After a busy period of exams, I hadn't been on skis for over three weeks, and was eager to return! My mother and I planned a little day trip to the Calabogie area, where I decided I would take advantage of the last day of early season pricing (30$ instead of 50$), and ski for a few hours at Calabogie Peaks Resort. We arrived at 1pm, and I hopped on the Solar Quad lift. I didn't visit Calabogie last season, but I also happened to be skiing this hill the exact day, December 21st, in 2021. Conditions and snowmaking operations were much improved this season, as 7 runs were open off one chairlift, as opposed to only 2 in the 2021 holiday period. The open trails are outlined below. Despite it being a colder day (-10C with a windchill of -14C), it was sunny, and snow conditions were firm but not icy, making for some great carving turns.   There were some fun side hit jumps, as well as pockets of fresh power, on the sides of some trails, and the low crowds made for non-existent lift ...

Over the Christmas break, we rented an Airbnb on the slopes of Calabogie Peaks, and enjoyed three days of skiing and exploring the Calabogie Region. I took my drone up the day we arrived, and captured some the following aerial photographs of the landscape.   For the 3 days we skied, the resort was relatively quiet, with no lines-possibly due to only two trails (one green and one blue) being open. Warmer temperatures and no snow unfortunately caused a slow start to the season in the Ottawa Valley. That being said, the snow coverage on the trails was deep, and snowmaking was in progress throughout the rest of the mountain.  The conditions were fairly decent for the three days, with the exception of the last being quite cold. Surprisingly, the artificial snow did not get as icy as I had thought it would, due to excellent grooming, low winds, and less traffic. Below are some photos from the three days.  We had an amazing time, and despite h...

Calabogie Peaks is the highest vertical drop for a public ski resort in the province of Ontario. The mountain is located approximately an hour from Ottawa and offers 24 trails, 30% beginner, 45% intermediate and 25% advanced/expert, served by 2 quad chairlifts, and a magic carpet for beginners. The resort is also the only mountain in Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais that has ski-in/ski-out lodging, located right in the base area. The Mountain and the Ski Trails The mountain is split into two distinct sections. To the right, is the Solar Express, serving mainly the beginner and intermediate terrain. Many of these trails have multiple ways to enter, as well as when you leave. At Calabogie, the options are there, making for an interesting mountain to explore, as you can create your own descents in many cases by combining different trails. To the left is the Lakeview chair, showcasing the best views from the mountain, and offering more of the advanced and expert trails. From this summit, ...

With a good 10cms of fresh snow on the ground and steady snow falling, we decided a trip to Calabogie Peaks was in order.  I usually get up there at least once a season but every time I’ve gone it’s been firm hardpack conditions and a little icy.  Today was the opposite.  Soft groomers, stashes of powder, glade action and lots a nice off trail features.  For the first time we could play in the Lake Glades which had lots of nice natural features to jump off.  Exhibition was also totally skiable and filled with untracked powder.  In fact, if you were willing to go a little off the main trails lots of stashes could be had. The temperature was around -1c, it was a little windy near the top and the snow would fall heavy all day.  Free refills and no lift lines. One bonus of the slow quads is no one is ever on the hill with you....

Heading outside at 8:55am, I made my way to the Lakeview quad to start my day. Upon first glance, the trails were all nicely groomed and the snow is impeccable. I line up and make it to be on the first chair up the mountain. Mission accomplished! While heading up the mountain, I look in the direction of Black Donald, my first destination, and the big reason for coming today. For those not familiar with Calabogie, this trail has the best views of the Calabogie Lake in the distance. For almost half of the descent, you get stunning views, especially during the section leading in at the summit. Conditions overall were firm base, that was slightly softening up as the day progressed. All the trails had been well groomed, and not really any ice to worry about, except for Face of Tiger, which is always a tricky spot for snow conditions. Having...

I finally made it out to Calabogie Peaks for the first timer this year.  We had a bluebird Sunday with almost no wind.  The mountain has a lot less snow then Mont Ste-Marie but the machine groomed granular was holding out well enough.  You had to pretty much stick to the groomers though as anything else was pretty much glare ice or exposed rock! The area needs snow and it looks like they have been making some but no snow guns were running on Sunday.  Finnegan, Whistlin Paddy and Black Donald were in the best shape, great long cruisers with nice fall lines.  The extra vertical on the runs does make a difference.  Overall a totally sun filled enjoyable day. Also of note Calabogie Peaks is offering an open house deal. If you have a season pass from another local resort you get a free one time lift ticket for the day.   Face of the Tiger looking a little bare.  

If I were to describe the ski conditions I experienced this day at Calabogie Peaks I would use one word... pristine (adjective)  in its original condition; unspoiled. clean and fresh as if new; spotless. From this, you can gather that the snow was in impeccable condition. Calabogie Peaks has done everything to maximize on this fact, from the perfect snow grooming to just the quality of the snow everywhere on the mountain.  My standout trail was O'Brien's Fancy, a nice intermediate speed trail, with plenty of drops and dips. Needless to say, I lapped it quite a bit. Other choice trails were the combination of Causeway-Baileys and Finnegan of the Lakeview quad. Bottom of O'Briens (on the left) I'm getting ahead of myself, let's start from the beginning... I arrived at the mountain shortly before 9am, where I was greeted by the enthusiastic parking attendants guiding incoming cars to their spots. It was...