Located in the heart of North Bay, Laurentian Ski Hill is a small yet well-equipped ski area, complete with a variety of trails, a fully stocked rental shop, and expert ski instructors. This, plus its central location in the city, makes it an ideal activity for families of all sizes looking for a fun day or night on the slopes.
There is a lot to know before heading out, so here’s an ultimate guide to ensure your first visit is a success!
When is Laurentian Ski Hill Open?
For the 2022/2023 season, Laurentian Ski Hill is open Wednesday through Sunday (and closed Monday/Tuesday). The hours change quite a bit from day to day, and there are different hours for the hill and terrain park, which we’ll break down here:
Normal Ski Runs
- Wednesday: 12:00pm – 9:00pm
- Thursday: 12:00pm – 9:00pm
- Friday: 10:00am – 9:00pm
- Saturday: 9:00am – 4:00pm
- Sunday: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Terrain Park
- Wednesday: 5:30pm – 9:00pm
- Thursday: 5:30pm – 9:00pm
- Friday: 5:30pm – 9:00pm
- Saturday: 9:30am – 4:00pm
- Sunday: 9:30am – 4:00pm
Regarding holidays, Laurentian is open from 9:00am to 4:00pm on Family Day and all of March Break.
Of course, the weather doesn’t always cooperate, so hours and opening/closing dates are subject to change. As such, check Laurentian Ski Hill’s website or Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.
How Do You Get to Laurentian Ski Hill?
Laurentian Ski Hill’s location in the heart of North Bay makes it very easy to get to for anyone living in the surrounding area with a vehicle.
Laurentian has two lodges, one at the top of the hill and another at the bottom. Each offers parking, so you can choose from either when driving to the hill.
North Bay Transit also provides bus routes to both lodges, offering a great solution for those that don’t have access to a vehicle.
Upper Lodge
The upper lodge is located at 15 Janey Avenue. This is the primary lodge at Laurentian, providing accessible parking and a suite of services, including lift ticket/season pass purchases, rentals, guest services, snow school, beginner hill access, and the Laurentian Cafe (limited service).
You can use the above map to find the best directions from your location. If using the bus, simply click the transit icon to find the best route for you!
Lower Lodge
Laurentian Ski Hill’s lower lodge is located at 900 Ski Club Road. Here you’ll find the primary Laurentian Cafe, day ticket purchasing, ski patrol room, brown bag room, and parking access for the main lift.
Again, you can use the above map to find the best directions from your location and click the transit icon to find the quickest bus route!
If you live closer to Thunder Bay, consider visiting Loch Lomond Ski Area for excellent beginner terrain and a stellar snow school program!
How Much Are Laurentian Ski Hill Lift Tickets?
Laurentian Ski Hill offers a variety of lift ticket options, ranging from $5 for children five and under to $42 for an adult full-day ticket. There are also 5 pass package options and season passes available too.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common lift ticket options (HST and fees not included):
- Child (5 & Under)
- Half Day Ticket = $5
- Full Day Ticket = $5
- Junior (6-12), Student & Senior (60+)
- Half Day Ticket = $33
- Full Day Ticket = $39
- Adult
- Half Day Ticket = $36
- Full Day Ticket = $42
You’ll also have to purchase a terrain park ticket to hit the jumps, rails, and boxes. You can pay $5 for one day or $15 for the entire season.
Family passes are also available. They include two adults and two children under 18 who live in the same house. These start at $105 for a half day or $120 for a full day. Additional family members can be added for $20 (half day) or $25 (full day).
As mentioned, there are many options, so visit Laurentian’s rates page to see what ticket options work best for you!
How Do You Purchase Lift Tickets?
The easiest way to purchase lift tickets is via Laurentian’s online portal. You can choose from the variety of lift ticket options (day tickets, 5-day passes, or season passes), add one or many to your cart, and simply checkout. You will, however, need to create an account to do so.
Alternatively, you can purchase day tickets, 5-day passes, and season passes at the Upper Lodge or day tickets only at the Lower Lodge.
What is Skiing at Laurentian Ski Hill Like?
Skiing at Laurentian Ski Hill is a bit of a magical experience thanks to the location in the heart of North Bay and the great views of the surrounding lakes and wilderness.
In addition to the unique location and fantastic views, Laurentian has a good variety of runs, with two beginner runs, five intermediate runs, two advanced runs, two expert runs (one of which includes glades!) and a terrain park. All of this combines to keep things interesting, with many options to choose from throughout the day and night.
That said, the runs are relatively short, with Laurentian Ski Hill having 300’ of vertical. As such, the variety of terrain and amount of vertical may become boring or too easy for more experienced skiers.
If you are an advanced skier, venture to the larger Antoine Mountain in Mattawa for something a bit more challenging or visit one of Ontario’s other top ski hills for longer runs.
Providing access to the hill are three lifts: a dedicated carpet lift for the beginner area (great for keeping beginners separate from more experienced skiers), a dedicated handle tow for the terrain park (perfect for quick laps), and a quad chairlift for the rest of Laurentian’s runs.
Runs are groomed nightly, and snowmaking can cover the entire hill, combining to keep conditions great, even during dry spells when snow is lacking.
Overall, Laurentian Ski Hill spoils beginner skiers and families living in Northern Ontario or the North Bay area with a friendly, well-run, well-equipped ski hill that provides an entire season of entertainment and good times!
If you’re a beginner and live closer to Sudbury, you should visit Adanac Ski Hill, another great ski area for those learning to ski!
Does Laurentian Ski Hill Offer Rentals?
Yes, Laurentian Ski Hill offers a variety of ski rental options! These include complete packages (skis, boots, poles, and a helmet) and individual items. Here’s a breakdown of the pricing (HST and fees not included):
- Child (5 & Under) Complete Package
- Half Day = N/A
- Full Day = $20
- Junior (6-12), Student & Senior (60+) Complete Package
- Half Day = $25
- Full Day = $30
- Adult Complete Package
- Half Day = $30
- Full Day = $45
- Individual Items (Full Day Only)
- Skis = $25
- Boots = $15
- Poles = $5
- Helmet = $5
All rentals can be purchased at the Upper Lodge, where a technician will ensure you receive the appropriate equipment and are correctly set up before venturing onto the hill.
Incredibly, Laurentian Ski Hill also provides bi-ski rentals, which allow those in wheelchairs or with limited mobility to try out skiing. The rental also includes lessons, allowing those to quickly learn how to maneuver the bi-ski. You can call 705-494-7463 to arrange your rental!
Does Laurentian Ski Hill Offer Ski Lessons?
Yes, Laurentian Ski Hill offers many different lesson options, including private lessons, semi-private lessons, and group camps like their 9-week program or March Break Camp.
Both private and semi-private lessons are scheduled for 1 hour with pricing options based on season pass holder or non season pass holder status. You can also include a ski rental with your lesson if you don’t have your own equipment. You can call 705-494-7463 or email snowschool@laurentianskihill.com and book your lesson. Make sure you do so a minimum of 24 hours in advance so Laurentian can ensure an instructor available for you!
There are numerous options for Laurentian’s camp programs, so your best bet is to visit their Snow School 2022/2023 page to see what works best for you! You can also learn more or book your program directly by visiting Laurentian’s online registration portal.
Conclusion
Overall, Laurentian Ski Hill offers a terrific beginner and family-friendly ski experience that is beautifully situated overlooking North Bay and the surrounding wilderness.
This accessibility, stellar staff, top-notch rental equipment, excellent ski instructors, and great conditions make Laurentian Ski Hill an excellent destination during the long winter months.
So, head out, strap on your skis, and tell me what you thought of Laurentian Ski Hill!
