The Best Ski Hills in Northern Ontario (and How to Plan a Trip)
Story by Colin Field
The real lure of the northern ski hill is the escape from the big box resorts. These aren’t properties owned by massive conglomerates with hotels scattered around the world. They’re family-run, city run, or privately run. They’re deeply local and the vibe reflects that. Think relaxed and full of character. No, you won’t find an eight-person heated chairlift waiting for you at the base. But what you will find—thriving communities, authentic culture and a slower pace—more than makes up for it. From Searchmont to Mount Dufour, we’ve rounded up six of the best ski resorts in the North, with everything you need to know.
From Sault Ste. Marie to Thunder Bay to the Near North, here’s where to point your tips this winter — plus what it costs, where to stay and how to get there.
Lead image by Peter Lusztyk
Searchmont Resort — Sault Ste. Marie
Searchmont is where serious skiers and riders go for long laps and steep terrain in a rugged Northern Ontario setting.
Why go: Big vertical for the region, long groomers and reliable Lake Superior snow.
Vertical/runs: 703 feet, 26 runs served by three triple lifts, one quad and two magic carpets.
Terrain park/sidecountry: There are multiple areas, tabletops, rails, ramps and barrels.
Tickets: Weekday full-day $75, weekend/holiday $80.
Rentals & lessons: Full rental fleet and snow school on site.
Where to stay & eat: Searchmont has on-hill villas and great pub grub at the Kiln. Or stay Sault Ste. Marie is only 45 minutes away. Places like the Water Tower Inn, Delta Hotel and Holiday Inn Express are solid options. As far as food is concerned, the Soo has come a long way and establishments like Peace, the Burger Don and the Breakfast Pig are classics.
Getting there: 3100 Goulais Ave., Searchmont. About 45 minutes north of Sault Ste. Marie via Highway 556.
Loch Lomond — Thunder Bay
Just minutes from Thunder Bay, Loch Lomond pairs Lake Superior views with a laid-back hill that locals swear by for night skiing and après charm.
Why go: Classic north-shore laps, a legit park scene and a quick drive from town.
Vertical / runs: About 700 feet with roughly 18 runs across two faces served by three chairlifts.
Terrain park: Designed for freestylers of all abilities, there are lines for beginners, intermediates and advanced riders.
Tickets: Adult day tickets are $85 ($65 if you buy online).
Rentals & lessons: Skis, boards and helmets available at the rental shop.
Where to stay & eat: Thunder Bay has the full range; from the Valhalla Hotel, the Landmark Hotel to the Super 8 to local inns and Airbnbs. For food check out the Beefcakes Burger Factory, Bights Restaurant or the Dawson Trail Craft Brewery.
Getting there: 1800 Loch Lomond Rd., about 15–20 minutes south of downtown Thunder Bay off Highway 61.
Mount Baldy — Thunder Bay
A classic northern hill with three distinct faces, Mount Baldy has been a Thunder Bay staple for decades and still delivers character, community and plenty of snow.
Why go: A locals’ hill with fast laps and an easygoing vibe.
Vertical / runs: 475 ft, 10 runs, one T-bar, one grip tow, one quad chairlift.
Terrain park / sidecountry: Full terrain park.
Tickets: An adult weekend full day pass is $62. Friday passes are $50 and Wednesday and Thursday tickets are $25.
Rentals & repairs: Skis and boards available; tune shop on site.
Where to stay & eat: Thunder Bay has the full range; from the Travelodge, the Sea Vue Motel to the Comfort Inn and Airbnbs. For food check out the Mike’s Roadhouse, Norteños Taqueria of the Prospector Steakhouse.
Getting there: 375 Mount Baldy Rd, Shuniah, off the Trans-Canada corridor east of town. Half-an-hour from downtown.
Adanac Ski Hill — Sudbury
Right inside Sudbury, this city-run ski hill makes skiing and snowboarding accessible to anyone who wants to get on snow without leaving town.
Why go: City-run hill that’s friendly, affordable and easy to reach.
Vertical / runs: About 240 feet with 7 runs. Served by a quad chairlift and a magic carpet.
Terrain park / sidecountry: Compact park for progression.
Tickets: Adult day passes are $53.
Rentals & lessons: Half-day and full-day rentals offered; there are also kinder, youth and adult lessons.
Where to stay & eat: Plenty of hotels across Sudbury within a 10–15 minute drive. You’ll find everything from the Best Western, to the Copper Kettle Guesthouse and the Travelway Inn. For meals there are lots of restaurants in Sudbury. You could try Wacky Wings for games and food, Tucos Taco Lounge or Beards Bakery.
Getting there: 744 Beatrice Cres., in New Sudbury just off the Kingsway/ON-17.
Laurentian Ski Hill — North Bay
Overlooking North Bay, Laurentian offers an easygoing mix of beginner terrain and sneaky-fun steeps, all just minutes from the downtown waterfront.
Why go: Fast laps above downtown with a park that punches above its weight.
Vertical / runs: 300 feet, 6 runs served by one quad chairlift, a magic carpet and a rope tow.
Terrain park / sidecountry: One of the best small-hill terrain parks in the North, with features for beginner to advanced skiers/riders.
Tickets: Adult full-day $55.
Rentals & lessons: There are full-day and half-day rentals as well as a snow school and private lessons available.
Where to stay & eat: Hotels and restaurants are five to 10 minutes away in central North Bay. For places to stay check out the Homewood Suites, the Sunset Inn or the Bo-Mark Motel. Food in North Bay includes great places like the 50s themed Hoagie’s Diner, Cecil’s Brewhouse and Kitchen or the Fox and Fiddle. Getting there: 15 Janey Ave., five minutes from Highway 11/17.
Antoine Mountain — Mattawa
Tucked near Mattawa, Antoine Mountain boasts Ontario’s longest run and a surprisingly big-mountain feel, with a vertical that rivals some southern Ontario giants.
Why go: Ontario’s longest run and real vertical in the Laurentians of the Near North.
Vertical / runs: 630 feet, 15 groomed runs, longest run 2.9 km, high-speed quad, rope tow.
Terrain park / sidecountry: Custom terrain park beside the main quad.
Tickets: An adult full-day lift pass is $74.
Rentals & lessons: Full rentals for both ski and snowboarding are available and there is a ski school for lessons for any skill level.
Where to stay & eat: If you want to stay in Mattawa there are a few options. A couple places to check out include the Voyageur Inn, the Two Rivers Motel and the Nature’s Harmony Lodge. For food you can dine at the Voyageur Inn, the Moon Cafe or the Mountain View Restaurant.
Getting there: From Mattawa, follow ON-533 N for 5 km, right on Hwy 656 N for 3 km to the entrance; about 50 minutes east of North Bay on ON-17.
Mount Dufour – Elliot Lake
In Elliot Lake, Mount Dufour is all about community spirit—affordable, family-run and friendly, with a terrain park and incredible views.
Why go: A community-driven ski hill with affordable lift tickets, no long lines, and a welcoming chalet atmosphere in the heart of Elliot Lake.
Vertical / runs: 320 vertical feet, one quad chairlift, one platter lift.
Terrain park / sidecountry: There is a small terrain park.
Tickets: Full day passes for adults are $65.
Rentals & lessons: Full day and half day rental packages are available and a ski/snowboard school offers lessons and programming.
Where to stay & eat: There are no on-hill options and not many options in Elliot Lake. Try the Hampton Inn or maybe hunt for something on AirBnB. For food, you can eat at the hill at the Slopeside Lounge. In town try the Fireside Classic Grill or the Beautiful Stranger Cafe.
Getting there: 10 Ski Hill Road, Elliot Lake, ON. Minutes from downtown Elliot Lake.
Trip Logistics — Airports, Highways and Timing
- Airports: Sault Ste. Marie (YAM) for Searchmont; Thunder Bay (YQT) for Loch Lomond and Mount Baldy; Sudbury (YSB) for Adanac; North Bay (YYB) for Laurentian; North Bay or Ottawa (YOW) for Antoine. Of course if you’re travelling by plane, sometimes it’s easier to rent gear on arrival, rather than travel with heavy board/ski bags. Conveniently all the hills on our list rent gear.
- Highways: Most hills sit just off the Trans-Canada. Searchmont via Hwy 556 north of the Soo; both Thunder Bay hills are a short hop from Hwy 61; Adanac is minutes from ON-17; Laurentian is above downtown Sudbury; Antoine sits north of Mattawa via ON-533 then Hwy 656; Mount Dufour is just outside downtown Elliot Lake.
- When to go: Northern Ontario hills sometimes open earlier and hold snow longer than the south. It’s best to keep an eye on each hill’s feeds for first chairs and spring laps. Generally speaking ski hills are open from about Christmas to March Break (but hopefully longer!)
Know before you go
Small-hill pricing and hours can change with weather and events. Check lift-ticket pages before you travel.
NOTE: This is sponsored content produced in partnership with Destination Ontario
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