Can I have S’more Blue Mountain

With the start of winter in Canada and 2016 rapidly coming to a close we had one last thing to tick off our 2016 bucket list – attempt to ski! We decided this would be best done at Blue Mountain, a snowball’s throw away from downtown Toronto. A low-key ski resort just outside the city that has become the place for an Ontario winter weekend getaway, to get in a few runs without having to fork out for flights or take lengthy shuttles high into the mountains.

Blue Mountain Village

Blue Mountain is a ski resort a mere 2 hours drive from downtown Toronto. A charming wonderland surrounding a frozen lake, set against the ski slopes, it is a scene straight out of a snow globe. Having 42 runs, 16 chairlifts, an array of hotels and apartments, restaurants, bars, shops, a spa and even a little grocery store the conveniently located Blue Mountain Village has secured its position as one of the most popular ski resorts in Canada.

Spending a long weekend there recently it’s easy to see why this picturesque winter wonderland is a favourite. And in the heart of the Village, I discovered this s’more hot chocolate from Royal Majesty Espresso Bar and Bakery, that quickly became a daily ritual.

Checking in: Mosaic

Obviously staying within the Blue Mountain village parameters is more costly than staying in the neighbouring town of Collingwood but it is a matter of convenience over cost. We booked a suite for a long weekend in the newly renovated Mosaic Hotel right on the edge of the village, a minutes walk from the centre hub and main ski lift but far enough out that whilst relaxing in our room we were away from the outside buzz and activity.

Getting to Blue Mountain Village is unbelievably easy. It is an effortless 2-hour self-drive from Toronto or during the winter season there is a shuttle bus that runs daily from Toronto straight to the Blue Mountain Village (which is how we opted to get there).

The room was comfortable and spacious, with all the amenities needed and a fireplace to warm the toes after a day on the slopes. My only niggle was if I had to book again I would book a hotel at the base of the slopes, thus saving the hassle of trudging back and forth to the room in heavy snow boots and gear. (But like #FirstWorld Problems)

Learning to Ski

As a newbie skier/ snowboarder like ourselves, there is absolutely no need to have skied before or own any gear. Blue Mountain Village has it all. A beginner lift pass and rental gear can all be booked when checking in or from the main rentals building. If you are not hitting the slopes immediately on arrival you can go after 8pm the night before your pass is valid, and hire your gear for the following day, thus avoiding the morning lineups (trust me this is definitely something to avoid).

Another added perk of staying in the Village is all guests can enjoy the complimentary valet check for their ski equipment.

But I would suggest buying/ taking your own ski mittens (just because rental mittens seem a bit gross) otherwise absolutely everything else can be hired from the rental centre. There are also numerous outfitter stores in the Village if you wish to purchase any clothing or gear.

The beginner lift and rental package includes the use of the ski valet, a lift pass (valid for 8 hours), helmet, poles, skis and boots for the day. *Note: A valid drivers license is required to place a hold on all rentals.   

Once suited up and armed with your lift ticket, one simply joins the complimentary drop-in group training classes in the Newbie area. Starting at 10am in the morning and they run throughout the day. There are five stages you graduate through and you can work through the circuit at your own pace. Classes start from the very basics of how to put on your skis, through to learning to stop, gliding down the nursery hills and finally an instructor takes you through how to use a ski lift and attempting to ski down your very first green run.

Despite my numerous tumbles (on and off the skis) Blue Mountain Village is without a doubt the most convenient place for a bunch of newbies and experienced skies, based in Ontario, to get their ski on.

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