Nova Scotia has some amazing opportunities for winter sports, including several options for fun family skiing. How about a warm apres-ski drink at Wentworth, Pizza night at Ben Eoin, or an off-grid weekend in a rustic chalet at Ski Tuonela? In our Ultimate Guide to the best Nova Scotia ski hills, discover what’s new on the slopes this winter.
Martock
Closest to Halifax, Ski Martock is a great place for families who are learning to ski and snowboard. At 600 feet high, Martock has seven trails including a terrain park and halfpipe, 1 quad chairlift, two T-bar lifts and a magic carpet. The Ski Martock Snow School offers private and group lessons for all ages.If cross-country is your thing,Martock offers 5 km of groomed trails through a mixed coniferous and hardwood forest. Season passes are on sale right now for $199.95 per adult. Season passes for kids are only $75.00 each.
Wentworth
Ski Wentworth/photo: Tourism Nova Scotia/Kyler McGregor
At 815 vertical feet high, Ski Wentworth is one of Nova Scotia’s best skil hills with 20 alpine trails, a 1/2 Pipe and a terrain park. To get up: a quad chair lift, a T-bar & the new Magic Carpet. Wentworth has 10-kilometres of cross country ski trails at the top of the mountain, offering a challenging course for experienced cross-country skiers. For snow-shoers, Wentworth’s “Get Up There” Snow Shoe Trail is a hidden gem. Fully signed, it starts next to the Robin’s Run, and takes about an hour to hike to the top of the mountain. After enjoying your winter activity at Ski Wentworth, enjoy a warm fireside drink at Ducky’s bar. Season passes are $329.99 plus tax, and kids’ season tickets are $299.99 plus tax.
Cape Smokey
Cape Smokey is a premier ski destination in Cape Breton Nova Scotia/photo: Tourism Nova Scotia/Corey Katz
Cape Smokey was once Nova Scotia’s best-kept winter secret. Resurrected in 2011 by volunteers after being closed for 5 years, Cape Smokey was kept open through the enthusiasm and hard work of the community. But this year, the secret is out! With investment from outside the province, Cape Smokey has transformed into a modern, European-style ski resort, and is now one of the best Nova Scotia ski hills. With 1000 ft elevation and stunning ocean views, and a speedy Gondola to take you to the top, Cape Smokey offers 16 alpine runs, with legendary aprés-ski entertainment. Head to the Cape Smokey website for early bird pricing for 2022-23.
Ben Eoin
Ski Ben Eoin/Photo: Tourism Nova Scotia/Ashley MacDonald
Also located on beautiful Cape Breton Island near Sydney, Nova Scotia, Ski Ben Eoin is Cape Breton’s winter fun park, with facilities that include a warm chalet, a licensed pub, and a Pro Shop. The hill offers 33 acres of trails at 502 vertical feet, with a carpet lift and a quad chair. Ben Eoin has 15 km of wide, well-groomed cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails. Ski Ben Eoin has some cool promotions this season including Stay and Ski accommodation packages, and season-long locker rental.
Ski Tuonela
Have you ever heard of Telemark Skiing? It’s a cross between downhill and cross country, named after the Telemark region in Norway. Ski Tuonela is the Maritimes’ only serviced Telemark ski area, located at an off-grid location, 20 min. from Baddeck. Offering back-country and outback skiing with a 400-foot vertical drop, and over 18 km of cross-country trails, Ski Tuonela also has equipment rentals, rustic log chalet accommodations, and a sauna. This awesome off-grid resort has some great deals for those wishing to try Telemark, including a special introductory package for non-members: two days of skiing and one night’s accommodation for 2 persons for $185.
North Highlands Nordic
North Highlands Nordic/photo: Tourism Nova Scotia/Adam Hill
Last, but not least, known as “Cape Breton’s Best Secret,” North Highlands Nordic was founded in 1977 by a small group of enthusiastic cross-country skiers. From humble beginnings, this club has developed into a sophisticated system of professionally groomed trails, overlooking some of the best scenery Nova Scotia has to offer. The trail network has over 12 km of trails and has hosted a number of major national and regional races including the 1987 Canada Winter Games. Staying overnight? The nearby Highlands Hostel is clean, welcoming, and 100% family-friendly.
