Beginner's guide to downhill skiing in Ontario

Getting started

Book lessons in advance. 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 included and what you still need before you arrive.

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.

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: Fall, 2025

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: Fall, 2025

Location: 195 Princes’ Boulevard, Toronto

Beginner ski destinations

Several beginner-friendly ski resorts in Ontario offer lessons for skiers of all skill levels, ages and abilities.

Southwestern Ontario

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

Hamilton, Halton and Brant

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 more information.

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. 

Location: 790 Chalk Lake Road, Uxbridge

Ski Dagmar

Located in Uxbridge, approximately one hour north of Toronto, Dagmar features the ‘MY Snow School’, which offers specialized lessons for kids and families.

Location: 1220 Lake Ridge 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

Bruce, Grey and Simcoe

Horseshoe Valley Resort

Horseshoe Valley Resort in Barrie boasts 29 downhill ski runs and the longest beginner carpet in Ontario. Experienced instructors are available for daily individual lessons and teach beginner skiers of all ages. 

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. 

Check out the 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, including 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

Haliburton Highlands to the Ottawa Valley

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. 

Location: 1054 Liswood Road, Eagle Lake, Haliburton

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. 

School trip programs are available from Kindergarten to Grade 12. 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

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. 

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 beforehand—although drop-ins are welcome, availability cannot be guaranteed. Parent and toddler one-hour private lessons are available for parents who want to continue helping their child ski after the lesson.

Location: 1655 Hidden Valley Road, Huntsville

Northeastern 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

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 Avenue, North Bay

Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma

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 and dedicated beginner trails.

Location: 103 Searchmont Resort Road, Searchmont

Northwest Ontario

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. 

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, one-hour ski lesson.

Certified instructors will tailor their instructions based on your skill level and help you work towards your goal, whether downhill skiing for the first time or polishing a particular skill. 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 needing special accommodations and are taught by a certified instructor. 

Stay at resort accommodations

In addition to skiing, try 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 stay and play all day.

Check the Ontario Snow Resorts Association for more great Ontario ski resorts and get the most up-to-date snow conditions at ski hills across the province.