Interested in giving skiing a try? Hit the slopes with Beginner Ski Day! Learn to ski in a fun, supportive, and inclusive, beginner-friendly environment. Whether you've never skied before or you've had a few attempts, this day is designed for first-timers to feel comfortable, confident, and excited about hitting the slopes.
This trip will cost $40+tax per person, including transportation to/from Blue Mountain from campus, beginner lift ticket, ski and helmet rental, beginner small group ski lesson, and one meal voucher.
This was a super popular event, and registration is now full (and so is the watilist)!
Want more ski trips? Have some thoughts or feedback? Tell us by filling out this form.
What to Expect:
- Transportation: Transportation to/from Blue Mountain from campus via coach bus will be included with registration. The bus will pick up and drop off participants at the Athletic Centre, on Classic Ave, before/after the trip.
- Equipment: Skiis, boots, and helmets will be provided, but there are a few things you will need to bring. At a minimum, you'll need a warm, water-proof/winter jacket, snow pants, and gloves or mittens. You will not be allowed to board the bus without them. We also strongly recommend bringing sunglasses or ski goggles, a neck warmer, gaitor, or buff, and avoiding cotton clothing (inlcuding socks). Check out the FAQs for a full list of recommended items to make your trip warm and comfortable.
- Please note, a legal ID and credit card will be required by Blue Mountain to take out rentals. Your credit card will not be charged (unless the rentals come back broken or not at all).
- Ski Lesson: In the morning, you'll receive a beginner ski lesson from an experienced instructor who will guide you through the basics, from how to balance and turn to how to stop safely. This group lesson is a great opportunity to meet others and have fun together.
- Lift Ticket: A beginner lift ticket will be provided to participants, granting access to the beginner slopes/green zones, magic carpet and chair lift. You'll have the chance to practice what you learn in your lesson on easy, well-groomed slopes.
- Meals: Participants will get one meal voucher included in registration, which can be redeemed at any of the base lodges for a starter (small salad or soup), a main (burger, pizza, chicken fingers, grab and go salads, etc.) and a 16oz fountain drink, bottled water or juice. It's a long day, so please either pack some additional food and snacks, or plan to purchase food in the village.
Schedule:
7:45 am | Meet outside 15 Devonshire Pl. (Note location change - we are no longer meeting at the Athletic Centre)
10:00 am | Scheduled to arrive at Blue Mountain. We'll head to our meeting room for the day, get oriented, sort rentals, and then head to the slopes for our beginner lessons to begin the day.
After the lesson, participants have free time. Take an hour or two to grab some lunch and then practice what you've learned on the slopes. Need a break from skiing? There's lots to explore in the village, or take a break in our meeting room.
7 pm | Everyone must be back by the meeting room by this time. We'll return any remaining rentals, and get loaded onto the bus to head home. It's typically a 2-2.5 hour drive, so we should be back on campus by 10pm.
FAQ's:
What to bring?
If you have ski equipment, you're welcome to bring it along. If not, skiis, boots, and helmets will be provided. Please plan to bring the following:
Clothing (required - you will not be allowed to board the bus without these items):
- Winter jacket (waterproof, insulated)
- Snow pants or water-proof pants
- Water-proof gloves or mittens
Clothing (optional but strongly recommended - these items will make your trip much more comfortable and keep you warm)
- Dress in warm and comfotable, moisture wicking clothing
- Base Layer - wear moisture wicking fabrics to keep you dry and warm. Merino wool or synthetic fabrics work great. Think: Athletic wear.
- Mid Layer - wear something insulating, like a fleece jacket, sweater, or a thin puffy. Again, moisture wicking! Nothing that will hold onto your sweat. If you get too hot skiing, you can always take it off, but when you're not on the hill, you'll need it.
- Long socks (not cotton). Ankle socks are not comfortable in ski boots.
- Avoid cotton clothing and socks - cotton gets wet when you sweat, and wet clothing gets cold!
- Sunglasses or ski goggles - Not only do ski goggles keep your face warm, sunglasses or ski goggles will keep snow, cold wind, and sun out of your eyes. On a bright day, the sun does reflect right off the snow into your eyes.
- Neck warmer, gaiter or buff to keep your face and neck warm.
- Hat or beanie - it may not fit under your helmet, but it'll be nice when you're off the hill and exploring the village.
- Consider bringing an extra pair of socks incase yours do get wet.
Other
- Pack some food or plan to purchase some at Blue Mountain. You will get one meal voucher, but it'll be along day, and skiing is hungry work.
- Water bottle! Hydration is important.
- Legal ID and credit card. You may need these to take out rentals, which are included in your registration fee. Please note, you will not be charged (unless the rentals come back broken or not at all).
What if I don't have winter gear?
If you don’t have your own winter gear (jacket, snow pants, gloves, etc.), we recommend borrowing gear from a friend, looking at resources like the St George Campus Free Store, or purchasing gear in advance at thift stores or local rental shops.
Unfortunately, you cannot participate without appropriate winter clothing. If this is a barrier for you, please email us at edib.sportandrec@utoronto.ca.
Who can register?
This event is open to all UofT St George students. No ski experience required!
While no experience is required, participants should be comfortable learning and practicing independantly (or with friends!) after recieving instruction. While we do welcome students with disabilities on this trip, registration for students who require adaptive ski equipment and/or support volunteers is now closed.
If you are having trouble registering and are a UTSG student, please contact edib.sportandrec@utoronto.ca.
Can I find my own transportation?
No, participants must arrive and depart with the group. Group transportation helps ensure everyone arrives together, making the day run smoothly and allowing us to better coordinate with the resort for parking and logistics. It also helps us ensure that participants are accounted for in case of any last-minute changes or emergencies.
What is the cancellation policy?
Refunds are available for cancellations made before close on February 12. After this date, we can no longer provide a refund.
Refunds will not be provided for no-shows, or for those who are denied bus boarding due to to not having appropriate winter gear.
Got more questions? Please email edib.sportandrec@utoronto.ca.