One of the best skiing destinations in North America can be found in the province of Ontario, Canada. The Blue Mountain Ski Resort, located a 90 minute drive from the eclectic city of Toronto, is the province’s largest mountain resort and draws in over a 1.5 visitors annually. Don’t be put off by the numbers because they don’t just relate to the ski season – the resort is open all year, even when there’s not a snowflake in sight. Nevertheless, when the white stuff falls, you won’t find better Ontario skiing anywhere else.
The mountain boasts no less than 36 ski runs, two areas of different terrains and a giant half-pipe for all the daredevils out there. 24 of those ski runs have floodlighting, so the setting sun will do nothing to hinder your fun. Furthermore, the resort is the proud owner of the largest snow producing system in the whole of Canada, meaning the ski season can be stretched that little bit further each year. All abilities are catered for, from gentle, beginner runs all the way to icy slopes angled just on the sane side of 45 degrees.
Apart from offering a perfect base for great skiing, the Blue Mountain resort is crammed with great restaurants, bars and hotels. One of the best places to eat is the Copper Blues Bar & Grill. Situated in the heart of the village and with great views of Blue Mountain, this trendy venue has indoor and outdoor seating. The menu features no nonsense pub grub – albeit with a gourmet twist – with a good choice of chicken, beef and fish options.
A good place to wash the food down can be found in the form of Windy O’Neill’s – a relaxed Irish-themed bar that is owned and run by actual Irish people. Although there is food on offer here, most people come to sample (some of) the 19 different types of draft beer. Don’t go too mad though – sore heads do not bode well with skiing.
Being a resort, Blue Mountain has a huge choice of accommodation, which includes Village Suites, Historic Snowbridge Mountain Homes and slope-side condos. With regard to the suites, the Grand Georgian Hotel offers the best of the best. Built in the style of a historic railway hotel that once sat on the site, the hotel has 203 suites on offer, each elegantly furnished, and general facilities include a Jacuzzi, gym and heated outdoor pool.
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