- Published on:
- Updated on: September 25, 2026
8 Ski Resorts Near Ottawa for 2026–27: Downhill and Cross-Country Options
Planning a ski trip near Ottawa in 2026? This guide compares eight downhill and cross-country destinations within reach of the city, from beginner hills to larger mountain resorts. Your best option depends on travel time, terrain, lessons, rentals, and the conditions on the day you go.
Updated September 2026 for the 2026–27 season: We refreshed the planning advice and removed unsupported claims about guaranteed snow and personal visits to every resort. Winter opening dates, lift access, trail grooming, and ticket prices depend on weather and the operator, so check the destination’s official conditions page before setting out.
Plan your 2026–27 ski day
- Choose downhill or cross-country first; Gatineau Park is a cross-country trail network, not a lift-served ski resort.
- Compare beginner terrain, lesson and rental availability, and the total cost for your group.
- Check live conditions, weather, road travel, and any reservation requirements on the day of your visit.
- Wear a properly fitted helmet for downhill skiing or snowboarding and choose terrain within your ability.
What To Pack For A Skiing Trip?
Ski Clothing
- Waterproof outer layer: Bring a jacket and snow pants suited to the forecast, plus gloves or mittens.
- Base layers: Choose comfortable layers that help move moisture away from your skin.
- Goggles: They help protect your eyes from wind, snow, and glare.
- Warm hat and neck warmer: Pack these for breaks and changing conditions.
Ski Equipment
- Skis or a snowboard and properly fitted boots
- Poles, if you are skiing
- A properly fitted helmet
- Water bottle and a small day bag
- Rental confirmation, if you are using resort equipment
Ski destinations near Ottawa
1. Mont Tremblant - The Best Overall
Ability level: All levels
Distance from Ottawa: 153 kilometres Accommodation on site? Yes, many options
Mont Tremblant offers a larger mountain experience for a weekend trip from Ottawa. Its trails cover a range of skill levels, and there are activities beyond skiing if your group wants time off the slopes. Check the resort’s current trail map, lift status, and snow report before you go.
Activities in and around Mont Tremblant
- Downhill skiing and snowboarding
- Ziplining and treetop walks, when available
- Hiking and other seasonal activities
- Indoor games and dining in the village
Pros
- Trails vary in difficulty, so check the trail map for runs that suit everyone in your group.
- The North Side has more challenging terrain for experienced skiers and snowboarders.
- The village offers places to eat and browse after skiing.
- Check which runs, lifts, and village activities are open during your visit.
Cons
- School holidays can bring longer lift lines and busier lodging. Book early if your dates fall during a holiday period.
Our Recommendations
- Check Quebec school holiday dates if you want to plan around busy periods.
- Pack for the forecast and allow for changing visibility and snow conditions.
- Choose your travel dates using the resort’s current snow report rather than assuming one month will always have better skiing.
2. Mont Sainte-Marie- The Best Place For Advanced Skiers
Ability levels: All levels
Distance from Ottawa: 90.5 kilometres
Accommodation on site? Yes, many options
Mont Sainte-Marie is about an hour north of Ottawa in Lac-Sainte-Marie, Quebec. It offers downhill runs for different ability levels, including more challenging terrain for confident skiers and snowboarders. The resort also lists cross-country skiing nearby. Check the current trail map and snow report to see what is open for your visit.
Activities in and around Mont Sainte-Marie
- Downhill skiing and snowboarding
- Cross-country skiing
- Snowshoeing and other winter activities, where available
Pros
Ticket, rental, and lesson prices change each season. Check the operator’s official 2026–27 price and conditions pages before travelling, especially if you need a lesson or equipment rental.
Cons
- It is located 40 mins past most other Ottawa ski hills.
- Sometimes it is closed due to a lack of snow.
Our Recommendations
- Check Mont Sainte-Marie’s current snow report, lift status, and forecast when choosing a date. Conditions change from week to week.
3. Calabogie Peaks Resort- The Best Place To Learn Skiing
Ability levels: All
Distance from Ottawa: 107 kilometres
Accommodation on site? Yes, many options
Calabogie Peaks is an option for families and newer skiers who want lessons and room to practise. The resort has a ski school, beginner terrain, and runs for more experienced skiers. Review the current trail map and lesson schedule before choosing a day to visit.
Groups may also want to look into the local racing, freestyle, and adaptive skiing programs. Availability and enrolment can change by season.
For a break from the slopes, check the resort’s current dining hours and events. Calabogie and the surrounding Ottawa Valley also have shops and other winter activities.
Activities in and around Calabogie Peaks
- Skiing and snowboarding
- Lessons and local ski programs
- Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, where available
- Dining and exploring nearby communities
Pros
- It is located only an hour’s drive from downtown Ottawa.
- Beginner and intermediate terrain
- Convenient location marks
- Excellent dining, apres and lodging options.
Cons
- Lift queues and grooming can vary by day and weather.
- Check the resort’s trail and terrain report before choosing a run.
- If you are unsure about a trail, ask resort staff which terrain matches your ability.
Our Recommendations
- Allow extra time for rentals and lessons during holidays.
- Check the weather forecast and any resort alerts before travelling, especially during a storm.
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Sports Specialist
4. Gatineau Park — Cross-Country Ski Trails
Distance from Ottawa: 17 kilometres (~15 minutes)
Accommodations onsite? No
Experience levels? All levels
Gatineau Park is a cross-country skiing destination rather than a downhill resort. Cross-country skiing uses a gliding or skating motion on marked trails, without chairlifts. The park has routes for different abilities and skiing styles, so choose a trail that suits your experience and the day’s conditions.
Check the Relais plein air for rental information, and confirm the current trail conditions and pass requirements with the National Capital Commission before you set out.
Activities in and around Gatineau Park
- Cross-country skiing
- Snowshoeing
- Winter hiking and snow biking on designated routes
Pros
- The park has an extensive network of cross-country trails. Check the NCC map for the current routes and distances.
- Trail conditions and access updates are posted by the NCC.
- Check the NCC’s current information for parking, shelters, and overnight options.
Cons
- Big crowds are expected on weekends.
- Pets are not allowed.
Our Recommendations
- Check the NCC’s current transit and parking information for the trailhead you plan to use.
- Pick a route that matches your skiing experience and the day’s trail conditions.
- Bring water and a snack. Check which shelters and rest areas are open before you set out.
5. Mont Cascades For Night Skiing
Distance from Ottawa: 28 kilometres (~30 minutes)
Accommodations onsite? No
Experience levels? Intermediate
Mont Cascades offers evening skiing, which can be useful if you want to ski after work or make a shorter trip. Night skiing depends on the day’s schedule, weather, and open runs, so check the resort’s current hours and trail report before leaving. The hill has terrain for different ability levels, with many runs suited to intermediate skiers.
Activities at Mont Cascades
- Downhill skiing and snowboarding
- Night skiing on scheduled evenings
- Other seasonal activities listed by the resort
Pros
- Evening skiing on scheduled nights
- Terrain for different skill levels
- A smaller hill for a shorter outing
Cons
- It is a smaller resort and has short runs.
Our Recommendations
- Dress in layers suited to the forecast. A moisture-wicking base layer and a weather-resistant outer layer can help you stay comfortable.
- Wear a properly fitted helmet for downhill skiing or snowboarding.
- Bring gloves or mittens and a spare warm layer if conditions may change.
6. Ski Vorlage - The Best Ski Resort For Families
Distance from Ottawa: 31 miles ( 40 minutes drive)
Accommodations onsite? No
Experience levels? Intermediate
Ski Vorlage, near Wakefield, is a manageable choice for a family ski day. Its shorter runs, lessons, and terrain park give beginners and more confident skiers options on the same hill. Check the current operating days, lesson availability, and trail conditions before planning your visit.
Wakefield is close by if you want to add a meal or an overnight stay. For activities beyond skiing, confirm what is open during your trip rather than relying on a past season’s schedule.
Activities in and around Ski Vorlage
- Downhill skiing and snowboarding
- Lessons, when available
- Dining and exploring Wakefield
Pros
- Great place for children and beginners
- Lively après scene and plenty of dining choices
- Family-friendly
- Free outdoor Parking
Cons
- Limited lifts
Our Recommendations
- Check Ski Vorlage’s current lift-ticket, rental, and lesson prices before booking.
- Snow cover varies throughout the season. Use the resort’s current conditions report to choose a day.
Don't let sports injuries hold you back
From diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation, we're here to support you every step of the way.
Ghaith Dhaidan, PT, M.Sc.PT
Physiotherapist
7. Camp Fortune- The Best Resort For Snowboarding
Distance from Ottawa: 21 miles ( 40 mins drive)
Accommodations onsite? Yes
Experience levels? All levels
When choosing a hill for snowboarding, look at the open terrain, lift setup, lessons, and current snow conditions. A trail map can help you find runs that match your experience. Weather can change quickly, so check the forecast and the resort’s report before heading out.
Camp Fortune is a short trip from Ottawa and has runs across several areas of the hill. It offers options for different ability levels; confirm which trails and terrain features are open on the day you plan to ride.
Activities at Camp Fortune
- Skiing and snowboarding
- Lessons for children and adults, when available
- Other seasonal activities listed by the resort
Pros
- Camp Fortune is a short drive from Ottawa; travel time depends on traffic and weather.
- It has runs for different ability levels. Check the current trail map and open lifts.
- Confirm rental availability and operating hours before you go.
Cons
- There are several flat areas between the mountains. It is difficult to navigate between different parts of the mountain.
Our Recommendations
- Choose runs that match your experience and check which areas are open.
- For evening visits, use only trails the resort has designated as open for night skiing.
8. Pakenham- The Best Resort For The Beginners
Distance from Ottawa: 41 miles (50 min drive)
Accommodations onsite? Yes
Experience levels? All levels
For a first ski or snowboard trip, gentle runs and a lesson can make the day easier to plan. Look for a hill with beginner terrain, clear trail signs, and rental options that fit your group.
Mount Pakenham is a smaller hill near Ottawa with lessons and runs for learners. Families can also check its current tubing and other activity schedules. Review the trail report, rental details, and lesson availability before booking.
Activities at Mount Pakenham
- Skiing and snowboarding
- Lessons and rentals, when available
- Snow tubing and other scheduled activities
Pros
- Family-friendly
- Excellent place for beginners
- Friendly instructors
Cons
- Many reviewers complained that the food in the cafeteria is expensive.
Our Recommendations
- Bring a snack and water if you expect to spend several hours at the hill.
- Check the resort’s current information about lockers and bag storage before arriving.
- Keep valuables with you or leave them somewhere secure.
Conclusion
FAQS
Camp Fortune is a beginner-friendly ski area. 30% of its trails are categorized as easy. Around 70% of the remaining trails can be categorized as difficult.
Ottawa is a great place for skiing. It has a variety of hills and the right temperature for skiers of different levels of ability.
With proper instruction, learning to ski is not difficult. You can start enjoying the mountain atmosphere and the whole experience of skiing just after your first day on the slopes.
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