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Ontario may not boast of tall peaks (at 2275 feet, Ishpatina Ridge is its highest point) but the province is ski and snowboard crazy nonetheless. That"s evident at Blue Mountain, where 34 trails are spread over a two-and-a-half-mile long ridge, with 720 feet of vertical. And there"s more. The area has three terrain parks, two superpipes and a standard ½ pipe, 12 lifts including four detachable sixpacks and a detachable quad, and a tubing park. The resort is about 90 minutes north of Toronto and sits at the southern end of Georgian Bay, so it benefits from Lake Huron"s lake-effect snow. But there"s also 100% snowmaking. Of more import, perhaps, to visitors is Blue Mountain"s status as a four-season resort, thanks to a spate of development the past few years by Intrawest. The result has transformed the base area, which now has a full range of fine lodging, condominium clusters, a spa and conference center, restaurants, shops, and night life. With just a couple of exceptions, the beginner terrain is clustered in two pods. Novices should head to the South Base Lodge, where there"s everything needed to get started and gentle learning terrain. There"s another pod of easy terrain at the main base area. The rest of Blue Mountain"s offerings are pretty much evenly split between wide fall-line cruising trails and advanced terrain, including several black diamond trails. Of course, with three parks and three pipes, there"s a lot of air play at Blue Mountain, and you"ll find that the radical riders and twin-tippers gravitate to these more formal playgrounds. You can also enjoy the place at night, when about two-thirds of the terrain is lighted. The resort"s accommodations range from the modern Blue Mountain Inn (where you"ll find a spa, tennis, and indoor pool), to The Grand Georgian, done in the style of Canada"s great railway hotels. Also of note is the Weider Lodge, a handsome inn finished in the rugged style of old alpine ski lodges. Off-Slope Fun The tennis pavilion houses five Omni courts open all year. And there are a number of retail establishments where you can satisfy a shopping urge. But much of the après-ski action centers on a quiet meal at one of the several good restaurants about the resort and an early bedtime, or one of the night spots. The original Jozo"s is the place to be if you have energy to burn and the stamina to stay up until the wee hours, but mere mortals will enjoy the slower pace of the Indian Motorcycle Cafe and Lounge or the Copper Blues Bar and Lounge. In the nearby town of Collingwood, check out Planet Collingwood for dancing and pool, or The Admiral"s Pub for darts and conversation and about a dozen different ales and stouts on tap.
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Ski Report
Ontario
