Toronto's only ski and snowboard hill is about to open for the season

Grab your goggles and bundle up, because Toronto's only ski and snowboard hill is gearing up to open for the winter season.

Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre is set to reopen on Wednesday, marking the return of the only official place for downhill skiing and snowboarding within city limits.

Located in North York, the hill is a transit-accessible option for those who can't or don't want to travel outside of Toronto to enjoy skiing and snowboarding with reasonable lift ticket prices between $21.29 and $40.65.

Since the Centennial Park ski hill was permanently shut down in 2021, Earl Bales has remained Toronto's last ski hill within city boundaries. Its role nearly came under threat during the 2023-2024 winter season, when unseasonable conditions made it difficult for the hill to consistently operate.

Earl Bales features programming for all skill levels, including beginner lessons, advanced instruction, and access to both introductory terrain and full downhill runs. More specifically, the ski centre includes a beginner hill with a rope tow, a main hill with two runs and one race hill, a four-person, accessible chairlift, and a ski chalet at the top of the main hill.

Starting Jan. 7, the main and beginner hills will be open, but the south and race hills will remain closed temporarily as the City works to build snow, with lessons scheduled to begin on Wednesday, Jan. 21.

The season is set to run through Sunday, March 22, but before heading out, make sure to double-check the centre's website, as daily operations are dependent on weather and snowfall.

The centre is open Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 2 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., weather permitting.