We all know that horseshoes are lucky, right? Well for skiers & boarders from Newmarket & Aurora, living just an hour’s drive to the Barrie area means we’re lucky enough to have access to Horseshoe Resort, one of Ontario’s best ski and snow destinations.
Barrie sits in the snow belt and much to the delight of skiers and snowboarders, it gets blanketed with lots of lake effect snow – an average of 223cm each year. Who needs Vermont or Mont Tremblant when we can strap our skis & boards on the roof and hit the slopes in less than an hour? With 29 downhill runs, a newly designed terrain park and six chair lifts, there’s enough variety for beginner s
now bunnies and those seeking more challenging black diamond runs. The hills are open seven nights a week for night skiing and the free hillside Wi-Fi means you can snap post to social media from the chairlift to the chalet.
The new Parkscrapers/Bosse Snowpark offers daredevil shredders their choice of slopestyle course, rail plaza and ski/snowboard cross courses. For those who prefer more level ground, there are over 45kms of groomed cross country and snow trails that wind through the tranquility of Copeland Forest. If you’re less inclined to ski, go for a trail ride on a fat bike (regular bike with larger tires), or snowshoe your way along the trail. For extra thrills, go tubing at any of the five hills at the Adventure Park. Weather permitting, there’s also a skating rink.
When it’s time for a little après snow, the resort invites you to stay in one of the four styles of renovated rooms or slope-side condo units. Looking to get the kids involved in something while you indulge a little? Ski and snowboard lessons are offered for all levels starting as young as four years old. Escape to Shizen Spa for a relaxing treatment to calm your mind and body – or loosen those tired muscles after all that schussing.
A full day outside makes for a big appetite, and Horseshoe has something for every taste. Pub lovers will enjoy The Crazy Horse Restaurant with its fun-filled atmosphere and casual food. Defrost your fingers and toes fireside as you enjoy your favourite beverage. For a more elegant setting, the Inn Steakhouse serves a full menu of exquisite appetizers, main courses and desserts. Reservations are recommended. Looking for a quick warm-up between runs? The Shoe Brew coffee house offers lattes, mochas, espressos, teas and hot chocolate. Smaller menu items such as soups, sandwiches, pizza and pastries are also offered. Book a simple getaway or choose from
the resorts many packages, including the Winter Getaway, Free Ski Mid-Week, Alpine Ski & Stay or Bed & Breakfast, you’ll find the ideal experience to pair with your skiing adventure.
‘Wintertime snow’ is one of the great things about living in Ontario and we’re lucky to live so close to great resorts like Horseshoe. Make the short trip up and whether you’re carving down the hill or indulging indoors, you’ll definitely feel fortunate for the experience.
Local Links:
Horseshoe Resort
horseshoeresort.com
Tourism Barrie
tourismbarrie.com
Ontario Snow Resorts Association
skiontario.ca
Written by Becky Dumais
