Calabogie Peaks Resort, Calabogie
Ski In, Ski Out: Where to Ski and Stay in Ontario's Highlands
Wouldn’t it be nice to swoosh down the hill after your last run on the hill or cross-country ski trail and glide right into your accommodation? No struggling to jam skis in the car, no trekking through an ocean of cars in the parking lot.
We can’t guarantee you won’t have to walk or drive a little ways to get to your accommodation in our list below, but we can say you won’t feel like you need to have a caffeine hit before getting behind the wheel.
These accommodations will get you home and relaxing before you would have even reached the onramp.
Downhill Skiing
Downhill skiing can really take it out of you by the time your last run is done. Stay at one of these spots and you'll be raring to hit the hill again the next day.
Ski Here: Calabogie Peaks
Calabogie Peaks Resort welcomes snow-seekers of all calibers. At 238 metres, Calabogie’s Dickson Mountain has the highest skiable vertical drop in Ontario, and 24 trails that range from beginner to advanced. Beyond that, they also have multiple terrain parks and a ski/snowboard cross track so you can start practicing for the next Olympics.
Stay Here:
Your accommodation at Calabogie Peaks Hotel is right at the ski hill so you can literally ski into your front door. After a day on the hill, warm up and soak in some awesome views of the Ottawa Valley at the local favourite, Canthooks Restaurant, located right at the base of the hill. Take a swim in the indoor pool and outdoor hot tub to soak out any sore muscles.
Ski Here: Mount Pakenham
Mount Pakenham is situated just minutes from the charming village of Pakenham in Lanark County. This is a great family-friendly ski hill which has the added benefits of a snow tubing run and well-lit night skiing.
Stay Here:
Book Cabinscape’s minimalist off-grid Joni Cabin located just a few minutes from the ski hill, or make the 10-minute drive to Almonte and stay at The Monte Inn and relax in the on-site sauna and hot tub. Skiing with friends? Book out the entire inn at Old Mill Manor in Appleton.
Ski Here: Sir Sam’s Ski/Ride
Sir Sam’s Ski/RIDE is located only 15 minutes north of the town of Haliburton and overlooks the frozen Eagle Lake. Unique to Sir Sam’s is a covered magic carpet lift, so you can find your way to the top without facing the wind’s harsh sting.
Stay Here:
Sir Sam’s Inn & Spa is just a five-minute walk from the ski hill, and you’ll love having access to their indoor water circuit in their Water Spa. Enjoy a fine dining meal at Twin Fires restaurant to refuel after your day spent outdoors.
Cross Country Skiing
Cross-country skiers wait all year for the snow to be just right for them to strap on skis and lose themselves in a snowy trail deep in a winter forest. Spend the day on classic or Nordic groomed trails and stay at one of these spots when the sun starts to set.
Ski Here: Madawaska Nordic Ski Trails
Whether you’re looking to stretch your legs or really challenge yourself with a workout, this 18-kilometre network of trails is for you. Located just west of Calabogie, the Madawaska Nordic Ski Trails are well-marked and colour coded for all levels of difficulty, from Green (easy) to Blue (moderate) and Red (difficult).
Stay Here:
There are a few options for accommodations in Calabogie, all located just a five minute drive from the trailhead. Book Somewhere Inn Calabogie and end your day lounging under the stars in front of a roaring bonfire with a glass of wine in hand, or consider one of Calabogie Lodge's cozy villas, and end your day with a view of Calabogie Lake in winter.
Ski Here: Silent Lake Provincial Park
Silent Lake Provincial Park is as beautiful in winter as it is in summer, if not more so. Explore four different cross-country ski loops that span a total of 22 kilometres of winter wonderland terrain. Loops begin and end at the day use parking lot.
Stay Here:
Spend the day on the trails then glide right over to where you will spend the night. Silent Lake Provincial Park offers winter camping options, including an outdoor campsite, a soft-sided shelter, or a cabin accommodation.
Ski Here: Mill of Kintail
Pair this cross-country skiing experience with a visit to the charming small town of Almonte (a 10-minute drive from the trails) for a full day outing. Explore the Mill of Kintail’s 6.5-kilometre network of trails that traverse the 152-acre property, on mostly level land that makes for moderate cross-country conditions. The property is open year-round from dawn to dusk, seven days a week, and visitors pay a small fee of $6 per vehicle.
Stay Here:
Just a five minute drive from the conservation area is The Monte Inn, a waterfront retreat complete with a riverside sauna and hot tub to soak out any stiffness and an onsite restaurant and lounge indoors.
Pembroke & Area Cross Country Ski Club
These trails are managed by the Pembroke & Area Cross Country Ski Club and offer 11 kilometres of prime groomed cross-country skiing over scenic terrain complete with rolling hills, flat sections, and some inclines.
Stay Here:
You’ll need to make the short drive to Pembroke to spend the night, so not quite ski in, ski out for this trail. Book a room at the Best Western Pembroke Inn or Grey Gables Inn for a downtown option.
Pinestone Resort
What could be more scenic than skiing across a beautifully laid out golf course? Explore 10 kilometres of groomed trails at the Pinestone Resort, just south of Haliburton. Make a reservation for dinner at Stone 21 to cap off your day spent outdoors.
Stay Here:
Pinestone Resort has one- and two-bedroom chalets complete with propane fireplaces to keep you toasty at the end of the day.
BONUS
Ski Here: Opeongo Hills Nordic Ski Trails
There are more than 19-kilometres of trails here that are maintained and operated by the Opeongo Hills Nordic Ski Club. Check out their map to select the perfect trail for your cross country outing, but please note that distances are one way. You don't need a membership to ski; the daily fee is $10 per person per day, and payment can be dropped in one of the on-site boxes.
If you don't have your own skis, Hilltop Ski Rentals is located just down the road from the trailhead.
Stay Here:
There are sadly not many accommodations close to this trail, but if you don’t mind a drive you can stay to the west at Hush Lodge & Cottages or just a short drive north is a lovely farm stay retreat that sleeps up to eight people, perfect for groups.
