Where to Ski Near Ottawa: A Weekend at Calabogie Peaks Resort

Looking for the best place to ski near Ottawa? Calabogie Peaks Resort offers great slopes, ski lessons, snowshoeing trails, and a cozy resort stay. Plan your perfect winter weekend getaway!

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I have a confession to make: I had never skied a day in my life. Not once. Not even a casual attempt down a bunny hill as a kid. But somehow, I still thought it would be a great idea to plan a girls’ ski weekend getaway, because what better way to learn than by diving straight in, right?

Enter Calabogie Peaks Resort, a ski destination near Ottawa that seemed like the perfect place for a first-time skier like me. It had everything: a mix of beginner-friendly runs, ski lessons, cozy accommodations, and even snowshoe trails (you know, in case I decided skiing wasn’t my thing after all).

So, with a mix of excitement and mild terror, I packed my bags, layered up, and headed to Calabogie for a winter weekend filled with ski attempts, après-ski coziness, and plenty of laughs. Here’s how it all went down and what you need to know if you’re thinking of planning your own winter escape to Calabogie Peaks!

Read More //  Don’t forget to check out my guide for a Fall getaway in Calabogie!

So where should you ski near Ottawa?

What to know before visiting Calabogie Peaks Resort?

• Calabogie Peaks has Ontario’s tallest ski resort vertical drop at 780 feet, offering longer runs than most ski hills in the province.
• It’s one of the best places for beginners to learn to ski, with a dedicated learning area, gentle slopes, and great instructors.
• Beyond skiing, you can enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and outdoor skating, making it a great winter getaway even for non-skiers.
• The resort hotel offers true ski-in, ski-out access, so you can step right onto the slopes without needing to drive anywhere.
• Calabogie is a year-round adventure spot, with hiking trails, lake activities, and scenic fall drives to enjoy beyond ski season.

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Where to ski near Ottawa: Calabogie Peaks

Calabogie Peaks is a gem for skiers in Ontario, offering a great mix of terrain for all levels. With 24 runs, a vertical drop of 780 feet (the highest in Ontario!), and two chairlifts, it’s the kind of ski resort that feels big enough to keep things exciting but small enough to avoid overwhelming crowds.

One of the things I loved about Calabogie is that it has a good balance of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs. If you’re new to skiing, you’ll appreciate the dedicated learning area and long, gentle green runs like Ole K&P, which give you plenty of space to practice without feeling rushed. For intermediate skiers, Fiddler and Causeway were solid choices, offering fun, wide-open cruising. More experienced skiers can test their skills on Face of Tiger, a steep and challenging black diamond run that gives you a real adrenaline rush.

As for snow conditions, Calabogie does a solid job with grooming and snowmaking, but like most ski resorts in Ontario, conditions depend heavily on recent snowfall. I went after a fresh snowfall, and the powdery conditions made learning way easier, less icy, more forgiving!

One of the biggest perks? The crowd levels were way better than other ski resorts near Ottawa, like Mont Tremblant or even Camp Fortune. It never felt overly packed, and I didn’t have to deal with long lift lines, which meant more time actually skiing and less time waiting around.

Overall, Calabogie Peaks is the perfect in-between option, big enough to have variety, but still affordable, uncrowded, and beginner-friendly. If you’re looking for a relaxed, fun ski weekend near Ottawa, it’s a fantastic choice!

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Ski Lessons at Calabogie Peaks

Since I had never skied before, I knew a lesson was a must. Luckily, Calabogie Peaks offers semi-private lessons, which meant I got to learn alongside my friend Emily, making the whole experience way more fun (and slightly less nerve-wracking). Our instructor, Bruce (whose been a ski Instructor since 1974 at Calabogie Peaks), was patient, encouraging, and somehow managed to make even the basics feel approachable—which is saying something, considering I started the day barely knowing how to stand in skis.

Whether you’re a total newbie or looking to refine your skills, Calabogie offers a range of lesson options:

• Private Lessons – One-on-one coaching for personalized instruction.
• Semi-Private Lessons – A great option for two or three people, perfect if you want to learn with a friend (like Emily and I did!).
• Group Lessons – A budget-friendly way to learn with others at the same skill level.
• Kids & Family Lessons – A great option for families with younger skiers.
• Advanced Coaching – For experienced skiers looking to improve technique

Emily and I opted for a semi-private lesson, which turned out to be the best decision. We got more personalized attention than a big group lesson, but it was also way less intimidating than a private one-on-one session. Bruce started us off with the absolute basics—how to clip into our skis, how to balance, and, most importantly, how to stop (because let’s be real, that’s the most important skill). He was incredibly patient, giving us clear instructions while also making the lesson fun.

Bonus: You Can Rent All Your Equipment Here

One of the best parts about learning at Calabogie Peaks is that you don’t need to own any ski gear—they have a full rental shop where you can get skis, boots, poles, helmets, and even snowboards if you decide to switch things up. The rental process was smooth, and the staff helped me find the right size and fit, making sure I felt comfortable before hitting the slopes.

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Snowshoeing Trails at Calabogie

While skiing was the main focus of our trip, I quickly discovered that snowshoeing at Calabogie Peaks is an underrated winter adventure. If you’re looking for a way to slow down, take in the scenery, and explore the mountain beyond the ski runs, snowshoeing is a fantastic option.

Plus, if you’re staying at the Calabogie Peaks Resort Hotel, you get complimentary snowshoe rentals, making it an easy and budget-friendly way to enjoy the trails.

Best Snowshoe Trails Near Calabogie Peaks Resort

Calabogie offers a variety of snowshoe trails that range from easy nature walks to more adventurous mountain descents. Some of the top trails include:

• Ole K&P Trail (Moderate) – A historic rail trail that winds through the forest, offering beautiful wooded views and a peaceful winter escape.
• Eagle’s Nest Lookout (Challenging) – If you’re up for a bit more adventure, this trail leads to one of the most stunning viewpoints in the area. While it’s not on the resort itself, it’s a must-do if you’re in Calabogie.
• On-Resort Trails (Easy to Moderate) – If you want a more relaxed experience, Calabogie Peaks Resort has groomed trails that weave through the property, perfect for a short winter walk.

One of the coolest experiences you can have at Calabogie Peaks is taking the chairlift up the mountain and snowshoeing down the Ole K&P Trail. The resort offers a special lift ticket for snowshoers, so you can ride up and trek down at your own pace, taking in breathtaking views along the way.

Hiking tip //  If you’re snowshoeing down the mountain, be sure to stay to the side of the trail to avoid obstructing skiers and snowboarders who are flying down the slopes!

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Staying at Calabogie Peaks Resort Hotel

If you’re looking for the most convenient place to stay while skiing at Calabogie Peaks, the Calabogie Peaks Resort Hotel is the obvious choice. With ski-in, ski-out access, cozy rooms, and on-site dining, it’s the perfect spot for a stress-free winter getaway. Plus, if you’re staying here, you get complimentary snowshoe rentals, making it easy to explore beyond the slopes.

What really sets this place apart is the ski-in, ski-out access, you can literally step out of the hotel and onto the slopes, no need to drive or shuttle. After a long day of skiing or snowshoeing, you can unwind in the outdoor hot tub, grab a drink by the fireplace in the lodge, or just relax in your room with a cup of hot chocolate.

Dining Options & Food Review

The hotel has an on-site restaurant, Canthooks, which serves up a mix of hearty, comforting meals and lighter options. Breakfast here is simple, with cereals, toast and coffee at your disposal.

If you don’t want to sit down for a full meal, Black Donald’s Bar is a great spot to grab something quick between runs. Located right on the hill, it’s the go-to spot for après-ski drinks and snacks, serving everything from pub-style comfort food to light bites. The best part? Their signature spicy Caesar, best enjoyed on the outdoor patio overlooking the slopes.

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Additional Tips for Visiting Calabogie Peaks

To make the most of your ski trip to Calabogie Peaks, a little planning goes a long way. From the best time to visit to packing essentials and money-saving tips, here’s everything you need to know before heading out.

Best Time to Visit for Good Snow & Fewer Crowds

• Best snow conditions: The ideal time to ski at Calabogie is from late December to early March, when snowfall is most consistent, and the resort’s snowmaking operations are in full swing. If you want the best chance of fresh powder, keep an eye on the weather forecast and aim for a trip after a snowfall of at least 10-15 cm.
• Avoiding crowds: Weekdays are by far the best if you want shorter lift lines and a quieter experience. If you can’t swing a midweek trip, try to arrive early on weekends—the slopes are much quieter in the morning before the late risers show up.
• Spring skiing perks: If you don’t mind softer snow, March can be a great time to visit. The temperatures are milder, and you’ll find better deals on lift tickets and accommodations as the season winds down.

What to Pack for a Winter Weekend in Calabogie

Packing for a ski trip is all about layers and warmth. Here’s what you’ll want to bring:

✔ Ski & Snow Gear

• Waterproof ski jacket & snow pants
• Insulated base layers (thermal tops & leggings)
• Warm socks (wool or ski-specific)
• Waterproof gloves or mittens
• Neck warmer or balaclava (wind protection is key!)
• Ski goggles or sunglasses (for sunny ski days)
• Helmet (if you don’t plan to rent one)

✔ Extras

• Hand warmers & toe warmers (trust me, these are a game-changer)
• Sunscreen & lip balm (yes, even in winter!)
• Camera or phone for winter photography
• Portable charger (cold weather drains batteries fast)

Don’t have ski gear? No worries! You can rent everything you need—skis, boots, poles, and helmets—at Calabogie Peaks, so you don’t have to buy expensive equipment just for one trip.

Booking Tips for the Best Hotel & Ski Pass Deals

Want to save money on your trip? Here are some smart booking tips:

• Book early for the best rates: Hotels and ski passes tend to be cheaper if you book in advance. If you know your dates, don’t wait too long!
• Check for midweek discounts: Staying at the Calabogie Peaks Resort Hotel? Prices are often lower Sunday to Thursday compared to weekends.
• Look for lift ticket deals: Buying lift tickets online in advance is usually cheaper than purchasing them on-site.
• Consider a season pass or multi-day pass: If you plan to ski multiple times this season, a Calabogie Peaks Season Pass or a multi-day lift ticket can save you a lot in the long run.
• Look for special packages: Some hotels, including Calabogie Peaks Resort, offer stay-and-ski packages that bundle accommodations with lift tickets for extra savings.

So where to ski near Ottawa? Calabogie Peaks Resort of course!

Looking back on my first-ever ski trip, I can confidently say that Calabogie Peaks is an incredible winter getaway—whether you’re a beginner like me or a seasoned skier. The combination of great ski terrain, friendly instructors, scenic snowshoe trails, and ski-in/ski-out accommodations makes it one of the best ski resorts near Ottawa for a relaxed, adventure-filled weekend. Plus, the cozy après-ski vibes at Black Donald’s Bar and Canthooks make unwinding after a day on the slopes even better.

Would I recommend this trip to others? Absolutely. Whether you’re planning a trip with friends, family, or even solo, Calabogie Peaks offers the perfect balance of adventure and comfort. And if you’re a first-time skier like I was? Trust me, you’ll be in good hands here.

Have you skied at Calabogie before? I’d love to hear about your experience! Drop a comment below and let me know your favorite run, après-ski drink, or any tips for first-timers.

Looking for more Ontario travel ideas? Check out my other blog posts for itineraries, hiking trails, and hidden gems across the province!

* P.S. This adventure was part of a collab with Calabogie Peaks Resort but all opinions (and obsessions) are 100% mine!”

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