City Swooshing

Just because we don’t live in the mountains, doesn’t mean we can’t learn how to ski—right here in our very own city.

We’re not saying the hills are alive with the sound of music, but they are great places to learn how to ski or snowboard (especially for young ones who will think they are mountains). 
 
Both centrally located, Earl Bales and Centennial Park offer a variety of lessons through the Toronto Parks and Recreation programming, as well as public skiing. We recommend private lessons if classes are already booked. They even offer after-school lessons on week nights and night skiing. Equipment rentals are available for skiing and snowboarding (make sure to factor in at least 20 minutes for a family of four to get properly sized and geared up in the equipment centre). They do have helmets for rental, with sanitary head caps provided, but we recommend bringing your own. 

On weekends, the hills are busy and equipment rentals don’t start until 3 pm (with line-ups often starting at 2 pm). If you have your own skis or snowboard, skiing is allowed anytime during regular operating hours. Both locations offer snack bars, a limited number of lockers and ample parking.
Good to Know: Earl Bales has a bunny hill with tow rope and a double chair lift serving three other intermediate runs that are good for toddlers getting used to the motion of going downhill on skis. Centennial Park, located in Etobicoke, offers one hill with three runs, all of which are generally catered to beginners. 

A golf course may not seem like the ideal setting for a ski hill, but Uplands Golf and Ski Club’s hill located just outside Toronto in Vaughan has a vertical drop of some 100 feet, and slopes of varying difficulty averaging 1000 feet in length (which won’t thrill an intermediate skier for long, but is perfect for kids and new skiers of any age). Uplands has five hills with a rope tow and a double chair lift. They offer equipment rentals all week and on weekends (no helmets available). 
Good to Know: There are three parking lots at Uplands, but they are all a fair distance from the main buildings where you purchase tickets and equipment. Bring a toboggan (or two) to carry the kids and equipment if you are not renting. Uplands is closed on Mondays and opens at 4 pm Tuesday to Friday. Also note there are no lockers, only small storage areas that are not secure.

Skyloft has the feel of a private ski club (which it once was) yet is open to the public. Located near other ski hills in the area (Dagmar, Lakefield) just outside of Uxbridge, Skyloft is about a 45 minute drive from the city. With over 21 runs, it is one of the larger ski hills close to the city, meaning it’s perfect for a family with varying skill levels. 
Good To Know: Skyloft generally seems less busy than other ski hills nearby and they occasionally have sales and deals on lift passes which can be found by checking their website. Parking is located conveniently close to the main building.

Lakeridge Ski Resort, approximately 45 minutes outside of the city, offers four beginner hills and learning areas within their 23 run offering, as well as full equipment rentals, including helmets. Another great option for families with varying levels of ski and snowboard ability, Lakeridge is popular due to its tube park which offers fun seekers aged four and up another way of getting down the hill—an inflated snowtube. 
Good To Know: Lakeridge also offers three terrain parks for beginner to skilled snowboarders. Your young boarders will love to watch the tricks (and occasional flips) of the riders coming down the runs of the park.

Final check list: bring very warm mitts (handwarmers, if possible), helmets, and a sled for transportation. We recommend you go in the morning and look into hourly or half-day passes for beginners.

Skiing and snowboarding are not only great sports, they are also great metaphors for life…everyone gets down eventually, but there’s always a way to get back up.

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