Loch Lomond Ski Area is a mere 20 minutes outside Thunder Bay. With 17 runs, incredible terrain, and a respectable vertical drop of 750 feet, Loch Lomond provides the best skiing in Northern Ontario.
While it isn’t your typical built-out, over-the-top resort experience, there’s still lots to know before making the trip. Here’s my ultimate guide to get your visit started on the right path!
When is Loch Lomond Ski Area Open?
When Loch Lomond is open depends on both the month and the day of the week. Here’s a full breakdown:
January
For January 2023, Loch Lomond is open Wednesday through Sunday during the following hours:
- Wednesday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
- Thursday: 10:00am – 9:00pm
- Friday: 10:00am – 9:00pm
- Saturday: 10:00am – 9:00pm
- Sunday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
February
For February 2023, Loch Lomond is open 7 days a week during the following hours:
- Monday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
- Tuesday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
- Wednesday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
- Thursday: 10:00am – 9:00pm
- Friday: 10:00am – 9:00pm
- Saturday: 10:00am – 9:00pm
- Sunday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
March
For March 2023, Loch Lomond is open 7 days a week during the following hours (this is up to and including March Break):
- Monday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
- Tuesday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
- Wednesday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
- Thursday: 10:00am – 9:00pm
- Friday: 10:00am – 9:00pm
- Saturday: 10:00am – 9:00pm
- Sunday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Of course, all opening hours are weather and conditions dependent, so be sure to visit Loch Lomond’s Facebook Page, check their Instagram, or call them at (807) 475-7787 to ensure the hill is opening before heading out!
How Do You Get to Loch Lomond?
Loch Lomond is conveniently located just outside Thunder Bay, Ontario, allowing for a nearly effortless trip from the city to the hill. There is ample parking space right next to the chalet at the base of the hill, providing easy access to the three chairlifts nearby.
Unfortunately, there is no public transit access to Loch Lomond, meaning you’ll have to rely on a vehicle to access the ski area. If you don’t own a vehicle, consider using a service like Janab Taxi. A quick search shows a round trip cost of $105, which is okay if splitting amongst four people.
If you have a vehicle, use the map above to find the quickest route to Loch Lomond from your location!
If you live closer to Sault Ste. Marie, consider visiting Searchmont Resort. If you live closer to Sudbury, Adanac Ski Hill is a good option. And if you live closer to North Bay, both Laurentian Ski Hill and Antoine Mountain are great options!
How Much Are Loch Lomond’s Lift Tickets?
Loch Lomond offers many different lift ticket options, including day passes, season passes, and flex passes. Here’s a breakdown of the most common options (taxes not included):
- Day Passes
- Junior (6-10) = $31
- Youth (11-17) = $52
- Adult (18-59) = $63
- Senior (60+) = $52
- Student (Student Card Required) = $52
- Season Passes
- Under 6 (2017-2023) = $35
- Under 11 (2012-2016) = $315
- Under 30 (1993-2011) = $485
- Regular (1953-1992) = $615
- Over 70 (1952 & prior) = $529
Some additional notes:
- Day passes are $10 cheaper during “Off-peak” times, although there’s no mention of when that is on Loch Lomond’s site
- Night passes (6pm to 9pm) are available Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays for $20.
- Flex passes allow you to gift single-day tickets or buy 5 tickets in bulk to save.
- Special passes are also available for after 5pm only, Fridays only, or on weekends only.
- Corporate passes (which equal 25 day passes) are available as well.
Check the specific ticket pages to ensure you purchase the right tickets and get the best deal possible.
How Do You Purchase Their Lift Tickets?
All day and night passes must be purchased at the ticket window within Loch Lomond’s chalet.
Season passes, flex passes, special passes, and corporate passes can all be purchased online. However, all must be picked up at Loch Lomond and won’t be shipped to you.
What is Skiing at Loch Lomond Ski Area Like?
Loch Lomond is a long-time favourite of avid skiers and snowboarders in the Northern Ontario region, providing a variety of interesting and exciting terrain spread across an impressive 750’ of vertical.
There are 17 runs in total, which are split into two areas; the south side contains the beginner runs, and the northern side contains advanced runs with more challenging terrain and a greater vertical drop. This provides a nice separation within the resort, allowing beginners to learn in a safer and more relaxed area. At the same time, the more advanced skiers have their own space to let loose.
Loch Lomond also offers a great snow school program, with 1-hour group lessons, 2-hour private lessons, or multi-day camps available. Each of these can be tailored to your ability, providing an option for all types of skiers. Whether you’ve never skied before and want to learn the basics or are an advanced skier looking for an expert suggestion to make your skiing just a little bit better, Loch Lomond will have an instructor for you.
Overall, Loch Lomond isn’t the place for you if you’re looking for a high-end, built-out resort experience. But if you’re looking for a simple, down-to-earth ski hill with truly great terrain and a welcoming atmosphere, Loch Lomond is a must-visit!
I ranked Loch Lomond as one of Ontario’s top five ski hills. Discover the other four by reading my post, “5 Ski Hills in Ontario You’ll Want to Visit This Winter.”
Does Loch Lomond Have Ski Rentals?
Yes, Loch Lomond has ski rentals, with packages or a la carte options available. Here’s a breakdown of the pricing (HST not included):
- Rental package (skis, boots, helmet, and poles) = $40
- Skis only = $30
Rentals can be purchased at the front desk or online with a flex pass (regardless of a 1 or 5-day purchase).
Does Loch Lomond Offer Ski Lessons?
Yes, Loch Lomond offers ski lessons, with an incredible variety of options available! There are too many options to list them all, but here’s a breakdown of the most popular ones (taxes not included):
- 1 Hour Private Lessons (2+) = $65
- 2 Hour Private Lessons (4+) = $95
- Lil Riderz 5 Week Ski Camp (4-6) = $175
- Riderz 5 Week Ski Camp (Beginner/Intermediate)
- Ages 7-9 = $130 – $240
- Ages 10-12 = $130 – $240
- Ages 13-14 = $130 – $240
- Ages 15-17 = $130 – $240
- Shredrz 5 Week Ski Camp (Advanced/Expert)
- Ages 7-9 = $130 – $240
- Ages 10-12 = $130 – $240
- Ages 13-14 = $130 – $240
- Ages 15-17 = $130 – $240
- March Break Ski Camp
- Ages 4-6 = $125 – $157.50
- Ages 7-9 = $125 – $157.50
- Ages 10-12 = $125 – $157.50
- Ages 13-14 = $125 – $157.50
Be sure to visit Loch Lomond’s ski lessons page to see what option is best for you!
Are Their Accommodations at the Resort?
No, there are no hotels or accommodations at Loch Lomond. However, there are several options in nearby Thunder Bay.
The closest hotel is the Best Western Plus, which is only a 4-minute drive from the ski hill. Slightly cheaper options include the Valhalla Hotel or Best Western Crossroads, both a 10-minute drive from Loch Lomond (and conveniently located next to the airport if you are flying in).
Conclusion
Overall, Loch Lomond Ski Area provides a fun, welcoming, and local Ontario ski hill experience with a nice amount of vertical and a great variety of trails.
It isn’t your built-out, over-the-top resort experience but a simple and enjoyable ski hill that can provide days or weeks’ worth of great skiing and good times!
