‘If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together,’ says an African proverb. That’s especially true when it comes to sports. And we don’t necessarily mean group sports, like synchronized swimming or soccer. Even for individual sports, such as skiing or snowboarding, having a support group is important — it helps you learn faster, it inspires you to achieve more and it allows you to make unforgettable memories of precious moments together. That’s why going to a ski resort is such a nice excuse for a warm family gathering, from loving couples to kids and to grandparents. We have picked three Ski Resorts near Toronto for such a splendid escape with the whole family.

1. Blue Mountain

Outpaced by only Whistler-Blackcomb and Fernie, Blue Mountain is the third best ski resort in Canada. It is also the oldest in Ontario, celebrating the 78-years anniversary this year, and definitely the one of the most family-friendly. Half of the resort is dedicated for advancers (with 3 freestyle and 7 double black diamond runs), but the vertical is of modest 720 ft, and the rest of 43 trails is less thrilling, their level varies from beginner to intermediate.

The similar-to-alpine village is rich in après ski options like restaurants, pubs, shops, and well as spas, tubing and snowshoe tours.

Come to enjoy yourself and don’t worry about the children — they will be taken care of. The daycare service welcomes kids (18 months – 6 y.o.) half- or full-day with possible addition of ski lessons (from 3 y.o.), or you can choose a private instructor (2-5 y.o.) or babysitter. Off-ski attractions include a waterpark with the rope swings and the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster — to keep your wee ones occupied.

Sitting in the beautiful mountains, that oversee Niagara Escarpment, in just a 2,5h drive from Toronto, Blue Mountain Resort is perfect for both a one-day trip and a one-week holiday.

Plan your trip here: https://www.bluemountain.ca/

2. Mount St. Louis Moonstone

Another amazing landing spot for the whole family with Canada’s most advanced snow-making system and a perfect place to teach kids to ski. The main difference from other resorts would be the fewer après options no accomodation offered on spot. However, all of it and even more — from restaurants to local art shops and even theaters — is found in Barrie, a valley village turned into one of the most famous winter festival destinations in Ontario.

The resort accounts for 40 trails from beginner to advanced level (6 black diamond runs) with a vertical of 550 ft.

On weekends and holidays the resort offers daycare (3-5 y.o.), ski lessons and camps (7-14 y.o.) for kids. The venue itself is owned by a family, which makes it twice as family-friendly.

Mount St. Louis Moonstone is located an 1,5h drive from Toronto.
Reserve your spot: https://mountstlouis.com/

3. Horseshoe Resort

The mountain of just 308 ft makes it a perfect destination for beginners, with only 29 trails for for ski and snowboard, and a terrain park with the best ski-cross course in Ontario. Sophisticated skiers are also catered for. Since Horseshoe Resort is mostly famous for running through the woods cross-country trails, you can choose flat terrain over the hills, shall you want to slow down the pace.

If you are tired of skiing, try out crazy fast snow tubing or snowmobiling. If you are hungry, follow the smell from plenty of grills and bars onsite. Another sweet-smelling thing in the village would be Shizen Spa, that offers relaxation for mind and body after a busy sporty day. If you are a gourmet, choose a steakhouse dinner by Dylan Tulloch, one of the best chefs in the East. The venue is open all year round, and in summer you can visit for segway tours, zip lines, or a rock climbing wall.

The childcare care offers a bunch of lessons for kids (2-14 y.o.), including Kinder Private lessons (2-5 y.o.) where parents can join, and there are private group lessons offered in the Discover Ski and Snowboard packages (from 6 y.o.).

Horseshoe Resort is the closest to Toronto, being located just about 1h away from the city.

Consider it for your winter getaway: https://horseshoeresort.com/

To read about Ski Resorts in nearby Quebec, you can check out this blog article.

And remember, ARIANNE’s Online Relocation Guides are filled with information about local recreational and cultural opportunities, in addition to all the administrative knowledge that is so vital to making a smooth relocation to Canada.

Photo Credit: Unsplash