Toronto is within a two-hour drive of several ski resorts, making it one of the best cities in Canada for ski weekend getaways. From Blue Mountain's 42 runs to family-friendly Horseshoe Valley, here are five of the best ski weekend getaways from Toronto, with verified driving distances, lift ticket tips and where to stay.
Quick Answer
The best ski weekend getaways from Toronto are Blue Mountain (2 hours, 42 runs), Mount St. Louis Moonstone (1.5 hours, 36 runs), Horseshoe Valley (1.5 hours, 26 runs), Dagmar Ski Area (45 minutes, 16 runs), and Hidden Valley Highlands (2 hours, 15 runs). The ski season typically runs from late December to mid-March, depending on snow conditions.
1. Blue Mountain Resort
Driving distance: approximately 160 km northwest of Toronto (2 hours).
Blue Mountain is Ontario's largest ski resort, with 42 runs, 12 lifts, a pedestrian village and an indoor water park. The resort has terrain for all levels, from beginner slopes to double-black-diamond glades. The village has restaurants, shops, ski-in/ski-out lodging and an outdoor skating rink.
Lift tickets: Buy online 48+ hours ahead for the best price. Weekend lift tickets are more expensive than weekday. Consider a season pass if you plan 3+ visits.
Where to stay: Blue Mountain Village has ski-in/ski-out condos and family suites. See our things to do in Blue Mountain guide for more.
2. Mount St. Louis Moonstone
Driving distance: approximately 130 km north of Toronto (1.5 hours).
Mount St. Louis Moonstone is one of Ontario's largest ski areas, with 36 runs, 9 lifts and a terrain park. The resort is known for its reliable snowmaking and its intermediate and advanced terrain. There's no on-mountain lodging, but it's close enough to Toronto for a day trip or a weekend with an overnight in nearby Barrie or Orillia.
Lift tickets: Buy online for discounts. The resort offers night skiing on weekends.
Where to stay: Barrie (20 minutes south) has a range of hotels and restaurants.
3. Horseshoe Valley (Horseshoe Resort)
Driving distance: approximately 130 km north of Toronto (1.5 hours).
Horseshoe Valley is a family-friendly resort with 26 runs, 8 lifts, a terrain park and a tubing park. The resort has ski-in/ski-out lodging, a spa and an adventure park with ziplines and treetop trekking. It's one of the best choices for families with young children.
Lift tickets: Buy online for discounts. The tubing park is a separate ticket.
Where to stay: Horseshoe Resort has ski-in/ski-out hotel rooms and condos. See our Ontario destinations for more options in the region.
4. Dagmar Ski Area
Driving distance: approximately 70 km northeast of Toronto (45 minutes).
Dagmar is the closest ski area to Toronto, with 16 runs, 6 lifts and a terrain park. The resort is small and family-friendly, with a focus on beginners and intermediates. It's ideal for a day trip or a first-time ski experience.
Lift tickets: Buy online for discounts. Night skiing is available on weekends.
Where to stay: Dagmar is close enough to Toronto for a day trip. For a weekend, stay in nearby Oshawa or Port Perry.
5. Hidden Valley Highlands
Driving distance: approximately 200 km north of Toronto (2.5 hours).
Hidden Valley Highlands is a small resort in the Muskoka region, with 15 runs, 4 lifts and a terrain park. The resort is known for its friendly atmosphere and its location near Huntsville and the Muskoka lakes. It's a good choice for a ski-and-cottage weekend.
Lift tickets: Buy online for discounts. The resort offers night skiing on weekends.
Where to stay: Huntsville has lakeside resorts and inns. See our Huntsville travel guide for more.
Practical Tips for Ski Weekends from Toronto
- Season: The Ontario ski season typically runs from late December to mid-March, depending on snow conditions. January and February have the best snow; March has warmer temperatures and spring skiing.
- Lift tickets: Buy online 48+ hours ahead for the best price. Weekend tickets are more expensive than weekday. Consider a season pass if you plan 3+ visits to the same resort.
- Driving: Highway 400 north to Blue Mountain and Highway 11 north to Mount St. Louis and Horseshoe Valley are well-maintained four-lane highways. Check road conditions before driving in snow, and ensure your car has winter tires.
- Booking: Blue Mountain books up for weekends and holidays. Reserve ski school and accommodation at least two weeks ahead.
- Budget alternatives: Dagmar and Mount St. Louis are both doable as day trips from Toronto with no overnight stay. Weekday tickets are cheaper than weekend. Night skiing (available at most resorts) is the cheapest option.
- What to pack: Ski jacket and pants, warm base layers, gloves, helmet (recommended for all levels), goggles and warm socks. Rent skis and boots at the resort if you don't have your own.
Plan Your Ski Weekend
Browse things to do in Blue Mountain, explore Ontario destinations, or check hotel availability in Niagara Falls for a non-skiing winter weekend.
