I’ve always considered myself a non-winter person. It’s not my favourite season and I never look forward to its arrival. No doubt it doesn’t help that I live in Toronto where the beauty of freshly fallen snow lasts for a day before it turns into brown-grey ugliness. I’ve wanted to film a video series about winter activities for a couple of years now. Mainly to showcase what Ontario has to offer for outdoor activities in winter, but secretly to see if I would finally enjoy being outside when the weather dips below freezing. What I discovered through filming this series was that I had been doing winter all wrong.
I partnered up with Ontario’s Highlands to travel around the region trying different winter activities. Spanning the area north of Toronto, south of Algonquin Provincial Park, and west of Ottawa, Ontario’s Highlands is made up of 6 smaller regions; Haliburton Highlands, North Hastings, Upper Ottawa Valley, Ottawa Valley South, Land O’Lakes and Comfort Country. It’s a big area with a lot to offer so I knew I was in for a great experience.
Joining me for this series was my friend Solmaz. We share similar sentiments about winter so we were both in the same boat, hoping our thoughts on this season would be proven wrong. We kicked off our winter fun with something we were both already familiar with – skiing! We drove out to Calabogie Peaks in the Upper Ottawa Valley area ready to get the winter fun started.
Founded in 1970, Calabogie Peaks is the highest ski mountain in Ontario. Located on the shores of Calabogie Lake, it is a true mountain, lake and land destination, enjoyed all year long. In the winter months, the resort consists of 24 ski trails from beginner to advanced routes and hosts festivals and a music series on the weekends.
After settling in, Solmaz and I headed to the ski rental shop and got outfitted for our day on the mountain. It had been a couple of years since each of us had been on skis, but just like riding a bicycle, we were navigating our way like pros. Since we were here during the week, the slopes were quiet. I could immediately feel the pace of life slow down, away from the hustle of the big city. Many people who lived in the surrounding areas seemed to be out for a leisurely day on the slopes, greeting one another and enjoying the sunny, blue skies. I definitely couldn’t complain about the weather.
When it comes to skiing, I prefer trails that are long and winding and fall towards the easy side of the difficulty scale. I like to enjoy the runs while taking in the scenery, instead of making it a strenuous workout or worrying about crashing and eating snow. Lucky for me, Calabogie Peaks also boasts the longest run in Ontario and that’s where we started our day.
Zigzagging our way down the trail, I fell into a zen-like state. Trees towered above me and the landscape sprawled out in front of me. Not much could be heard except the crunch of snow beneath my skis. It was relaxing and blissful, two words I wouldn’t associate winter with.
Before I knew it, the sun was dipping behind the mountain and skiers were getting in their last run of the day. It was a successful day at Calabogie Peaks, no falls! As Solmaz and I sat in the outdoor hot tub later that night I couldn’t help but think this winter adventure was off to a great start.
The winter fun continues! Make sure to tune in again next week, as Solmaz and I take our winter activities to new heights!
Visiting Calabogie Peaks
Calabogie Peaks is open for skiing everyday from 9am-4pm. If you’re going to visit, make a weekend out of it! Stay at their hillside hotel featuring a fitness room, mini movie theatre, indoor pool, and outdoor hot tub. Or stay in one of their condominiums that feature full kitchens, fireplaces, and washers and dryers.
If you’re looking to fuel up before, during or after your time on the slopes, pop into Canthooks restaurant. They offer a wide selection of dishes to choose from. We took one for the team and tried a few of their dishes. We really enjoyed their butter chicken poutine, warm quinoa salad, and wild mushroom ravioli.
If you want to get off the resort for a meal I highly recommend The Blackbird Café in Burnstown. It’s about a 20-minute drive from Calabogie Peaks and has a menu you’ll salivate over – blue cheese crusted rib eye and maple-dijon salmon filet for dinner and a variety of sandwiches and wraps for lunch. The interior is warm and inviting and is an antique and nick-nak lovers dream, with shelves lined with various trinkets.
Such a special trip! I also really loved the long and winding trails. Can’t wait for the next vid!
Such a special trip! I also really loved the long and winding trails. Can’t wait for the next vid!
Thanks so much! It was the perfect way to kick off our winter fun in Ontario’s Highlands 🙂
You’ve done a tremendous job in sharing the beauty of the Ontario Highlands. I’ve never been to Burnstown but would love to visit.
Thank you very much Doreen! I really appreciate that. Burnstown is small but very charming and you can’t go wrong with The Blackbird Cafe!
Great video! Really brought the skiing experience to life for this non-skier. 🙂
Thank you Laura! I don’t get on the hill often but I really enjoy it when I do 🙂
Hey Arienne,
Great video…well done. For those skiing shots you might want to
consider a handheld gimbal…will really improve that footage. I have
several, so if you want any suggestions, shoot me an email.
Thanks Mike! I like the raw-ness of the skiing footage but it’s a good suggestion for future videos. Cheers!