Beginner's guide to downhill skiing in Ontario

Getting started

It can be daunting to look up at towering ski hills and imagine travelling down them at dizzying speeds, but with a little guidance and instructions you’ll soon be looking at them with anticipation.

Before you head to a ski resort, make sure you’re well prepared. Most ski resorts recommend that beginner skiers book lessons ahead of time. Some lessons will include ski equipment rental and tickets for the ski lifts as part of their beginner packages, so it’s good to know what’s covered and what you still need before you arrive.

What do I need for downhill skiing?

The air gets cold up on the ski hills. And in between ski runs, downhill skiers spend time sitting on the chairlift that takes you up the ski hill, meaning you’re not moving around that much to help stay warm. Make sure you wear the right clothing and bring all the essentials to avoid cold fingers and toes. Consider these items:

• 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
• backpack
• extra clothing and gloves 

Many ski resorts will have ski equipment available for rental, such as skis, boots and poles. Check with the ski resort ahead of time if you’re planning to rent equipment from them. Finally, bring water to stay hydrated and some money to buy hot chocolate or energy-boosting snacks while warming up in the chalet.

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.

Ottawa Ski Show

Get ski and snowboard advice from the experts at the Ottawa Ski Show. Take advantage of discounts on outerwear and gear you’ll need before you hit the slopes.

The show is held at the EY Centre and admission is free.

Dates: October 17–20, 2024

Location: 4899 Uplands Drive, Ottawa

The Toronto Ski & Snowboard Show

Celebrate the upcoming snow and winter season with a vibrant community of skiers and snowboarders at the Better Living Centre in Toronto’s Exhibition Place.

Learn about the newest snow sports trends and gear. Get insider knowledge and tips from industry speakers, workshops and demonstrations.

Get your tickets in advance online.

Dates: October 25–27, 2024
Location: 195 Princes’ Boulevard, Toronto

Ontario ski resorts for beginners

There are a variety of beginner-friendly ski resorts located in Ontario that offer lessons for skiers of all skill levels, ages and abilities. Find the place that best suits your learning needs.

Central Ontario and Muskoka

Horseshoe Valley Resort

Horseshoe Valley Resort in Barrie boasts 29 downhill ski runs and the longest beginner carpet in Ontario. Experienced instructors are available to give daily individual lessons and teach beginner skiers of all ages. For an additional fee, a friend or family member can join a private lesson for twice the fun. Note that rental ski equipment and lift tickets must be purchased separately. Book lessons online in advance.

Location: 1101 Horseshoe Valley Road West, Barrie

Snow Valley Ski Resort

Snow Valley Ski Resort offers downhill skiing lessons for everyone, whether it’s your first time on the slopes or you’re a veteran looking to brush up on your skills. Check out their Learn to Ski packages, which include lessons for new skiers of all ages, ski equipment and helmet rental, and timed tickets for lift access. Fill out their booking request form to book a private beginner lesson.

Location: 2632 Vespra Valley Road, Minesing

Blue Mountain Resort

Located along Georgian Bay, Blue Mountain offers ski lessons in a variety of formats, including daily and multi-week programs. People of all ages and abilities can attend a Snow School class that best fits their needs, whether it’s one-on-one instructions or larger group lessons. Kids will love the Kids Daily Lessons for fun instruction tailored to their skill level.

Location: 190 Gord Canning Drive, The Blue Mountains

Mount St. Louis Moonstone

Over 36 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 that include group lessons (divided by ages 6–12 and 13+), 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. Packages and lessons must be booked online in advance.

Location: 24 Mount St. Louis Road West, Coldwater

Hidden Valley Ski Resort

In the heart of Muskoka, Hidden Valley Ski Resort is a great place for beginners of all ages. Trained snow instructors will guide you through all the steps you’ll need to learn. Private lessons include tickets with lift access, but any required ski equipment will need to be rented separately. Book private lessons ahead of time—although drop-ins are welcome, availability cannot be guaranteed. Parent and toddler 1-hour private lessons are available for parents who want to continue helping their child ski after the lesson.

Location: 1655 Hidden Valley Road, Huntsville

Sir Sam’s Ski/Ride

Holiday camps for kids, private camps, and group and private lessons offer comfortable learning or relearning to guests of all ages and skill levels. Emphasis is on skill development, safety and fun. Find the full list of offerings online.

Location: 1054 Liswood Road, Eagle Lake, Haliburton

Southern Ontario

Lakeridge Ski Resort

Experience the ski hills in beautiful Oak Ridges Moraine 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. Check out the Holiday and March Break camp programs for kids who want to ski all day and make new friends. To register for lessons, email lessons@lakeridgeresort.ca with your completed Lesson Registration Form.

Location: 790 Chalk Lake Road, Uxbridge

Hockley Valley Resort

This boutique resort has it all—great accommodations, upscale dining, a relaxing spa, a winery next door and a ski and snowboard hill. Plus, it’s just a 45-minute drive north of Toronto. 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. Check online for daily lessons.

Location: 793522 Mono 3rd Line, Mono

Chicopee Ski

At Chicopee, skiing lessons are taught by trained instructors who focus on promoting skill in the sport and nurturing a passion for skiing. Groups are divided by age and ability, so both child and adult beginners get the best instruction for their current level. All participants receive a post-lesson progress report, so they know which beginner hills to try with confidence. Book a session online in advance or join one of their drop-in lessons by checking in at Guest Services. Both sessions come with ski equipment rental and a lift ticket valid for the entire day.

Location: 396 Morrison Road, Kitchener

Glen Eden

Glen Eden in Kelso Conservation Area offers lessons for every step along the way, from core beginner programs to academy programs for experienced skiers. In addition, private lessons are available with one-on-one instruction. See the Snow School Group Program for full information.

Location: 5234 Kelso Road, Milton

Mount Pakenham Ski Resort

Just a 45-minute drive west of Ottawa in Mississippi Mills, Mount Pakenham is the perfect day trip ski excursion from the capital. Lesson plan and school trip dates are booking up quickly for the upcoming season. There are also flexible evening and weekend programs like the parents and tots sessions or lessons for adult night owls.

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. Kids and adult lessons with both group and private options will help get you in on the action. 

Location: 30 Barrett Chute Road, Calabogie

Boler Mountain

With year-round adventures including treetop trekking, mountain biking and snowtubing, Boler Mountain is also a great spot to pick up the basics of downhill skiing with a variety of learning programs for kids and adults.

Location: 689 Griffith Street, London

Ski Dagmar

Located in Uxbridge, about a 1-hour drive north of Toronto, Dagmar features a Family Learning Centre offering specialized lessons for kids and families, plus various holiday camps and packages.

Location: 1220 Lake Ridge Road, Uxbridge

Northern Ontario

Mount Jamieson

Mount Jamieson offers a selection of programs for beginners. In addition to the holiday break camp, group lessons and a progressive ski camp for kids of all ages, adults can book private lessons.

Location: 5050 Kamiskotia Road, Timmins

Searchmont Resort

Find a learn-to-ski or learn-to-snowboard program that fits your skill level and schedule at Searchmont Resort, a popular ski destination with 26 runs that include dedicated beginner trails.

Location: 103 Searchmont Resort Road, Searchmont

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. Lessons, rentals and the beginner hill are located at the upper lodge.

Location: 15 Janey Ave, North Bay

Loch Lomond Ski Area

Take full advantage of Northeastern Ontario’s splendid winter weather with special ski camps, multi-day snow school and group or private learn-to-ski sessions. You can even arrange a family lesson.

Location: 1800 Loch Lomond Road, Thunder Bay

Mount Baldy

One of the most popular skiing destinations along Lake Superior’s north shore, Mount Baldy features 1.6 kilometres of beginner terrain. Sign up for a private, 1-hour ski lesson online.

Certified instructors will tailor their instructions based on your skill level and help you work towards your goal, whether it’s downhill skiing for the first time or polishing a particular skill. If you want to learn with family, friends or a partner, private group lessons are also available. Lessons come with full-day use of a lift ticket and ski rental equipment.

Location: 375 Mount Baldy Road, Shuniah

Accessible and adaptive programs

A growing number of ski properties are committed to sharing the joy of winter sports with guests who require special assistance. Innovative programs, such as CADS Ontario, are designed to remove barriers and help foster the potential in everyone, focusing on ability, not disability.

Mount Pakenham and Calabogie Peaks Resort both provide catered ski lessons from CADS-certified pros and supportive volunteers. Service animals and support persons are welcome.

Adaptive ski lessons at Blue Mountain Resort are designed for guests with disabilities or in need of special accommodations and are taught by a certified instructor. Classes can be booked by calling 1-833-583-BLUE.

Stay on the slopes at resort accommodations

Now that you’re out enjoying the winter season, try your hand at other snow adventures like snow tubing, snowshoeing or fat biking. Many of Ontario’s ski resorts, including Hockley Valley Resort, Blue Mountain Resort, Horseshoe Valley Resort, Calabogie Peaks and Searchmont Resort offer a variety of activities and mountainside accommodations from suites to chalets, so you can literally stay and play all day.

Check the Ontario Snow Resorts Association for more great Ontario ski resorts and for the most up-to-date snow conditions at ski hills across the province. So, what are you waiting for? Head to the hills to embrace winter fun!