If you're anything like us, winter isn't something to hibernate through, it’s something to shred through. Snowboarding in Ontario might surprise people outside of Canada, but for those of us living here, it’s one of the best ways to embrace the chill. From scenic hills to beginner-friendly slopes, Ontario offers a mix of accessible resorts, especially around the Greater Toronto Area. Based in Ajax ourselves, at Switch Skate and Snow, we’ve had the chance to ride across the province and help thousands of customers gear up for the season. So, where should you head this winter?
Let’s dive into the best places to snowboard in Ontario, resorts where we’ve carved trails, taught newbies, and found fresh powder even after a weekday snowstorm. Whether you're just starting or you’re looking for your next weekend trip, this list will cover it all.
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Switch Skate & Snow:
161 HARWOOD AVE N UNIT #6, AJAX, ONTARIO, L1Z0A1
Why Ontario is a Hidden Gem for Snowboarding
We get it, when people think about snowboarding, they usually picture the Rockies in Alberta or the mountains in British Columbia. But hear us out: Ontario has some of the most beginner-friendly and accessible snowboarding terrain in the country. And trust us, if you’re learning, this matters more than elevation.
What Ontario lacks in vertical drop, it makes up for in:
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Variety of hills close to urban areas
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Great facilities for beginners and families
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Long seasons with consistent snow (thanks to lake effect snow in many areas)
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Affordable lift tickets compared to western Canada
Being based in Durham Region ourselves, we’ve seen more people discover snowboarding as a winter outlet—especially since it’s just a short drive to several good resorts. If you're wondering where to start snowboarding near you, you're in the right place.
1. Blue Mountain Resort – Ontario’s Snowboarding Capital
Location: Collingwood, ON
Website: Blue Mountain
This one’s a no-brainer. If you’re snowboarding in Ontario, Blue Mountain is probably already on your radar—and for good reason. It’s the largest ski resort in the province and offers a bit of everything: terrain parks, glades, groomers, and a strong snowboarding culture.
Why We Love It:
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720 feet of vertical, the highest in Ontario
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Dedicated terrain park with progressive features
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Night riding across most trails
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On-site village for food, gear, and après-ski vibes
It's super beginner-friendly, too. We’ve seen many first-timers come back from a Blue weekend hooked on snowboarding for life.
2. Mount St. Louis Moonstone – Perfect for Progression
Location: Coldwater, ON
Website: Mount St. Louis Moonstone
Just north of Barrie, Mount St. Louis Moonstone is another go-to for both beginners and park rats. With wide, open runs and Ontario’s best terrain park scene, it’s ideal if you’re looking to learn or level up.
What Makes It Stand Out:
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Huge snowmaking capacity = longer seasons
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Well-groomed beginner and intermediate terrain
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Top-tier terrain parks designed with snowboarders in mind
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Family-run resort with a strong local feel
Their beginner lifts are smooth and perfect for easing in. We always recommend this resort to anyone asking us “Where to snowboard in Ontario near me” when they want progression without crowds.
3. Horseshoe Resort – Beginner-Friendly with All the Extras
Location: Barrie, ON
Website: Horseshoe Resort
If you're just getting into the sport, Horseshoe is the definition of convenient. It's located less than 90 minutes from the GTA and offers well-groomed trails with a dedicated beginner area.
Why It’s Great for New Riders:
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Easy-to-navigate resort layout
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Ski and snowboard school with great instructors
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Night skiing and tubing available
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Cozy accommodation and dining on-site
We’ve geared up a lot of beginners headed here—it’s one of the places we recommend most from our shop in Ajax, especially for families just starting out.
4. Glen Eden – A Hidden Local Gem Near Milton
Location: Milton, ON
Website: Glen Eden
Small but mighty, Glen Eden is one of the closest snowboarding spots to the western GTA. It's more of a local’s hill, but that’s exactly why it works—it’s not intimidating, it’s affordable, and it’s ideal for getting your legs under you.
Why We Recommend Glen Eden:
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Close proximity to Toronto
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Friendly atmosphere, no pressure vibes
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Focused on learners and casual riders
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Offers night riding
Perfect for after-school or weekend trips, we’ve seen tons of people sharpen their skills here before moving on to bigger resorts.
5. Brimacombe – Durham Region’s Backyard Snowboard Spot
Location: Orono, ON
Website: Brimacombe
We had to show some love to our local hill. Based in Durham Region ourselves, Brimacombe is just a stone’s throw away from our shop and one of the best-kept secrets when it comes to snowboarding in Ontario.
Why Brimacombe Hits Home:
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Only 45 minutes from Toronto
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23 runs across four terrain parks
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Solid snowmaking system
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Great community events and programs
It’s super accessible for day trips, and for anyone looking to pick up gear, you can always swing by Switch Skate and Snow in Ajax before hitting the hill. A lot of the locals we outfit head here weekly.
Best Time to Snowboard in Ontario
We’ve snowboarded across Ontario in all conditions. Based on our experience, here’s what we recommend for timing:
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Early Season (Late Nov to Mid-Dec): Ideal for first-timers and lessons before it gets crowded.
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Mid-Season (Jan to Feb): Best snow conditions and full park features.
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Spring Riding (March): Soft snow, sunny days—perfect for progression and good vibes.
Most resorts open around late November, and thanks to advanced snowmaking (especially at Mount St. Louis and Blue), you can usually ride well into March.
Tips for First-Time Snowboarders in Ontario
Getting started doesn’t have to be intimidating. From our own experience helping beginners at Switch Skate and Snow, here are some quick tips:
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Take a lesson: Trust us, it’s worth it. Every resort mentioned above offers excellent beginner programs.
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Dress in layers: Ontario weather can flip fast. Start warm, then adjust.
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Rent before buying: Try rental gear first, then visit us for your perfect setup.
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Stick to green runs: They’re designed for learning, and there’s no shame in staying there until you're confident.
Where to Find Snowboarding Gear in Ontario (Especially the GTA)
You’ve got the hills picked out. Now what about your gear? Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned rider, having the right setup is key to having a good time. That’s exactly what we specialize in.
What We Offer:
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Beginner snowboarding packages
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Expert fittings and local knowledge
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The latest boards, boots, and bindings
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Apparel and accessories from top brands
We’re proud to help riders from all over Ontario—especially from the GTA, Durham Region, and surrounding towns—get on the slopes confidently.
What Makes a Snowboarding Resort Beginner-Friendly?
If you’re still narrowing down your options, here’s what to look for in a beginner snowboard resort:
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Wide, gentle slopes
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High-quality rental and lesson services
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Friendly staff and clear signage
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Affordable lift ticket options
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Beginner lifts and magic carpets
These small details can make or break your first day on the snow. Every resort we’ve listed ticks these boxes.
Ontario vs. Quebec or BC – Is It Worth Staying Local?
We get asked this a lot. Should you plan a big trip out west, or stick to Ontario? Honestly, if you're learning, Ontario is the place to be.
A University of Waterloo study found that beginner-friendly terrain increases retention in winter sports, meaning if you start here, you’re more likely to stick with it. Ontario’s hills are manageable, affordable, and more accessible. Build your base here, and then maybe hit Whistler next year.
Our Favourite Nearby Eats After a Day on the Slopes
Snowboarding builds up an appetite, and one of our favourite parts about day trips is hitting up local food spots afterward. A few of our go-tos:
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Collingwood: Northwinds Brewery after Blue Mountain
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Barrie: Burger Royale after Horseshoe
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Ajax: Chuck’s Roadhouse after gearing up with us at Switch
Snowboarding’s better with good food and good company.
Conclusion
Ontario might not have towering mountains, but it offers everything you need to get into snowboarding. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned rider looking for a weekend escape, these five resorts deliver in accessibility, affordability, and fun. And when you're ready to gear up? We’ve got your back at Switch Skate and Snow in Ajax.
Now that you know where to snowboard in Ontario, the only thing left is to get out there and ride.
FAQs
1. What is the best snowboarding resort in Ontario for beginners?
Mount St. Louis Moonstone and Horseshoe Resort are excellent for beginners due to their wide trails and beginner programs.
2. When is the snowboarding season in Ontario?
Most resorts open from late November to March, with January and February offering the best snow conditions.
3. Where can I buy beginner snowboarding gear in Ontario?
You can find quality beginner gear at Switch Skate and Snow in Ajax—we specialize in helping new riders get started.
4. Are there any snowboarding resorts near Toronto?
Yes! Glen Eden and Brimacombe are both under an hour from Toronto and offer great beginner terrain.
5. How much does it cost to snowboard in Ontario?
Day passes range from $45–$85, with rentals and lessons available at most resorts. Bundle packages often save you money.
