We love visiting Blue Mountain – it is a great escape from the city as it is only a 2 hour drive from Toronto.  When most people think of Blue Mountain they think of winter activities, skiing in particular.  Did I tell you that I don’t ski!  In fact, this visit was my first time ever putting on a pair of ski’s. I took the plunge and suited up and took my first ever ski lesson.  If you are thinking of visiting Blue Mountain in winterbut don’t ski don’t fret, there are so many other activities that will keep you busy.

 

1. Winter Caving with Free Spirit Tours

If skiing isn’t your cup of tea then try some snowshoeing.  Winter caving with Free Spirit Tours will take you snowshoeing through the Niagara Escarpment that will lead you to caves that you will be able to climb and more than likely crawl your way through.  This is geared to any level and is great for the entire family.  I really enjoyed snowshoeing – it was a great way to explore the Niagara Escarpment.   The best part is after you are done caving, you get to sit sip on some hot apple cider.  This was my first time snowshoeing and I absolutely loved it.  It was wonderful to be able to take in views and walk along trails that only snowshoes would take you through.  

What to wear: dress in winter gear.  Hats, gloves, boots & snow pants.  Snowshoes are supplied by Free Spirit Tours

 

2. Snowshoe the Vineyard at Georgian Hills Vineyards

Yes, you heard right, a vineyard in Blue Mountain!  Georgian Hills vineyards offers a unique winter experience where you can enjoy snowshoeing through the vineyard, learn about cool climate viticulture and wine making while you taste 5 of their favourite wines. Snowshoe & Wine Tasting is only $15 (includes snowshoe rental).  I recently learned over the summer that there is a vineyard in Georgian Hills, this was totally unexpected.  All of their wines are flavourful but my favourite is the Ida Red.  Make sure when you visit to let me know your favourite wine.

 

3. Newbie Ski Lesson at Blue Mountain

I have never skied before so I thought I would try the Newbie program offered at Blue Mountain.  They offer a drop-in all-day circuit where you go through various stations.  The stations teach you how to put on and take off your skies, how to stop, turn and just move in general.  The second circuit takes you down the mini hill where you put your expert stopping skills in use. (the hill is very small but when you are new those small hills are always bigger than they seem).  The third circuit takes you up the magic carpet – an escalator like ride that takes you up a hill to practice your newly learned ski skills.  Don’t worry if you don’t have skies.  You can rent all your equipment and they even offer ski clothing rentals.

 

 

4. Mountain Top Skating

Grab your skates and get ready to cruise on the 1.1km ice skating loop while enjoying the views along the Niagara Escarpment.  Woodview Mountain skating is a new attraction located at the top of the mountain. (TIP: call ahead as the loop is opening pending weather conditions).  The views are gorgeous from the top.  Ice skate rentals are available.  Don’t forget to enjoy your after skating hot chocolate.

 

 

5. Go Chasing Waterfalls

Situated in the very tiny Village of Eugenia, Eugenia Falls Conservation Area encompasses 23 hectares of Niagara Escarpment, river valley and upland forests. A part of the Grey County Waterfalls Tour. The all-season trail winds along the edge of ‘Cuckoo Valley’ with excellent views of the 30m high waterfall and loops past a cenotaph memorial and picnic shelter.

 

6. Pamper Yourself at the Spa

On my recent stay at Blue Mountain I visited iwa Spa Blue Mountain.  I wanted to try something different so decided to try their Ganban Volcanic Rock Therapy.  (Gan=rock, Ban=board, Yoku=Bath) is a rock sauna heated to 40-42°C. These  stone beds soothe muscles, accelerate metabolism, eliminate toxins from the body and allow for increased circulation while heating your inner core.

You can come dressed in your own comfortable athletic clothes or use the jinbei robe that is provided by the spa.  To enjoy the Ganban Volcanic Rock Therapy you simply lay down directly on the warm rock bed and relax for 15-20 minutes intervals followed with a 3-5 min. cool down period between each interval. The rock beds emit negative ions and far infrared rays to deeply heat and detoxify the body.  I felt so relaxed that I didn’t want to leave.

Don’t forget to treat yourself to a manicure or pedicure before you leave the spa.  Sit back and relax and take in the beautiful mountain views while indulging in a manicure or pedicure treatment.  I love that the nail polish they use is free from harmful ingredients such as parabens, formaldehyde, toluene, camphor, cellophane, and heavy metals.

7. Culinary Escape

If you don’t feel like doing any of those things then I would suggest heading out and enjoying all the great restaurants in the area.   Some of my favourites are  O&B Cafe Grill Blue Mountain, Bruce Wine Bar, Haisai and Northwinds Brewery. More about these great restaurants to follow.

Although summer is my season, Blue Mountain definitely made winter far more enjoyable with all the fun activities.  I need to bring my family to Blue Mountain so they can experience this wonderful winter escape.  #Liveitoutside

 

This post is written in partnership with Grey County. As always, my opinions are my own. A huge thanks for a wonderful getaway. #Colourityourway