Find the Perfect Places to ski in Sault Ste. Marie
By Tourism Sault Ste. Marie
Sault Ste. Marie is home to some of the best skiing east of the Rockies, with alpine runs, cross-country skiing trails and backcountry ski terrain surrounded by Northern Ontario wilderness. Scenic vistas, glacier-scoured hills, ancient forests and deep, consistent snowfall create a true winter adventure experience. These conditions make the region one of the most memorable places for Ontario skiing. If you’re planning a ski weekend, looking for hidden ski spots or building ski trip itineraries for Ontario, our Skiing in Sault Ste. Marie guide is a great place to start.
1. Searchmont Resort
Big vertical and rugged terrain make Searchmont Resort one of the top spots for Ontario skiing and a strong starting point for a ski weekend in the Sault Ste. Marie area.
With 700 feet of vertical, 26 runs, 100 acres of rolling mountain, a terrain park, four lifts, snow school and full resort services, Searchmont has everything you need to build solid ski trip itineraries in Ontario. The restaurant, bar, rental shop and on-site accommodations keep things simple, and the quieter atmosphere gives you space to enjoy real winter adventure experiences in Ontario without the crowds found at many southern hills. It’s a great choice if you’re searching for ski weekend ideas in Ontario or want access to nearby hidden ski spots during your trip.
This season, Searchmont is opening a new section of the hill with its own lift, Buzzsaw, designed for intermediate skiers gaining confidence before heading to the steeper terrain. Check the Searchmont trail map and Searchmont website for more details.
2. Cross-Country Skiing at Stokely Creek Lodge
Stokely Creek Lodge is a world-class destination for cross-country skiing in Ontario. Just a 30-minute drive from Sault Ste. Marie, this stunning location draws visitors from around the globe and ranks among the best Ontario skiing experiences. Learn more about the resort on the official Stokely Creek Ski page. The resort offers over 100 km of trails for both classic and skate-skiing techniques. Skiers are rewarded with breathtaking scenery, including frozen waterfalls, endless forests, and panoramic views from the top of King Mountain.
Scattered along the trails are backcountry ski cabins and rest stops, adding to the lodge’s wilderness atmosphere. Warm shelters provide welcome breaks during your ski adventure, and the Scandinavian-style accommodations at the lodge make it easy to turn your day trip into a full ski weekend or even a week-long getaway. Outstanding home-cooked meals complete the experience.
Parking and the main trailhead are located at Stokely Creek Lodge in Goulais River, Ontario, making it easy to plan your ski trip itinerary in Ontario. For a closer look at what makes Stokely Creek a true winter adventure experience in Ontario, check out this detailed Sault Tourism travelogue.
3. Cross-Country Skiing at Hiawatha Highlands
Hiawatha Highlands offers over 50 km of groomed trails for both classic and cross-country skiing, suitable for all skill levels. Parking and trailheads are on Landslide Road, just minutes from Sault Ste. Marie. The lodge ranks among the best for Ontario skiing and is ideal for a ski weekend or building ski trip itineraries in Ontario. Learn more on the official Hiawatha Highlands website.
According to the Hiawatha Highlands Our Trails page, the three main trail systems each offer different terrain. The Pinder System has gentle grades and minimal hills, with a lighted 2 km loop near the trailhead for evening skiing. The Red Pine System is more rugged, with steeper hills, creek crossings, and towering red- and white pines. The Crystal Trail System is the most challenging, weaving around Crystal Creek and waterfalls, and includes a 10 km backcountry ski trail to Mabel Lake.
For a complete overview, check the Hiawatha Highlands trail map or read our article about the lodge and its winter experiences.
4. Backcountry Skiing at Bellevue Valley Lodge
Sault Ste. Marie is one of Ontario’s top destinations for backcountry skiing, and Bellevue Valley Lodge is the perfect starting point. Nestled in the Canadian Shield hills of Goulais River, just a 25-minute drive from the city, the lodge offers easy access to some of the best Ontario backcountry ski experiences. Learn more on the official Bellevue Valley Lodge website.
The area is ideal for backcountry telemark, alpine touring, or nordic skiing. Ski up impressive ridges and mountains at 1,800 ft above sea level, and navigate 30 gladed powder runs with about 700 feet of vertical. With no chair lifts, climbers bring their own skins to earn every turn.
Runs include the famously named Undertaker, Overtaker, Vortex of Pain, and the Pyramid. Steep fall lines and abundant snowfall make this a top destination for winter adventure experiences in Ontario. Sault Ste. Marie offers some of the best backcountry ski terrain in the province.
Detailed trail information is available on the Bellevue Valley Lodge skiing page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I plan a ski weekend in Sault Ste. Marie?
Absolutely. All four locations, Searchmont Resort, Stokely Creek Lodge, Hiawatha Highlands, and Bellevue Valley Lodge, offer full services, accommodations, and trail access for a complete ski weekend or multi-day ski trip itinerary in Ontario. For inspiration, check out the Searchmont Ski Guide or the Sault Tourism travelogue on Stokely Creek.
Are there trails for beginners and advanced skiers?
Yes. Most locations offer trails for a range of skill levels. Hiawatha Highlands has the Pinder System for beginners and the Crystal Trail System for advanced skiers. Searchmont Resort has terrain suitable for intermediate to advanced downhill skiing, while Bellevue Valley Lodge caters to experienced backcountry skiers seeking winter adventure experiences in Ontario.
Where can I find trail maps for these ski areas?
Trail maps and detailed information are available on the official websites: