Calabogie Peaks Resort - December 21, 2023

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 lines! I skied until closing at 3:50, having gotten 12 runs under my belt. 

My favourite runs were the intermediate Barrett Chute, in addition to the combination run of upper O'briens to Shantyman to Dillon's Dip to lower Ole K&P. 

The long runs at Calabogie have a different and unique feel when compared to other resorts in the region, and I definitely missed skiing here after a 2 year absence. I hope to return later in the season to further explore its gladed terrain, in addition to the runs on the far left side of the hill (off the Lakeview Chair), which I still haven't had the chance to explore!