Are you new to skiing and snowboarding and wondering what to wear? 

Maybe you’re a seasoned pro when it comes to carving turns, but you still feel susceptible to the cold?

Although it’s never too early to hit the après patio, we want to make sure YOU decide when it’s time to call it a day, not your cold toes. We have all the information you need on what to wear skiing and snowboarding in Ontario!

Why Do You Get Cold Skiing?

We live in Canada, which means that some days, it’s going to be really cold! It’s all about how we embrace it though! If you can understand the factors that contribute to feeling cold, you can dress smarter to prevent the cold temperatures from creeping in. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

The Wind-chill Factor: The wind can make it feel significantly colder than the air temperature alone. Take a look at the “Feels like” section of the weather report which accounts for wind chill.

Clothing tip: Make sure you have a windproof jacket.

Sweat: Skiing and snowboarding is hard work, which can cause your body to sweat. When clothing gets damp it can quickly lead to getting a chill.

Clothing tip: Try a moisture wicking base layer. See below for the best base layer materials!

Restricted Circulation: Restricting gear, especially boots that are too tight, will limit blood flow which can make your feet feel colder sooner.

Clothing tip: Wear boots with just enough wiggle room for your toes and proper ski socks.

With these factors in mind, keep reading for all the details to dress properly for skiing and snowboarding!

The Base Layer

What is a base layer?

A base layer is the next to skin layer designed to regulate temperature by wicking moisture away from the skin to stay dry and warm. It includes a shirt and bottoms.

Why do you need a base layer?

Your muscles are working hard, so even though it’s cold outside, your body can still sweat. You likely won’t notice a problem if you can keep moving, but stopping is inevitable. If you want to keep skiing, the best way up is the chairlift. Once on the chairlift, that damp base layer will cool down and it won’t be long before a hard to shake chill sets in.

The key to a warm base layer is what it’s made of.

Types of base layers

If there is one takeaway from this blog, here it is:

#1 Rule: AVOID COTTON!  

(This means no jeans too! Jeans have poor sweat-wicking capabilities and tend to restrict movement).

Here are the best base layer alternatives:

Check the tag of the clothes you wear skiing or snowboarding. If it’s full of cotton, it’s time to change it up!

Base Layer Weight and Fit

Most base layer tops and bottoms will come in different weights: lightweight, midweight and heavyweight. As the weight increases, the warmer the base layer will be.

Both your base layer top and bottom should fit snugly to function properly. It’s called the next-to-skin layer, so keep in mind it should be right next to your skin. Remember, it’s not a fashion show! Nobody is going to see what’s underneath. Prioritize warmth over style.

Ski Socks

Thicker is not always better! 

Again, the material is what counts when it comes to socks. 

A thick cotton sock will be much colder than a thinner one made of wool or synthetic material. The wool or synthetic (ex. polyester), will help wick the moisture away from your skin just like a base layer. A thick cotton sock will hold onto moisture and result in some very chilly toes.

Really thick socks can also make your boots too tight, restricting blood flow to your toes. Instead, opt for a thinner sock with padding in just the right places.

If money is no object when it comes to warmth on the ski hill, boot heaters or heated socks are worth looking into!

The Mid Layer

The mid layer, as it sounds, goes between your base layer and outer layer. It’s main goal is to provide warmth and insulation. There is lots of flexibility with this layer. It can range anywhere from a cozy sweater to a vest or light down jacket. 

Typically, your base layer and outer layer don’t change, but the mid layer may differ day to day. On warmer days, you may not even wear one at all.  It’s not a bad idea to pack a few different mid layer options when travelling to accommodate different conditions.

This is probably getting repetitive, but we’ll say it again… keep your midlayer cotton free. To get the most warmth out of the mid layer, stick to fleece, more wool, down or synthetic insulation.

The Outer Layer

The outer layer, which includes a jacket and snowpants, is all about protection from the elements.

The three key ingredients for the perfect outer layer is finding a balance between being windproof, waterproof and breathable.

Windproof and waterproof are pretty straight forward terms: they block out the wind and water. Two other variations that commonly pop up when talking about outer layers are wind-resistant and water-resistant. Although these do not 100% block wind and water, they do allow for more breathability. Breathability allows some of the heat and moisture your body generates out of the jacket or pants to avoid condensation and damp inner layers.

Another option to increase water resistance is using a spray or coating on the outside of a jacket. Most new jackets already have a waterproof or resistant coating, but if you have an older, worn out jacket you can purchase the coating to re-apply yourself and reinforce the water resisting properties.

Jackets and snow pants can range from a shell weight to heavily insulated. In Ontario, most skiers and snowboarders lean towards an insulated jacket and snowpants. With the right mid layer (or two), a shell will also get the job done in cold conditions.

Additional Ski and Snowboard Gear

Mitts & Gloves

Mitts vs. Gloves is a common debate, which ultimately comes down to personal preference. Mitts can provide extra warmth, but at the cost of some dexterity. Either way, there are a few common features you may want to consider for skiing and snowboarding.

Pockets

At first sight, these seem too small to have much use, however they are the perfect size to fit hand warmers to keep your fingers toasty all day long.

Materials 

• Gore-Tex: Adds waterproofing to keep your hands dry in wet conditions.
• Leather: Reinforces mitts or gloves, adding durability.
• Synthetic insulation: Less expensive and fast drying.
• Down insulation: Super warm, but less efficient if it gets wet.

Many mitts and gloves will feature a combination of these materials. It’s all about finding a balance at the right price point for you.

Liners 

Some mitts and gloves will come with a liner that can be worn inside. Liners are usually technology compatible, so you can take photos or make gear adjustments without exposing your bare hands!

Most people will have a pair of mitts or gloves for general winter wear. These will work perfectly fine for skiing and snowboarding without going out and buying a brand new pair.

Helmet & Goggles

Helmets are an important safety piece that everyone should be wearing, whether you’re a beginner or pro. 

Goggles are another important piece of equipment. They help improve visibility in both high and low light conditions. They also keep snow out of your eyes and keep your face warmer!

Helmets and goggles come in lots of shapes and sizes. If you’re in the market for one or the other, bring the item you do have to try them on together. This will guarantee you have a seamless helmet-goggle fit.

Neck Warmer

These come in many different forms. Neck tubes, balaclavas that cover your neck and head, neoprene masks and many more! Find something that is most comfortable for you so that you can cover your cheeks and nose on really cold days to prevent frostbite.

Time to Ski and Snowboard

If while reading this, you have realized you need some new gear before hitting the slopes, the best thing to do is head to your local ski and snowboard shop! Even when armed with the right information, walking into a store and picking out the right gear from the masses can be overwhelming. 

Talk to an expert! They will be sure to get you set up in all the right gear.

All that’s left now is to get dressed, hit the ski hill and stay warm!

Written by Hannah Simms

The post What to Wear Skiing and Snowboarding in Ontario appeared first on Horseshoe Resort - Barrie Ontario.

Take a look out your apartment or office window.

Does it look something like this…?

December 14th, 2019 Toronto, ON 

Not to worry! There is definitely snow in Horseshoe Valley, which means LOTS of skiing, snowboarding and winter fun.

December 14th, 2019 Horseshoe Valley, ON

By the end of December, the Weather Network had issued multiple snow squall warnings and the kids of Horseshoe Valley and Barrie were lucky enough to score four snow days. Although this may not be an ideal start to the winter for all those parents, it does make for great skiing!

Have you ever wondered how Horseshoe Resort, located only 1 hour North of Toronto, can receive DOUBLE the amount of snow?

We’re going to break it down for you.

The Snowbelt

Horseshoe Resort is perfectly situated in what has affectionately become known as the “Barrie Snowbelt.” A snowbelt is a region that receives heavy snowfall often as a result of lake-effect snow. This can create blizzard-like conditions where we accumulate several centimeters of snow per hour!

Thanks to the Great Lakes, Ontario has two snowbelt areas which can extend 100km+ from the lake. Horseshoe Resort falls on the Southern edge of the snow belt generated from Georgian Bay on Lake Huron. Toronto, as you can see in the snowbelt map below, is too far away from Lake Huron to be in the snowbelt. It also does not get the same lake-effect benefits from Lake Ontario being located on the Southern side.

Map of the Ontario snowbelt generated from Georgian Bay and Lake Huron

What is Lake-Effect Snow?

Have you ever noticed that when you jump in the lake in May the water feels much colder than it does in August? That’s because all summer the lakes gradually warm up with the sun’s energy. Water loses heat at a much slower rate than air. This allows the lakes to retain heat heading into the fall and winter months. 

Typically by November, the temperature of the air is significantly colder than the lakes. At this time, it’s also common to start getting cold air masses blowing in from the North. When these cold, winter winds blow directly across a warm body of water, the temperature difference between the air and the water kicks off the production of lake effect snow!

Diagram of how lake-effect snow is formed

The lake warms the bottom layer of the cold air mass as moisture from the lake evaporates into the air. The air, in the now warm, moist bottom layer, is the least dense and begins to rise as it continues moving across the lake. While the air rises, it forms clouds as it cools and condenses. These clouds grow bigger and bigger, becoming ready to dump snow on the land downwind of the lake (aka the snowbelt).

The result? 

POWDER DAY!

Lake-effect snow can form in very narrow bands, making wind direction a crucial factor. One person can be driving through whiteout conditions while another person, only a few kilometers away, is searching their car console for a pair of sunglasses. 

The larger the distance the wind must travel across the lake and longer the wind blows with minimal change in direction, the greater the amount of snowfall! Georgian Bay is approximately 190km long, providing lots of potential for snow generation when the strong Northwest winds blow!

Prime time for lake-effect snow is November, December and January. By February, the lakes have typically lost any summer warmth and are often frozen. At this point, the temperature difference between the air and water becomes too small to generate lake-effect snow. Never fear though, we have a few other tricks up our sleeve!

Snow Making

In case you haven’t heard, we have been continually working to up our snow-making game. We’re talking over $1 million dollars invested in snow production! With more high efficiency snow guns and the addition of Lake Horseshoe, we have quadrupled our snow making capacity since 2017. Needless to say, there is never a snow-shortage around here!

Snow Removal

Now the next thing you’re probably thinking is, “There’s been a huge snow storm, what are the driving conditions like?”

The snow plows operating in the snowbelt areas are highly experienced in dealing with lake-effect snow. Although it’s not always in time for the school buses, large snowfalls are nothing new for these guys. The roads are plowed and covered with sand and salt as soon as possible. This way, you can make it to the ski hill safely when the storm has passed. That being said, it’s always a good idea to check the weather before you leave and listen to the radio in case of changing conditions.

See you on the Slopes

Next time you look out your window in the GTA and it looks like a better day to go for a bike ride than hit the slopes, check our webcams because there is probably a winter wonderland waiting for you in Horseshoe Valley!

Written by Hannah Simms

The post Ontario Snowbelts: Why does Horseshoe get more snow than Toronto? appeared first on Horseshoe Resort - Barrie Ontario.

Slip & Slide

Have you heard? An epic Slip & Slide is coming to Horseshoe! At 1,000 feet in length, it’s one of the world’s longest slip & slides and has been touring Ontario and the United States for the past few years, stopping in select cities and towns for one weekend before moving on to the next location. The slide gets set up on a city street and attracts massive crowds. People line up with inner tubes for a chance to experience the exhilarating rush of soaring down 1,000 feet of pure slip & slide fun!

We didn’t think that one weekend was long enough, so the Slip & Slide will be at the resort for the ENTIRE SUMMER! That’s right, you can slip & slide all summer long! The slide’s new home will be on our Ponytail ski run. Adventure enthusiasts will have the choice of walking up the hill or taking a scenic chairlift ride to the top. So grab your bathing suit, sunscreen and a towel and get ready to slip & slide your way to summer fun!

Wakeboard on Lake Horseshoe  

Get ready for even more fun on Lake Horseshoe this summer! We are excited to introduce our NEW wakeboard cable and can’t wait for our guests and community members to strap on a board and try it out. No boat? no problem!

You might be wondering what a wakeboard cable park is and how it’s different than regular wakeboarding. Rather than being pulled behind a motorized boat, a cable system is used to pull boarders around a set route in the water. Using the cable system allows beginners to get comfortable on a wakeboard before making the jump to riding behind a boat. It’s the safest and easiest way to learn how to wakeboard! Cable parks are becoming quite popular, as they provide a great learning environment for those who are new to the sport and also offer more seasoned boarders the opportunity to practice tricks in a controlled atmosphere. 

Disc Golf

Grab your friends, family and colleagues and give our new Disc Golf course a shot. If you haven’t played disc golf before, you should definitely play a round this summer. Disc golf is very similar to regular golf, but instead of using golf clubs and balls, players throw a frisbee from a tee area to a chain basket. Like regular golf, the object of the game is to get through the course with the lowest score (lowest number of total throws).

Disc golf is very easy to learn and is a game that all ages can have fun playing. It’s a great way to spend some time outdoors while engaging in a little friendly competition!

Beach Volleyball

We have partnered with the Ontario Volleyball Association and Invado Volleyball and are proud to be able to bring beach volleyball to the resort this summer. Our new facility features 8 courts that are stocked with Hutcheson Sand, the same supplier for the Pan Am Games and the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, England. Located between Lake Horseshoe and the ski hill, the new courts offer players a scenic and peaceful setting, not to mention a ton of fun!

Players can jump in the lake after working up a sweat, take a stroll around the resort or enjoy a cold beverage and a bite to eat on the après patio. Does it really get any better?

Invado Volleyball will be running youth and adult leagues for 8 weeks over the spring and summer and there will be week-long summer youth camps in July and August, courtesy of OnPoint Beach Volleyball.

Stop by, dig your feet in the sand and have a little fun on the courts!

Skateboard and Bike Park

Break out your skateboards, bikes and scooters because we are bringing back our park, new and improved of course! The park will be in the same location (on your way to the snow tubing hill), but will have a fresh new look. The ramps were designed by Canadian BMX professional Jay Miron and are suited for all levels.

The new park will have lots of transitions and banks with 10 plus features. It will be up and running at the end of June, so come on over and test it out!

We’re excited about all of our new activities and can’t wait to officially kick off summer 2018! Come for the day or stay for a night or two. Regardless of how long your stay is, you can bet you will have an absolute blast!

Check out the rest of our summer activities here!

Written by Krystle Forget

The post 5 More Reasons to Visit Horseshoe This Summer appeared first on Horseshoe Resort - Barrie Ontario.

The most basic (and probably easiest) thing to do at the end of the season is to simply clean your skis or snowboard. A cloth and water is all that you need! Just make sure you dry them well to avoid any rust from forming. Of course, cleaning your gear on a regular basis throughout the ski season isn’t a bad idea either! If you want to take things a step further, tuning and waxing your gear is definitely something that is recommended. Grinding the base of your skis or board will remove any burrs, gouges or rust, ensuring a smooth surface.  Waxing increases the longevity of the base and also provides a better sliding surface. In addition, “treating skis or snowboards with storage wax at the end of the season will keep the base nice and hydrated over the summer months,” noted our Rentals Supervisor, Niamh Mccullagh. Just remember to scrape it off before you hit the slopes at the start of the season.

When it comes to bindings, many skiers turn the DIN setting down at the end of the season. This is a good practice to follow, as the springs in bindings can lose tension as they age. Turning the DIN setting down helps prevent the springs from becoming weak and can also make them last longer. You can put a piece of tape down where the DIN setting was so that you can easily turn it back up to the same spot next season. Make sure you check your bindings to make sure that they aren’t any screws missing or loose–this goes for snowboards too!

When you are ready to bring your gear back out next winter, any shop that performs maintenance or services on skis will gladly scrape the storage wax off for you and turn your bindings back up. It’s also recommended to have a binding test done at the start of the season to ensure that they are in proper working order.

Storing your skis or snowboard is more important than one might think. A dry, temperature controlled space, such as a closet, is ideal, as damp or humid conditions can affect your gear. Ensure that they are in a neutral position in order to eliminate any unnecessary stress. 

Let’s not forget about your boots and helmet! Helmets have a shelf life of 3 – 5 seasons, as the foam and plastic becomes less effective with age. If you have had your helmet for 5 seasons, it’s time to shop for a new one. Have you had a hard fall on the slopes? If so, you might need to part ways with your helmet. Any damage to a helmet, exterior or interior, can affect the way that it protects your head. When you put your boots away for the season, pull the liners out to make sure that they are completely dry. You don’t want to have to deal with stinky boots or potential mold! Remember to buckle the boots loosely so that they maintain their shape and check the heels and toes to make sure that they aren’t too worn.

We hope that you will find these tips useful and look forward to seeing you (and your well maintained ski and snowboard gear) on the slopes next season!

Written by Krystle Forget

The post Tuning, Waxing and Storage, Oh My! appeared first on Horseshoe Resort - Barrie Ontario.

In the 1980s, most ski resorts banned jumping and tricks of any kind, as it was seen as a liability. Fast forward to the 1990s and terrain parks started popping up at resorts around the world. Today, most resorts have terrain parks, with some even being exclusively terrain parks. Each terrain park is unique in terms of its design and the number of features it includes–jumps, rails, rollers, boxes, half pipes, etc. As James noted, “it’s more of a playground for skiers and snowboarders.”

While Horseshoe Resort has had a terrain park for a number of years, prior to the 2016-2017 winter season, it was maintained by an outside party. The decision was made to bring all operations in-house, in an effort to have closer involvement and to truly put Horseshoe’s stamp on it. When the 2016-2017 season kicked off, skiers and snowboarders were introduced to a new and improved terrain park. Rebranded as the Outlaw Terrain Park, there was a different look and feel to the park, “It’s important for us to be unique and add our own twist to it,” explained Matt.

What’s great about the Outlaw Terrain Park is that it caters to different skill levels and abilities. A lot of planning is involved to make sure that there is something for everyone from young children and beginners, to more experienced riders and seasoned athletes. Beginner features are not as long and are wider, providing a good starting point before moving on to something more advanced. The park currently has 35 different features and while jumps tend to be in the same spots, other features can be moved around within a night. Having the flexibility of changing the park format allows riders to be exposed to different elements of a terrain park and also keeps things fun and diverse.

When a competitive event is held at the resort, the setup is often left as is for a few weeks, which gives the general public an opportunity to try something new and challenging. Bonus: the high speed six person chairlift is conveniently located close to the park, which means that riders can quickly get up the hill and back out into the park! 

There are lots of great events planned for the 2017-2018 winter season. For more information, check out our events page.

Maintaining a terrain park takes a lot of hard work, long hours and dedication. The Outlaw Terrain Park team consists of 10 members that work around the clock to make sure that the conditions are maintained to a certain level of standard. It’s definitely a team effort, with everyone encouraged to bring their own ideas and experience to the table.

Matt, the Terrain Park Manager, has been an avid snowboarder for over 20 years and has 16 years of experience working in terrain parks. Being a sponsored rider for 14 years, Matt has done a lot of traveling throughout Canada and has had the opportunity to visit a number of ski resorts. He loves the freedom of being able to go out and have fun with friends on the slopes.

While Matt is a snowboarder through and through, James, the Events Manager, has 15 years of experience with both skiing and snowboarding and 10 years worth of terrain park experience at resorts in Ontario and British Columbia. James primarily skis these days and enjoys the rapid progression that freestyle terrain offers. He loves learning and seeing new tricks and styles and trying out new park layouts each season.

Both Matt and James love seeing new people interested in the park and encourage anyone that’s on the fence to give it a try. There’s no doubt that this dynamic duo bring a lot of knowledge and experience to the Outlaw Terrain Park, and along with their hardworking team, it’s just one example of what makes the Outlaw Terrain Park at Horseshoe Resort so special.

There are some fantastic programs in place at the resort that are specifically designed to introduce younger skiers and snowboarders to freestyle skiing and snowboarding, exposing them to the terrain park and allowing them to develop their skills in a safe and encouraging environment. For more information, contact freestyle@horseshoeresort.com

If you plan on coming to check out the Outlaw Terrain Park (which we highly recommend), please note that a terrain park pass is mandatory in conjunction with a lift ticket or season pass. Park passes are only $10.00 and are good for the entire winter season. The small fee goes towards maintaining and enhancing the park, which benefits everyone in the end.

Written by Krystle Forget

The post Ontario’s Best Progression Terrain Park appeared first on Horseshoe Resort - Barrie Ontario.

If you are brave enough to fight the crowds at the mall this time of year, we salute you, but if you are looking for a way to avoid the madness, we are here to help. Horseshoe Resort has lots of great options for everyone on your list. Here are a few of our favourite gift giving ideas!

Season Pass

Our season passes provide unlimited access to winter fun and adventure! Ski or snowboard as much as you want, whenever you want. We have no blackout dates. That’s right, none whatsoever! With 29 ski and snowboard runs and three different pass options, there’s something for everyone, regardless of skill level and experience. 

Night Pass: Lift access 7 days a week from 3:30pm – 9:00pm

All Access Pass: Unlimited skiing and snowboarding 7 days a week from 9:00am – 9:00pm

5 Day & 7 Night Pass: Lift access 7 days a week from 9:00am – 9:00pm Monday to Friday and 2:30pm – 9:00pm on Saturday and Sunday

Check out this blog post for more information on the benefits of being a season pass holder.

Double Play

Help your loved ones spend more time on the slopes this year with our awesome Double Play offers! The Double Play and Midweek Double Play are must have items for the skier or snowboarder in your life!

The Double Play gives you TWO UNLIMITED lift tickets for only $99. No blackout dates and zero restrictions. Need we say more? Is your loved one only able to hit the slopes during the week? If so, the Midweek Double Play is the perfect gift for them. Get TWO MIDWEEK UNLIMITED tickets for only $69. 

DOUBLE PLAY PERK: Receive 10% off all alpine rentals! It’s a great bonus for those who are new to skiing and snowboarding and don’t own their own equipment yet.

The Double Play offers are only available until December 24, 2017, so don’t lose out on your chance to scoop up these fantastic deals.

Tube & Dine Thursdays

Our Tube & Dine Thursdays promotion is perfect for the thrill seeker on your list. Unlimited tubing and a $15.00 food credit at the Crazy Horse Sports Bar & Grill for just $24.99! 

Last year, BlogTO named Horseshoe Resort as one of the 7 Amazing Hills for Snow Tubing near Toronto. We’ve stepped up our snow tubing game for the 2017-2018 winter season by expanding our hill. It’s now DOUBLE the length, which means it’s the longest snow tubing hill in Ontario! That’s not all though… we’ve added a second exhilarating drop! Heart pumping all-thrill, no-skill winter fun is what snow tubing is all about!

With unlimited trips down the longest snow tubing hill in Ontario and a $15 food credit, Thursdays nights have never been this fun!

Ski and Snowboard Lessons

Horseshoe Resort offers a variety of lesson options for first time skiers and snowboarders, those who are somewhat new to both sports or anyone who wants a little refresher with some professional instruction. 

Our Discover Package is great for those who have never been skiing or snowboarding before. The two hour lesson also includes an unlimited day beginner lift ticket and rental equipment. 

Private lessons are perfect for learning to ski or snowboard at any age or skill level. A private lesson offers one-on-one instruction and special lift privileges. You can even have a friend or family member join in on the lesson for a small additional fee.

Our 8 week programs are available for kids ages 3 and up. These ski and snowboard programs are not only educational, but fun as well. Space is limited, so act fast to secure your loved one a spot!

Ski & Stay Getaway

Spend more time on the slopes when you ski and stay! Receive nightly accommodation, unlimited lift tickets with every night you stay and night lift tickets on your arrival day. From $176* per night, it’s our best ski value! 

Plus, there’s lots of other fun stuff to do at the resort, aside from skiing and snowboarding. Try one of our other winter activities, such as snow tubing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking and more. 

Your loved one(s) will thank you when you surprise them with a night away, just steps from the hill!

Amba Spa

Pamper your loved one with some rest and relaxation at the Amba Spa.  From massages, reflexology and facials to body wraps, manicures and pedicures, the Amba Spa team is dedicated to providing the ultimate spa experience.

Treat that special someone on your list to one of the many relaxing spa services or spoil them with a Spa Your Way getaway, which includes one night accommodation for two and a $100.00 Amba Spa credit per guest. You’ll score some major points this Christmas when you leave a Spa Your Way getaway under the tree!

Whether you give the gift of a spa service or a Spa Your Way getaway, you can’t go wrong with a little R&R this Christmas!  

That wraps up our 2017-2018 Holiday Gift Guide! We wish you the best of luck with your Christmas shopping and hope that you and your loved ones enjoy a happy and healthy holiday season.

Written by Krystle Forget

The post Horseshoe’s Holiday Gift Guide appeared first on Horseshoe Resort - Barrie Ontario.

We’re perfectly situated in what has affectionately become known as the “Barrie Snowbelt.” A Snowbelt is a region that receives a considerable amount of lake-effect snow, often times creating blizzard-like conditions. While some people dread this type of winter weather, ski and snowboard enthusiasts fully embrace everything that living in a Snowbelt area offers and anxiously await the first snowfall every year.

Check out how much snow we really get. Video taken February 2017.

Lake-effect snow occurs when cold winds travel across long stretches of warmer lake water, gathering water vapor which then freezes as it rises up through the colder air above. The result? Falling snow! Horseshoe Resort is on the Southern edge of Ontario’s Snowbelt region, where lake-effect snow, primarily from Georgian Bay, falls throughout the winter months. The region typically receives twice the amount of snow than Toronto, making it the perfect winter destination for skiers and snowboarders!

Nestled in the middle of Highway 400 North and Highway 11 North, Mother Nature blesses Horseshoe Valley and surrounding area with an abundance of snow that Georgian Bay’s heavy winds blow in its direction. 

While there have been massive improvements to the resort’s snowmaking abilities this year (we’re talking $1 million dollars’ worth), there’s still nothing quite like a good old fashioned snowstorm to get the adrenaline pumping! We are more than ready for winter to pay us a visit and you can bet that staff around the resort will be jumping for joy when the first snowfalls hits the ground!

It won’t be long before we are welcoming skiers and snowboarders back for another epic season on the slopes. Until then, we will patiently await the colder weather and dream of snow covered days. 

The chart below shows double the amount of snow in Barrie compared to Toronto region.

Written by Krystle Forget

The post Why Do We Get So Much Snow? appeared first on Horseshoe Resort - Barrie Ontario.

Snow tubing has become a popular winter activity and it’s easy to see why.  With no experience needed, snow tubing is an all thrill, no skill activity that will have you smiling from ear to ear all the way to the bottom of the hill. It’s a great winter activity for those who don’t ski or snowboard. You can still experience the magic of racing down the hill, but instead of having skis or a snowboard strapped to your feet, you get to sit back and let the tube do all the work. All you have to do is bundle up, sit tight, and hold on!

Go down the hill on your own or connect your tube to others! Snow tubing is a fun way to spend the day with family, friends or colleagues.  Our magic carpet will bring you back to the top of the hill so you can do it all over again. With five chutes to fly down, you don’t have to worry about waiting in a long lineup before going for another round. Pick up an unlimited pass and go down as many times as you like! We have a variety of ticket options and our season pass holders receive 10% off. 

Last season, BlogTO named Horseshoe Resort as one of the 7 amazing hills for snow tubing near Toronto, referencing our “wonderfully steep drop off at the top.” With this new addition, we are confident that we would make the cut again.

Construction is underway and it won’t be long before the tubes are hitting the new and improved hill. An extra 1200 feet means double the length and double the fun! We can’t wait for you to give it try this winter. 

Stay tuned for information on our Tube & Dine Thursdays!

Written by Krystle Forget

The post Snow Tubing Expansion appeared first on Horseshoe Resort - Barrie Ontario.

How exactly are we going to do this? At the beginning of the summer, construction began on two projects integral to the resort’s improved snowmaking abilities: Lake Horseshoe, a man-made lake conveniently located at the bottom of the ski hills, and a new 2500ft underground snowmaking pipe system (2500ft is equivalent to 7 football fields!)

Lake Horseshoe officially opened at the beginning of August and has been a welcome addition to the resort. Nothing says summer like a refreshing dip in the lake! While there won’t be anyone swimming in the lake during the winter months, it will still be getting lots of use. There are 9 million gallons of water in Lake Horseshoe, 8.5 of which will be pumped through the new underground pipes for making snow throughout the winter season. On top of the new water source that Lake Horseshoe provides, we will still have access to the pond across the street from the resort, DOUBLING our snowmaking abilities. Lots of water means lots of snow, and lots of snow means lots of skiing and snowboarding!

If opening earlier and ending the season later isn’t exciting enough, we also don’t have to worry about shutting down if we are met with warmer days over the winter. If the snow starts to melt, we have Lake Horseshoe to save the day! It’s going to be an exciting winter at Horseshoe Resort and we can’t wait to for the season to get started. Get your season pass and spend even more time skiing and snowboarding this winter. See you on the slopes!

Written by Krystle Forget

The post Horseshoe Resort Invests One Million Dollars in Snowmaking Improvements appeared first on Horseshoe Resort - Barrie Ontario.

Try Something New—Like Standup Paddleboarding at Lake Horseshoe

We’re pretty excited about Lake Horseshoe, our new three-acre lake. If you’ve never tried standup paddleboarding, why not give it a shot? Or, give our new water ramp a go. Or try out our inflatable obstacle course. Or maybe even play a few beach games. There’s a lot you can try at brand-new Lake Horseshoe, is what we’re saying.

Chase Vertical Thrills at Our Tree-Top Trekking and 2,057ft Zipline

Defy gravity by climbing from tree to tree through our aerial network of ropes, nets, suspended bridges, and more. Then, give in to gravity on our 2,057 foot zipline! Get all the fun of adrenaline-packed adventure combined with the kind of awe you can only get from viewing The Valley via flying along a zipline. And if you’re really brave, you can sign up for a trek at night time. That’s right, if doing your best Tarzan impression isn’t enough of a thrill for you, you can do it in darkness.

Take Your Family on a Segway Go Tour

These aren’t your dainty city-slicker Segways. The Segway X2 is designed for the off-road experience, with monster tires that both look cool and handle Horseshoe Valley’s dirt trails with ease. We can think of a bunch of weird ways to describe it (Like halfway between a hike and an ATV ride? Like surfing but in a forest?), but you should just try it for yourself.

Explore Bike Trails Through Copeland Forest

Copeland Forest is 400 acres of woodland bliss and you can take it all in through 30 kilometres of cross country trails. There’s plenty to explore out there with dozens of possible routes through the forest. The trails are great for beginners who want to get a feel for mountain biking, or experienced riders who want a technical challenge.

Eat on the Patio as the Sun Goes Down

We have some sobering news: these lovely summer nights are drawing to a close. Pretty soon, dusk will fall sooner, the weather will turn crisp, and a lingering meal on the patio won’t be so enticing. That’s okay though; it just means the summer we have left needs to be savoured that much more. And while you’re savouring the summer, you may as well savour a Signature Fire Cracker Burger with a big bold red. Right?

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The post 5 Weeks Left of Summer, 5 Must do Activities appeared first on Horseshoe Resort - Barrie Ontario.