Looking to do some skiing in the area?
Batawa Ski Hill is located just minutes north of the 401 Highway in Quinte West, in the little community of Batawa, Ontario.
This community was originally set up by the Bata Shoe Company as a planned community around their factory. The factory opened in 1939 and closed in 2000 but the Batawa Ski Hill that was established in 1959 by its employees has remained as a legacy to their work.
The area offers lighted night skiing or snowboarding, a terrain park, and snowshoeing. The ski hill operates one quad Chairlift and one T-Bar, and usually operated 11 trails and 2 train parks.
“This year, we only have 7 trails open so far and one beginning train park,” said Andrea Jengle, (AJ) – Communications Coordinator of Batawa Ski Hill. “In the winter months we offer skiing, snowboarding, rentals, and lessons and there is winter hiking and snowshoeing trails adjacent to the ski hill.”
Batawa is a definitely a winter destination with all the ski hill’s activities and the Batawa Lions Club’s 6 outdoor rinks for hockey and skating but, it’s more just a popular winter spot. The Batawa Ski Hill has off-season activities too, with year-round hiking, mountain biking, Camp Batawa, a children’s summer adventure camp, and land and venue rentals for weddings, races, specials events, and conferences too.
There is also the chalet that houses the Batawa Grill, for eat in or takeout that you can enjoy outside by the fire pit area.
“The chalet is very inviting to visitors who don’t ski, you can simply come in and enjoy a beer and poutine or parents can watch their children come down the hill inside, or they can watch from the fire pit area too.”
Instruction is available for all ages, with private, semi-private and group lessons available, with pre-booking due to availability restrictions.
Was your New Year’s resolution to get more active, or get your children into a new winter activity? The Batawa Skill recommends their First Timers package that provides a 60 minute group lesson with a rental and lift ticket. These packages are available for ages 7 and up and is meant for those who have never skied or have not skied in very long time.
They have come upcoming activities.
“On Family Day on February 20th, the hill which is normally closed on Mondays, will be open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Camp Batawa, an outdoor adventure camp for children in July and August, books up fast and they will be accepting registrations in March.
Although walk-ins are welcome, the Batawa Ski Hill recommends that you purchase your tickets online.
“We are still working with capacity issues,” added Jengle. “We also offer a discounted rate for online bookings, so we encourage people to book their time online and save a little too.”
For more information or to book online visit the Batawa Ski Hill website located at www.batawaskihill.com or follow them on Facebook or Instagram.
Written by Alicia Vandine
