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Ottawa Valley Ski Hills
Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec, the Ottawa Valley is a premier destination for winter sports enthusiasts. With its diverse range of ski hills, the region offers a unique blend of challenges and comforts for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. From the high peaks at Calabogie to the family-friendly slopes of Mount Pakenham, each ski hill boasts its own personality and array of features, making it a perfect playground for winter adventures.
Whether you call the Ottawa Valley home or are exploring it as a visitor, you're sure to fall in love with the ski hills that this region has to offer!
Calabogie Peaks Resort - Tallest Public Ski Resort in Ontario
Nestled amidst the natural beauty of the Madawaska Highlands, Calabogie Peaks boasts the highest public ski mountain in Ontario. The hill has breathtaking views of Calabogie Lake and densely forested slopes that come alive in the winter months. Its history is steeped in community and family experiences, making it a beloved destination for generations.
Location: Greater Madawaska, Ontario
Runs and Difficulty: Boasting 26 runs, Calabogie Peaks caters to all skill levels, from beginner to expert.
- Base Elevation: 505 ft. (154m)
- Summit Elevation: 1,285 ft. (392m)
- Vertical Drop: 780 ft. (238m)
Facilities: The resort features a ski chalet with dining options and a hotel on-site, ensuring a cozy stay right at the base of the slopes.
Beginner-Friendly Areas: Yes, including a dedicated learning area.
umps, hits, ramps, banks, fun boxes, jibs, rails, half pipes, quarter pipes, and other constructed or natural terrain features.
Ski Lifts: 2 quad chairlifts and 1 carpet lift.
Lift Ticket Costs: Day tickets start around $50, with season passes between $400-$825.
Snowmaking: Yes.
Accommodations: Stay at the Calabogie Peaks Hotel or explore nearby lodgings like Calabogie Lodge Resort.
Events: Hosts various competitions and family-friendly events throughout the season.
Website: https://www.calabogie.com/
Mount Pakenham - Your Hometown Hill
This family-oriented ski resort is a gem in the Ottawa Valley, known for its friendly atmosphere and excellent learning programs. The magic of Mount Pakenham lies in its intimate setting and personal touch, where staff and instructors often know guests by name, creating a warm, welcoming environment that feels like a second home to its visitors.
Location: Pakenham, Ontario
Runs and Difficulty: 10 runs primarily suited for beginners and intermediates, but there are expert level runs available.
Facilities: The hill features a chalet for warming up and grabbing a bite.
Beginner-Friendly Areas: Yes, with several gentle slopes perfect for new skiers.
Terrain Park: Rails, boxes and jumps
Ski Lifts: 3 quad chairs, a handle tow, a rope tow and a Carpet Lift
Lift Ticket Costs: Adult day passes are about $50, with season passes costing around $500.
Snowmaking: Yes.
Snowshoe Trails: Mount Pakenham offers 10 km of snowshoe trails featuring the family-friendly Wonder Trail with nature education and orienteering for $12+ tax.
Accommodations: No on-site lodging, but a couple of cute B&B options include the Menzies House 1850 B&B in Almonte or Kirkman House Bed & Breakfast in Arnprior.
Events: The annual ski-swap is a great way to trade in your skis and snowboards. Mt Pakenham is also known for its snow school and family-oriented activities.
Website: https://www.mountpakenham.com/home
Mount Martin Ski Club - A Gem of the Ottawa Valley
Mount Martin offers a quaint but thrilling skiing experience, with a history of community involvement that has kept the hill alive through volunteer efforts. Mount Martin thrives through its simplicity and dedication of local volunteers who maintain its charm and ensure its slopes are ready each season.
Location: Deep River, Ontario
Runs and Difficulty: 12 runs, suitable for beginner and intermediate levels.
Facilities: Includes a basic heated chalet with a snack bar for refreshments.
Beginner-Friendly Areas: Yes, ideal for those just starting out. Mount Martin also offers ski and snowboard lessons for adults and children.
Ski Lifts: 1 T-bar lift.
Lift Ticket Costs: Very affordable, approximately $20 for a day pass, seniors 80+ ski for free!
Snowmaking: No.
Accommodations: Bears Den Lounge & Motel in Deep River.
Events: Local races and community gatherings.
Website: https://mountmartin.ca/
Mont Chilly - Rise to the Top
Mont Chilly captures the essence of rustic skiing with its untouched powder and serene atmosphere, offering a step back in time to when skiing was about the simple joys of descending a quiet, snow-laden hill. This hidden treasure is cherished for its no-frills experience, making it a secret favorite among those who wish to escape the more commercialized resorts.
Location: Pontiac, Quebec
The Hill: Known for its laid-back, old-school skiing vibe without the frills.
Runs and Difficulty: Features 6 runs, mostly appealing to intermediate and advanced skiers.
- 430ft vertical in a variety of different terrain from groomers to steeps to glads.
Facilities: Small 1970's day lodge with snacks available.
Beginner-Friendly Areas: Limited.
Ski Lifts: 1 T-bar rope tow.
Snowmaking: No.
Lift Ticket Costs: Typically around $20 for a day pass.
Accommodations: No direct lodging; nearby options include the cabins at Aventure Coulonge or the Spruceholme Inn in Fort-Coulonge.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/MontChilly/
Antoine Mountain - Back on Top
Located just outside the Ottawa Valley in the Laurentian Mountains, Antoine Mountain stands as a close enough destination to be included in our list. Nestled between two majestic peaks, it offers staggering views and a significant vertical drop of 630 feet, featuring Ontario's longest ski run at 2.9 kilometers. The mountain has a rich skiing history dating back to the 1920s, linked to the enthusiasm of the Laurentian Ski Club members. Revitalized in 2014 with a state-of-the-art Doppelmayr quad chairlift, Antoine Mountain is #BackOnTop, providing an exceptional skiing experience once again.
Location: Mattawan, Ontario
Runs and Difficulty: 15 runs ranging from beginner to expert, with a true vertical of 630 feet.
Facilities: A new 7,500 square foot rental facility, a Rossignol Experience Centre, Burton snowboard fleet, and a 12,000 square foot renovated chalet.
Beginner-Friendly Areas: Yes, offering a good balance with 40% of the runs designated for beginners.
Terrain Park: Yes
Ski Lifts: Features a modern Doppelmayr quad chairlift installed in 2014.
Snowmaking: Yes
Lift Ticket Costs: Adult day passes are about $74, with season passes costing around $680.
Accommodations: While there are no on-site accommodations, there are several nearby motels in Mattawa. Top of Algonquin Bed and Breakfast is a wonderful 5-star stay about 20 minutes from the mountain.
Events: Hosts live music every Saturday at the après café, along with special events throughout the ski season.
Website: https://antoinemountain.ca/
Antoine Mountain's facilities are unrivaled, with the après café housed in the chalet—perfect for unwinding with live music and enjoying signature Canadian cocktails alongside homemade delights like burgers and authentic poutine.
Camp Fortune - Family Skiing and Snowboarding Only Minutes from Downtown Ottawa
Just minutes from downtown Ottawa, Camp Fortune stands as a historical ski destination in the Capital Region, known for its vibrant ski scene and night skiing. Camp Fortune has a rich history, having introduced countless individuals to skiing since the early 20th century. It blends high-energy skiing with the tranquility of the Gatineau Park.
Location: Chelsea, Quebec
Runs and Difficulty: 27 runs that range from easy to most difficult. 13 trails lit up for night skiiing.
3 Hills to Explore:
- Skyline: 590 ft
- Valley: 360 ft
- Meech: 512 ft
Terrain Park: Rails, boxes, jumps and jibs are changed and added throughout the season to keep things fresh.
Snowmaking: Yes.
Facilities: 2 cozy full-service ski chalets with all the amenities and après ski, ski school, and rental facilities.
Beginner-Friendly Areas: Yes, several easy runs and a ski school.
Ski Lifts: 3 surface, 4 quads, 1 triple
Lift Ticket Costs: Day passes are about $45, with season passes between $500-$800
Snowshoeing: Well marked trails loop through the beautiful forests around the Camp Fortune ski resort
Accommodations: No on-site lodging; Chelsea offers lots of beautiful B&Bs like Auberge Old Chelsea and Chelsea Velo Nordic BnB.
Events: Hosts NCD races and other competitive events.
Website: https://campfortune.com/discover/
Rediscovering the Ski Hills of Ottawa Valley's Past
The story of skiing in the Ottawa Valley also includes hills that once thrived but are now distant memories.
Dacre Heights - Image by: Meg-K
Here’s an exploration of these sites each with its own story and legacy.
Alice Ski Hill - Alice, ON
Located on the south side of Round Lake Road between Pembroke and Round Lake, Alice Ski Hill was once the go-to local ski destination in the Ottawa Valley. With iconic runs like the Crow's Nest, Gorge, Suicide, and Snow Bird, and a T-bar lift, it was a cherished place where many learned to ski. The hill, complete with a snack chalet run by Fritz and ski tuning by Herman, holds fond memories for those who grew up there. Unfortunately, after being sold, the hill closed, leaving behind a legacy of cherished winter adventures.
Dacre Heights - Dacre, ON
This former commercial ski hill, located on the south side of Flat Road south of the connection with Highway 132, was once a vibrant skiing location. Known initially as Candiac, it boasted 180 meters of vertical drop and had a magnetic draw due to its ideal combination of elevation and terrain. Following a devastating fire in 2001 that destroyed the lodge, the hill was sold and its lifts dismantled. Today, the new owners have repurposed the 230-acre area into a free-access wilderness park, inviting all to enjoy hiking and reminiscing about its past.
Mount Molson Ski Hill - Petawawa, ON
Positioned along Laurentian Drive in Petawawa, this hill was renowned for being "the world's shortest downhill," a quirky claim that made it a local favourite. It was a place where many children honed their skiing and snowboarding skills. Now, the area serves a different purpose as it houses an ice cream bar, becoming a year-round treasure with a strong local charm and community feel.
Madawaska Mountain Ski Hill – Barry’s Bay, ON
Located near Barry’s Bay along Combermere Road, this hill operated for nearly 50 years and was a beloved spot for both locals and visitors. It featured a T-Bar that climbed 137 vertical meters up Madawaska Mountain, offering the longest run of over 5,000 feet. Despite several ownership changes and attempts to revitalize it, the ski operation was permanently closed and transformed into a luxurious AirBnb. The original chalet still stands, providing stunning views over the Madawaska River and preserving the hill's rich history.
The Transformation of Abandoned Ski Hills
These hills, once vibrant centres of winter sport, now serve varied purposes—from wilderness parks to nostalgic community spots. Their stories are a poignant reminder of the ever-changing nature of recreational spaces and the enduring memories they create. Whether you're exploring these areas for outdoor activities or revisiting old haunts, the legacy of these ski hills continues to impact the Ottawa Valley and its communities.
Ready to Hit the Slopes with a New Pair of Skis?
At Ottawa Valley Air Paddle, we're fully equipped to outfit you for the winter season with a comprehensive range of sports equipment and apparel. From high-performance downhill skis and snowboards to cross-country skis, boots, bindings, and poles, we have everything you need for your snowy adventures. Our inventory also includes essential safety gear like goggles and helmets, alongside a variety of winter jackets designed to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable in the cold. With options available for every skill level and preference, our selection ensures you're well-prepared and stylish on the slopes.
We proudly carry top-tier brands such as Rossignol, Salomon, and Head, known for their innovation and quality in the winter sports industry. These brands help enhance your performance and enjoyment, whether you're a seasoned skier or a first-time snowboarder. Our knowledgeable staff is dedicated to helping you find the perfect gear to suit your needs, providing expert advice and outstanding customer service. Visit Ottawa Valley Air Paddle to gear up and make this winter season your most exciting yet!
Skiing on freshly waxed skis isn't just a luxury; it's a game-changer
Your skis glide effortlessly over the snow, offering a near-new experience that can elevate your performance to new heights. Regular waxing not only enhances this pleasure but also plays a crucial role in maintaining your skis. It extends the life of your gear by preventing the bases and edges from drying out and keeping them smooth down to the pores. After all, if your skis start to stick to the snow because they can’t repel water, your freedom to glide diminishes.
When and How Often to Wax Your Skis
The frequency of waxing your skis largely depends on how often you hit the slopes. At a minimum, it’s wise to wax them at the start of every season to ensure they're in prime condition. For those who live on their skis, waxing them again mid-season can be beneficial, especially when:
- The temperature and snow conditions change significantly, such as transitioning from wet snow to fine powder.
- There is substantial fresh snowfall.
- The ski base begins to feel rough or looks greyish, indicating dryness.
- You're wrapping up the season and preparing to store your skis, helping prevent rust and damage.
- You've had a rough run, perhaps skiing over rocks or debris during an exhilarating freeride session.
Don't let subpar equipment dampen your snowy adventures! Ottawa Valley Air Paddle also offers expert ski servicing. Drop off your skis for sharpening and waxing while you're at work, and they'll be slope-ready for your weekend escapades.
