottawa, in Mississippi Mills, Mount Pakenham is the perfect day-trip ski destination from the capital.

Flexible ski and snowboard lessons include weekend training programs, gentle parents and tots sessions and evening learning for the adult night owls.

Book a Canadian Adaptive Snowsports (CAD) certified instructor for students with special needs.

Location: 577 Ski Hill Road, Pakenham

Calabogie Peaks Resort

Calabogie Peaks is home to the highest ski hill and most varied terrain in Ontario, but don’t let that deter you. This all-season resort heats up in winter with amazing snow-based adventures, including alpine skiing.

Snow school at Calabogie offers a variety of learn-to-ski and snowboard programs for adults and kids, with both group and private options will help get you in on the action.

The resort offers catered ski lessons led by CADS-certified pros and supportive volunteers. Service animals and support persons are welcome.

Location: 30 Barrett Chute Road, Calabogie

Algonquin Park, Muskoka and Parry Sound

Hidden Valley Ski Resort

In the heart of Muskoka, Hidden Valley Ski Resort is a great place for beginners of all ages to learn the basics of skiing and snowboarding.

Trained snow instructors will guide you through all the steps you’ll need to learn. The snow school offers multi-day camps, adult classes, freestyle programs with Park Labs and of course, private lessons.

Location: 1655 Hidden Valley Road, Huntsville

Northeastern Ontario

Mount Jamieson

On the outskirts of Timmins, Mount Jamieson offers great downhill skiing and snowboarding with a range of easy and challenging hills, as well as snow tubing and a skate park.

Book private ski and snowboard lessons for one-on-one sessions with a certified instructor.

Location: 5050 Kamiskotia Road, Timmins

Laurentian Ski Hill

One of Ontario’s most urban ski experiences, Laurentian Ski Hill is conveniently located within minutes of downtown North Bay with parking and ticket sales at both the top and bottom of the hill. The beginner hill and rentals are situated in the upper lodge.

Book private lessons or register for the snow school program.

Location: 15 Janey Avenue, North Bay

Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma

Searchmont Resort

Searchmont Resort is an exciting ski destination north of Sault Ste. Marie with 26 runs, a terrain park and dedicated beginner trails.

From weekend camps and discover lessons to private instruction, find a learn-to-ski or learn-to-snowboard program that fits your skill level and schedule.

Location: 103 Searchmont Resort Road, Searchmont

Northwest Ontario

Loch Lomond Ski Area

Take full advantage of Northern Ontario’s splendid winter weather at one of Thunder Bay’s favourite snow parks.

Learn the basics and gain confidence on the slopes with weekend programs, holiday camps, catered adult lessons and private instruction.

Location: 1800 Loch Lomond Road, Thunder Bay

Mount Baldy

Another popular skiing and snowboarding destination along Lake Superior’s north shore, Mount Baldy features 1.6 kilometres of beginner terrain.

Ski and snowboarding lessons and programs with an experienced instructor will help you work towards your goal, whether downhill skiing for the first time or polishing a particular skill.

Location: 375 Mount Baldy Road, Shuniah

Tips for getting started

Register early

Whether you simply need a one-hour refresher session or you’re looking for a multi-day learn-to-ski program, book well in advance.

Know what’s included

Clarify what is included in the reservation and what you will need to bring. Some lessons will consist of ski equipment rental and ski lift tickets as part of the beginner packages.

Attend a ski show

Check out Ontario’s top ski and snowboarding shows to learn more about the sport and how to prepare for the upcoming ski season. The annual Toronto Ski & Snowboard Show is held in the fall.

Be prepared with appropriate clothing and equipment

The air gets cold up on the ski hills. Make sure you wear the right clothing and bring all the essentials, such as:

• down winter coat or jacket with a hood that will fit over your helmet
• thermal long underwear (made of wool, synthetic material or silk, but not cotton)
• fleece or wool top
• ski or snow pants
• gloves or mittens
• ski socks
• ski helmet (not mandatory but highly recommended)
• ski goggles
• balaclava or neck warmer
• sunscreen
• extra clothing and gloves

Many ski resorts will offer equipment rentals, such as skis, boots and poles. Check with the ski resort beforehand if you’re planning to rent.

Check the snow conditions

The Ontario Snow Resorts Association provides up-to-date snow conditions at ski hills across the province.

Take advantage of diverse and flexible learning programs at Ontario’s top ski and snowboarding hills. Develop the skills to confidently conquer the slopes and discover how winter recreation can turn cold days into unforgettable moments.