Ottawa might be known for its brutal winters, but smart locals have learned to embrace the cold by carving up the slopes at some surprisingly solid ski resorts just minutes from downtown.
If you’ve ever assumed you’d need to drive hours to find decent skiing near the nation’s capital, think again. The Gatineau Hills and surrounding regions offer everything from gentle bunny hills perfect for teaching the kids, to challenging glades and mogul runs that’ll test even experienced skiers. Whether you’re looking for a quick after-work session under the lights or planning a full day of carving fresh corduroy, there’s a hill within easy reach that fits the bill.
This guide breaks down every ski resort near Ottawa worth visiting, with honest assessments, local tips from Reddit, and everything you need to plan your winter adventures. Let’s find your perfect hill.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Ottawa has six ski resorts within an hour’s drive, ranging from the ultra-convenient Camp Fortune (20 minutes) to the more challenging Mont Ste-Marie (1 hour, highest vertical in the region at 381m). For beginners and families, stick to Camp Fortune or Mont Cascades. For serious skiing, make the drive to Calabogie Peaks or Mont Ste-Marie. Weekdays are dramatically less crowded, and buying tickets online saves money and time.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Closest Resort | Camp Fortune (20 min from downtown) |
| Highest Vertical | Mont Ste-Marie (381m) |
| Best for Beginners | Camp Fortune, Mont Cascades, Vorlage |
| Best for Advanced | Mont Ste-Marie, Calabogie Peaks |
| Day Pass Range | $35-85 depending on resort |
| Season | December to early April (conditions vary) |
| Cross-Country | Gatineau Park (200km groomed trails) |
Overview: Skiing Near Ottawa
Living in Ottawa means you’re surprisingly well-positioned for winter sports. The Gatineau Hills, stretching north across the Quebec border, create the topography needed for downhill skiing, while the region’s reliable snowfall keeps conditions solid through the winter months.
The ski scene here won’t be confused with the Rockies or even Mont Tremblant, but that’s not really the point. What you get is accessible, affordable skiing that doesn’t require vacation days or marathon drives. You can finish work at 5 PM and be making turns under the lights by 6:30. That’s the real appeal.
Here’s how the local options break down by distance:
Under 30 Minutes:
- Camp Fortune (Chelsea, QC) - 20 minutes
- Mont Cascades (Cantley, QC) - 25 minutes
- Edelweiss Valley (Wakefield, QC) - 30 minutes
30-45 Minutes:
- Vorlage (Wakefield, QC) - 35 minutes
1 Hour:
- Calabogie Peaks (Calabogie, ON) - 1 hour west
- Mont Ste-Marie (Lac-Sainte-Marie, QC) - 1 hour north
Day Trip Distance:
- Mont Tremblant (2 hours) - world-class resort
- Mont Orford (3 hours) - Eastern Townships option
Camp Fortune: The Convenient Choice
Distance: 20 minutes from downtown Ottawa (Chelsea, QC)
The Numbers:
- 25 runs
- 150 metres vertical drop
- Night skiing available
- Day pass: approximately $55-65
Camp Fortune holds a special place in Ottawa’s skiing culture as the closest hill to downtown. For generations of Ottawa families, this is where kids learned to ski, where teens hung out on Friday nights, and where adults sneak away for quick sessions after work.
The convenience factor is hard to overstate. You can genuinely leave your office in Centretown, grab your gear from home, and be on the chairlift within an hour. Few cities can claim a ski hill this close.
The Terrain:
Camp Fortune offers a solid mix of beginner and intermediate terrain, with a handful of more challenging runs to keep things interesting. The layout spreads across several faces, giving variety despite the modest vertical. The terrain park attracts younger riders, and the night skiing operation is well-lit and runs until 10 PM on select evenings.
What Reddit Says:
Local skiers on Reddit have a love-it-or-hate-it relationship with Camp Fortune. The common refrain goes something like this: “Camp Fortune is convenient but gets crowded on weekends.” That’s the trade-off you’re making. The hill’s proximity to 1.4 million people means Saturday afternoons can feel like a chairlift queue simulator.
Another Redditor put it well: “Great for learning, short drive from Ottawa.” And that’s the sweet spot. For beginners, families with young children, or anyone looking for a quick fix without a major time commitment, Camp Fortune delivers.
Best For:
- Beginners and first-timers
- Families with young children
- After-work skiing and night sessions
- Anyone prioritizing convenience over terrain
Pro Tips:
- Avoid Saturday afternoons like the plague
- Tuesday and Wednesday nights are the least crowded
- Buy your lift tickets online to skip the ticket window line
- The lodge gets packed; consider eating before you arrive
Mont Cascades: The Family Favourite
Distance: 25 minutes from downtown Ottawa (Cantley, QC)
The Numbers:
- 22 runs
- 190 metres vertical drop
- Terrain park and half-pipe
- Day pass: approximately $50-60
Mont Cascades flies under the radar compared to Camp Fortune, but locals who’ve discovered it often become converts. It offers similar convenience with a slightly different vibe—more relaxed, less hectic, and with terrain that punches above its weight.
The Terrain:
The extra 40 metres of vertical compared to Camp Fortune might not sound like much on paper, but you feel it in longer runs and more sustained pitches. The terrain park here has earned a solid reputation, with Reddit users noting that “Cascades has better terrain park than Fortune.” If your teenagers are into jumps and rails, this might tip the scales.
The ski school program is well-regarded, making Cascades a legitimate alternative to Camp Fortune for families introducing kids to the sport.
What Reddit Says:
The consensus online is refreshingly positive: “Less crowded than Camp Fortune.” For anyone who’s experienced the Saturday chaos at Fortune, this alone might be worth the extra five minutes of driving. The mountain attracts a loyal following of families who appreciate the mellower atmosphere.
Best For:
- Families looking for a less hectic alternative
- Terrain park enthusiasts
- Intermediate skiers wanting longer runs
- Anyone allergic to crowds
Pro Tips:
- The parking lot fills later than Fortune—you can sleep in slightly
- Their ski school has smaller class sizes
- The cafeteria food is decent by ski hill standards
- Consider the afternoon ticket if you’re not an early riser
Calabogie Peaks: The Regional Heavyweight
Distance: 1 hour west of Ottawa (Calabogie, ON)
The Numbers:
- 24 runs
- 230 metres vertical drop (highest in Ontario)
- Most varied terrain in the region
- Day pass: approximately $65-80
Now we’re getting into proper skiing territory. Calabogie Peaks is where Ottawa skiers go when they want something that actually feels like a ski resort rather than a glorified toboggan hill. The hour drive west into the Ottawa Valley takes you to Ontario’s highest vertical, and the difference is immediately noticeable.
The Terrain:
Calabogie offers terrain variety that the closer hills simply can’t match. You’ll find properly challenging runs here—steeper pitches, natural features, and enough variety to keep intermediate and advanced skiers engaged for a full day. The mountain spans two faces with distinct characters, and the longer runs mean you’re actually skiing rather than making a few turns before queuing again.
What Reddit Says:
This is where local opinions get enthusiastic. One Redditor captured the sentiment perfectly: “Calabogie is worth the drive for the vertical.” Another added: “Best skiing within 2 hours of Ottawa.” The common thread is that Calabogie delivers a “real ski resort feel, not just a hill.”
The extra driving time is the main barrier, but those who make the trip regularly consider it an easy trade-off for notably better skiing.
Best For:
- Intermediate to advanced skiers
- Anyone wanting a full-day ski experience
- Families ready to graduate from the bunny hills
- Skiers seeking actual challenge and variety
Pro Tips:
- Leave Ottawa early; the good snow gets tracked out by afternoon
- Weekdays are transformatively better than weekends
- The village has decent lunch options
- Consider combining with a night at the resort for a mini-getaway
Mont Ste-Marie: The Serious Skier’s Choice
Distance: 1 hour north of Ottawa (Lac-Sainte-Marie, QC)
The Numbers:
- 30 runs
- 381 metres vertical drop (HIGHEST in the region)
- Expert terrain, moguls, glades
- Day pass: approximately $70-85
Mont Ste-Marie is where Ottawa’s serious skiers migrate when they want the real deal. With nearly 400 metres of vertical—more than double what Camp Fortune offers—and terrain that actually challenges experienced skiers, this is the closest thing to destination skiing without leaving the region.
The Terrain:
This is not a beginner’s mountain. While there are easier runs, Ste-Marie’s reputation rests on its expert terrain: legitimate mogul runs, tree skiing through glades, and pitches steep enough to make your thighs burn. The mountain tends to hold snow better than the lower-elevation options, and the slightly more remote location means it doesn’t get hammered as hard by crowds.
What Reddit Says:
The testimonials here border on evangelical. “Ste-Marie is where serious skiers go,” declares one local. Another notes: “Best snow in the region, worth the drive.” The consensus is clear—if you actually know how to ski and want to push yourself, this is the hill.
The reduced crowds are a recurring theme. Because it requires more commitment to reach and doesn’t market as aggressively to beginners, Ste-Marie attracts a self-selecting crowd of dedicated skiers who know what they’re looking for.
Best For:
- Advanced and expert skiers
- Anyone craving moguls, glades, and steeps
- Skiers willing to drive for quality
- People who want to avoid beginner chaos
Pro Tips:
- Check snow conditions before driving—when it’s good here, it’s really good
- The back faces hold snow longer in warm spells
- Bring your own food; on-mountain options are limited
- Weekend mornings before 10 AM offer the best snow
Edelweiss Valley: The Underrated Option
Distance: 30 minutes from downtown Ottawa (Wakefield, QC)
The Numbers:
- 18 runs
- 200 metres vertical drop
- Night skiing and terrain park
- Day pass: approximately $50-60
Edelweiss occupies an interesting middle ground—more vertical than Camp Fortune, closer than Calabogie, and somehow less crowded than both. The Wakefield location puts it in beautiful Gatineau countryside, and the resort has quietly built a loyal following among locals who’ve discovered its charms.
The Terrain:
The 200 metres of vertical puts Edelweiss ahead of the closest options, and the run variety suits intermediate skiers well. The terrain park caters to freestyle enthusiasts, and the night skiing operation extends the skiing day for those who can’t get away during daylight hours.
What Reddit Says:
“Edelweiss is underrated, good night skiing” sums up the local opinion. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t generate the buzz of bigger names but delivers consistent quality for those who’ve found it.
Best For:
- Intermediate skiers wanting more vertical
- Night skiing enthusiasts
- Anyone looking to escape crowds
- Weeknight warriors
Pro Tips:
- Friday night skiing here is a local favourite
- The drive through Gatineau Park is scenic in itself
- Combined with a Wakefield village visit for a full day out
- Less beginner infrastructure—might not suit first-timers
Vorlage: The Budget-Friendly Option
Distance: 35 minutes from Ottawa (Wakefield, QC)
The Numbers:
- Smaller operation
- Family-focused terrain
- Budget-friendly pricing
- Day pass: approximately $35-45
Vorlage won’t win any awards for terrain or vertical, but it occupies a valuable niche: affordable, unpretentious skiing for families who want to get kids on snow without breaking the bank. The significantly lower day pass prices make it an attractive option for those still testing whether skiing is going to become a family passion.
Best For:
- Budget-conscious families
- Complete beginners
- Teaching young children
- Casual once-a-season skiers
Best Resort by Skill Level
Beginners and First-Timers
Top Pick: Camp Fortune or Mont Cascades
Both hills offer proper beginner infrastructure: gentle slopes, magic carpets, and ski school programs designed for first-timers. Camp Fortune has the edge in sheer convenience, while Cascades offers a calmer environment with smaller crowds.
Why these work:
- Dedicated learning areas separated from faster traffic
- Patient, experienced instructors
- Rental equipment readily available
- Gentle terrain to build confidence
Intermediate Skiers
Top Pick: Calabogie Peaks
Once you’re comfortable linking turns and ready for longer runs and more variety, Calabogie becomes the obvious choice. The extra vertical and terrain diversity justify the drive, and you’ll find yourself actually improving rather than just repeating the same motions.
Runner-up: Edelweiss Valley
If the drive to Calabogie isn’t feasible, Edelweiss offers a solid intermediate experience closer to town.
Advanced and Expert Skiers
Top Pick: Mont Ste-Marie
There’s really no contest here. If you’re seeking genuine challenge—moguls, glades, steeps—Ste-Marie is where you go. The 381 metres of vertical means sustained runs that actually work your technique, and the expert terrain separates it from everything else in the region.
Runner-up: Calabogie Peaks
Calabogie’s varied terrain includes challenging options for advanced skiers, and for those who prefer staying in Ontario, it delivers the best skiing available.
Season Pass Comparison
For anyone planning to ski regularly, season passes represent significant savings. Here’s how the local options break down:
Individual Resort Passes
Most Ottawa-area resorts offer season passes ranging from $400-800, depending on the resort and access level. These make sense if you’re loyal to one hill and plan to ski at least 8-10 days.
Typical pricing (approximate):
- Camp Fortune: $500-700
- Mont Cascades: $450-600
- Calabogie Peaks: $550-750
- Mont Ste-Marie: $600-800
Multi-Mountain Options
Some passes offer access to multiple resorts, providing variety without commitment to a single hill. Check each resort’s website for current partnerships and combo deals.
IKON Pass
If you’re dreaming bigger and planning trips to Mont Tremblant or beyond, the IKON Pass provides access to Tremblant along with dozens of other resorts across North America. It’s expensive (around $1,200-1,500) but valuable for serious skiers who travel for snow.
Worth it if:
- You’ll visit Tremblant multiple times
- You travel to other IKON destinations
- You ski 15+ days per season
Cross-Country Skiing in Gatineau Park
Not everyone wants to hurtle downhill, and Ottawa offers some of the best cross-country skiing in Canada right in its backyard. Gatineau Park maintains over 200 kilometres of groomed trails for both classic and skate skiing, making it a world-class destination for Nordic skiing.
The Basics
Trail System:
- 200+ kilometres of groomed trails
- Both classic and skate skiing tracks
- Trails range from beginner to expert
- Multiple access points throughout the park
Access:
- Park pass required (daily or seasonal)
- Multiple parking areas with trail access
- Rental equipment available at some locations
Popular Trail Systems
Camp Fortune Area: Closest access from Ottawa, connecting trails of varying difficulty.
P3 (Blanchet): Popular starting point with access to extensive trail networks.
P16 (Meech Lake): Scenic trails around the lake, good for intermediate skiers.
Wakefield Area: Northern access with longer trails and beautiful scenery.
Tips for Cross-Country Skiing
- Check trail conditions online before heading out (NCC website)
- Bring wax appropriate for the temperature (or rent waxless skis)
- Dress in layers—you’ll warm up quickly
- Carry water and snacks for longer outings
- Start earlier in the day when trails are freshly groomed
General Tips from Local Skiers
Reddit and local forums are goldmines for practical skiing advice. Here’s the accumulated wisdom of Ottawa-area skiers:
Timing Your Visits
“Buy passes online—cheaper and skip lines.” This applies to virtually every resort. Online tickets are typically $5-10 cheaper and let you bypass the often-lengthy ticket window queue.
“Weekdays are 10x better than weekends.” This might be the most repeated advice in local skiing discussions. If you have any flexibility in your schedule, a Tuesday is genuinely transformative compared to a Saturday. Shorter lines, fresher snow, and space to actually ski.
Choosing Your Hill
“Ste-Marie or Calabogie for actual skiing, Fortune for convenience.” This captures the essential trade-off. Know what you’re prioritizing before you leave the house.
What to Wear and Bring
“Bring layers, weather changes fast.” The Gatineau Hills can shift from sunny to blustery to snowing within hours. Dress in removable layers and stash extras in the car.
“Rent at the hill for first timers.” If you’re not sure skiing is for you, don’t invest in gear until you know you’ll use it. Every resort offers rentals.
Getting the Most Value
- Look for afternoon tickets if you’re not an early bird
- Some resorts offer discounted twilight rates for night skiing
- Student and senior discounts are common—always ask
- Check for local deals through Ottawa recreational programs
Planning Your First Trip
If you’ve never skied near Ottawa before, here’s a simple decision tree:
Complete Beginner? Go to Camp Fortune or Mont Cascades. Book a lesson. Rent equipment. Start on the bunny hill. Don’t try to keep up with experienced friends—you’ll have a miserable time.
Skied a Few Times, Feeling Confident? Try Edelweiss or Calabogie. You’ll enjoy the extra terrain variety, and the intermediate runs will help you progress.
Already a Solid Skier? Head straight to Mont Ste-Marie or Calabogie Peaks. Don’t waste your time on the smaller hills—you’ll be bored and frustrated.
On a Tight Budget? Vorlage offers the cheapest day passes. Alternatively, look for weekday specials at other resorts or consider cross-country skiing in Gatineau Park.
Want a Full Ski Resort Experience? Make the two-hour drive to Mont Tremblant. It’s genuinely world-class, with a pedestrian village, extensive terrain, and the full resort package.
FAQ
Q: Which ski resort near Ottawa is best for complete beginners?
Camp Fortune and Mont Cascades are both excellent choices for first-time skiers. Both offer dedicated beginner areas, ski school programs, and gentle terrain designed for learning. Camp Fortune has the advantage of being closest to downtown Ottawa, making it easy to do a half-day lesson without a major time commitment. If you prefer a slightly less crowded environment, Mont Cascades delivers similar beginner facilities with a more relaxed atmosphere.
Q: How long is the ski season near Ottawa?
The typical ski season runs from early December through early April, though exact dates vary with conditions. Resorts usually open when they can consistently make snow (natural plus artificial), and close when spring temperatures make operations impractical. The best conditions are usually January through mid-March, with February often offering the most reliable snow. Early season and late season can be hit-or-miss depending on the year’s weather patterns.
Q: Is Mont Ste-Marie worth the drive compared to Camp Fortune?
For experienced skiers, absolutely. Mont Ste-Marie offers more than double the vertical of Camp Fortune (381m vs 150m), significantly more challenging terrain, and typically better snow conditions due to its higher elevation and northern location. The drive is about 40 minutes longer, but serious skiers find the quality difference makes it worthwhile. For beginners or families with young children, however, Camp Fortune’s convenience and beginner infrastructure might be more appropriate.
Q: What’s the cheapest ski resort near Ottawa?
Vorlage offers the most budget-friendly day passes at approximately $35-45, significantly less than other options. If Vorlage doesn’t suit your needs, Mont Cascades and Edelweiss typically offer the next-best value. Keep in mind that buying tickets online is almost always cheaper than at the window, and weekday rates are often discounted compared to weekends.
Q: Can I ski at night near Ottawa?
Yes, several resorts offer night skiing. Camp Fortune has an established night skiing program running until 10 PM on select evenings. Edelweiss Valley is known locally for quality night skiing, and Mont Cascades also offers evening sessions. Night skiing is a great option for those who work during the day but still want to hit the slopes, and it tends to be less crowded than daytime skiing.
Q: Are there cross-country skiing options if I don’t want to downhill ski?
Gatineau Park offers over 200 kilometres of groomed cross-country trails, making it one of the best Nordic skiing destinations in Canada. The trails accommodate both classic and skate skiing techniques and range from beginner-friendly to challenging expert routes. You’ll need a park pass (available daily or seasonally), and rental equipment is available at various locations around the park.
Final Thoughts
Ottawa’s ski scene won’t show up in glossy ski magazine spreads, but that’s actually part of its charm. What you get is accessible, affordable skiing that integrates into normal life. You can ski after work, introduce your kids to the sport without a major expedition, and still find legitimate challenge when you want it.
The key is matching your expectations to reality. Camp Fortune and the closer hills serve a purpose: quick fixes, beginner learning, family convenience. When you’re ready for more, Calabogie and Mont Ste-Marie deliver skiing that actually feels like skiing, with enough vertical and terrain to engage experienced skiers.
The local wisdom holds true—weekdays beat weekends, online tickets save money and time, and the right hill depends entirely on what you’re looking for. Whether you’re teaching your five-year-old to pizza and french fry or seeking out the steepest mogul run within an hour of the city, there’s a slope waiting for you.
See you on the mountain.
Sources: Resort websites, Reddit r/ottawa discussions, local skiing community feedback
