Uber launches new service connecting to Ontario ski resorts

Ridesharing giant Uber is now helping Ontario residents hit the ski slopes with its newly launched Uber Ski option on the Uber app.

With Uber Ski, riders can book an UberXL — a vehicle large enough to accommodate passengers and their equipment — by simply selecting the "Uber Ski" icon under "Suggestions" and reserving a ride to their destination.

While the booking process is just as easy as requesting a trip from, say, King West Village to The Junction, it's important to remember that ski hills and resorts are often far from the city. It's ultimately up to drivers whether or not they want to accept a long-distance fare.

Ski hills closer to destinations, such as a trip from Toronto to Brimacombe, are more realistic options for riders hoping to book Uber Ski.

Of course, the big question is: How much does an Uber Ski cost? There are no fixed prices for ski destinations. But users can open the app, begin the reservation process, and view the fare before committing. Just be sure not to click "Reserve" if the price is astronomically high and you want to explore your options — you've been warned!

A trip from Toronto's Liberty Village to Blue Mountain Village — about 2 hours and 20 minutes — was estimated at $290.59 midday on a Monday, though prices vary by day and time. A shorter ride, such as to Lakeridge Ski Resort in Uxbridge (about 1 hour and 35 minutes from Toronto), comes in around $160.80 on a weekday midday.

Uber Ski is launching in several other Canadian cities, including Ontario markets Ottawa and London, as well as other locales around the country, like Montreal, Edmonton, Gatineau, Kelowna, and Vancouver. Internationally, the service operates in world skiing hotspots, Switzerland, France, and the U.S.

Uber Ski will be available to Toronto riders from Dec. 8 through the end of March.