Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding Centres
Ski or snowboard at two hills: Earl Bales Ski & Snowboard Centre in North York and Centennial Ski & Snowboard Centre in Etobicoke.
In addition to ski and snowboard lessons, Earl Bales also features private lessons (registration is early September each year). Centennial is undergoing repairs, but two runs and one lift will open in January, allowing for drop-in skiing and snowboarding only. There will be no lessons offered.
The season begins January 1st and ends mid-March, but is weather and snowfall dependent.
Daily Snow Pass entitles a person to enjoy the centre from open to close on the day purchased. Daily Pass sales end one hour before close.
| Rates | ||
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 18 years and under/ 60 years+ | 19 years+ |
| 1 hour | $15.50 | $19.00 |
| 2 hours | $19.00 | $24.00 |
| 3 hours | $24.00 | $27.00 |
| 4 hours | $27.00 | $31.50 |
| All Day | $36.00 | $36.00 |
| Rope Tow | $11.50 | $11.50 |
Earl Bales Rope Tow – $11.50 Pass allows access to the Rope Tow but does not include the use of lifts. Both adult and child must have a snow pass to use the Rope Tow areas. This area and pass are subject to snow conditions.
Season Snow Pass Rates (available for purchase beginning December).
| Age Group | Full Season | Daytime Mon-Fri (Earl Bales only) | Night Only |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs & under | $393.50 | $191.00 | $191.00 |
| 19 yrs+ | $454.00 | $244.00 | $244.00 |
| 60 yrs+ | $227.00 | $122.00 | $122.00 |
| Family Pass | $775.50 | N/A | N/A |
| Best Value | $263.50 | N/A | N/A |
Best Value Season Pass entitles program participants in an eight-week or four-week program to a discounted Full Season Pass.
Season Pass can be purchased by American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Debit, Cash or Cheque and provides access to all hours of lift operation and is valid at both Toronto Ski and Snowboard Centres.
Night Season Pass provides daily access from 3:30 p.m. to closing.
Please Note:
- A $43 non-resident fee is applied to all Season Snow Passes, if applicable.
- A $10 replacement fee is charged for lost passes.
- Photos will be taken on-site.
- Skiers and snowboarders of any age must have a valid Snow Pass and are required to read and understand the waiver/release.
- Participants under 18 years of age must have the release of liability waiver signed by a parent/guardian.
- A valid Snow Pass is required to access ski or snowboard equipment.
- Walking on the slopes is prohibited.
Explore what the City has to offer. Once you’ve selected preferred programs, visit how to Register for Recreation Programs.
Skiing
Snowboard
Introduction to Ski and Snowboarding Lessons
This introductory a one-time, two-hour lesson is intended for first-time students. It starts with our rope tow-beginner terrain, snowboards will start on the main hill.
- Skiers will learn the basics of putting on equipment, walking around with equipment, climbing, and stopping and turning in a wedge.
- Snowboards will learn the basics of putting on equipment and moving around, use of the lifts and controlling speed on both the toe and heel edge.
- Package includes a two-hour lesson with a lift ticket and rental equipment (including helmet).
Adapted Ski & Snowboard Programs
The City offers downhill adapted and inclusive recreational ski and snowboard programs. By adapting the program, children and youth with disabilities can participate in skiing. For more information, call 416-395-7931 and visit Accessible Recreation.
For adapted ski and snowboard programs that require specialized equipment, please contact OntarioTrack 3 Association.
Assistance Required for Ski/Snowboard Programs
Assistance is for children/youth who are capable of participating in a ski or snowboard class of choice but may require additional staff support. Once registered please call 416-395-7931 (with registration information) to determine the specific level of support required.
- Additional Staff support in programs is dependent upon instructor availability.
- Additional Staff support is not available during Holiday programs or March Break Camps.
Private Lessons
Lessons below are booked for one person only. If you would like a semi-private lesson (participants must be similar age and the same ability level), please contact the facility.
- One-Hour Lesson.
- Each Additional Skier/Snowboarder.
- Rental Equipment for Private Lessons.
Ski & Snowboard Leadership Programs
Instructor Prep Course
This course is open to anyone wishing to become a ski/snowboard instructor or race coach who is a strong intermediate skier or snowboarder. This course is intended to provide the registrants with the necessary background to pass the CSIA, CASI or CSCF level one exams. Program components are:
- Teaching method.
- Skiing/snowboarding ability.
After successful completion of this course, you may qualify to work at the Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre as an Assistant Instructor. (Based on interview).
Note: To participate, you should be a strong intermediate skier (Advanced) or snowboarder (Advanced).
Daily Snow Pass entitles a person to enjoy the centre open to close on the day purchased. Daily Pass sales end one hour before close.
| Rates | ||
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 18 years and under/ 60 years+ | 19 years+ |
| 1 hour | $15.50 | $19.00 |
| 2 hours | $19.00 | $24.00 |
| 3 hours | $24.00 | $27.00 |
| 4 hours | $27.00 | $31.50 |
| All Day | $36.00 | $36.00 |
Centennial Learning Area Pass – $11.50 Pass allows access to learning areas of the Snow Centre but does not include the use of the lifts. Both adult and child must have a snow pass to use learning areas. Learning area will be identified by staff at the time of purchase depending on snow conditions.
Season Snow Pass Rates (available for purchase beginning December).
| Age Group | Full Season | Daytime Mon-Fri (Earl Bales only) | Night Only |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 yrs & under | $393.50 | $191.00 | $191.00 |
| 19 yrs+ | $454.00 | $244.00 | $244.00 |
| 60 yrs+ | $227.00 | $122.00 | $122.00 |
| Family Pass | $775.50 | N/A | N/A |
| Best Value | $263.50 | N/A | N/A |
Best Value Season Pass entitles program participants in an 8-week or 4-week program to a discounted Full Season Pass.
Season Pass can be purchased by American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Debit, Cash or Cheque and provides access to all hours of lift operation and is valid at both Toronto Ski and Snowboard Centres.
Night Season Pass provides daily access from 3:30 p.m. to closing.
Please Note
- A $43 non-resident fee is applied to all Season Snow Passes, if applicable.
- A $10 replacement fee is charged for lost passes.
- Photos will be taken on-site.
- Skiers and snowboarders of any age must have a valid Snow Pass and are required to read and understand the waiver/release.
- Participants under 18 years of age must have the release of liability waiver signed by a parent/guardian.
- A valid Snow Pass is required to access ski or snowboard equipment.
- Walking on the slopes is prohibited.
| Rates | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | Skis, Boots and Poles |
Skis Only | Poles Only | Boots Only | Snowboard and Boots |
Snowboard Only |
Helmets |
| 1 hour | $18.00 | $15.50 | $13.00 | $13.00 | $18.00 | $15.50 | $5.50 |
| 2 hours | $20.00 | $18.00 | $13.00 | $14.50 | $20.00 | $18.00 | $5.50 |
| 3 hours | $22.00 | $20.00 | $13.00 | $16.50 | $22.00 | $20.00 | $5.50 |
| 4 hours | $26.00 | $24.00 | $13.00 | $19.00 | $26.00 | $24.00 | $5.50 |
| All Day | $33.00 | $26.00 | $13.00 | $22.00 | $33.00 | $26.00 | $5.50 |
- Parent/guardian must rent on behalf of users under 18 years of age and must read, understand and sign a Release of Liability Waiver.
- Rental equipment is available during regular business hours, weekends and holidays.
- Equipment is available as first come, first served. Weekends are busy, there may be a waiting period until equipment becomes available.
- A $300 cash or credit card security deposit is required per set of ski or snowboard equipment. (Card owner’s signature is necessary).
- A $50 cash or credit card security deposit is required for helmet only.
- Interac preauthorizations are not available.
- One piece of valid government-issued photo identification is required to rent equipment.
Can programs be cancelled due to weather?
Both ski centres operate all programs in most weather conditions including heavy snow, rain, sleet, wind, and days full of sunshine. Instructors are trained to deal with various weather conditions and to ensure that quality lessons take place. However, in very severe conditions the centres may close and postpone lessons. Lessons cancelled will be added to the end of the regularly scheduled period of lessons.
Can I register late for an 8-Week Program? What happens if I miss my first class?
You can still register up until the second class of the program. You can miss the first class but if you miss the second class, you must demonstrate the appropriate ski/snowboard ability to rejoin. This is to ensure a steady and fair learning pace for all participants, so try not to miss a class!
How long are the lessons for 8-Week Programs and how is class time used?
All regular eight-week programs are 50 minutes in length and an additional 10 minutes are designated for class organization, attendance and lesson wrap up. Additional organization time may be required during the first two lessons.
What about 3 & 4 Day Programs – can I register after the first class has already passed?
Yes, registration for camps or 4-day programs are permitted up to the start of the second class.
I registered for a program which doesn’t suit my abilities. Can I transfer classes?
Transfers are allowed before the third class/day. A transfer fee of $11 (per person/per course) is applied and transfers are prorated. Transfers are not permitted for certification programs or as determined by staff.
What’s the difference between No Rental and With Rental?
When registering for instructional programs, there are usually two options available: No Rental and With Rental.
No Rental includes the lesson and lift access during the lesson time. Helmet and equipment are not included.
With Rental includes the lesson, a full set of rental equipment and helmet and lift access during lesson time.
If a program does not have a With Rental code listed, it means that rental equipment is not available on that day/time.
I changed my mind about the program. Can I withdraw from the program?
Yes, you can withdraw from the program but please initiate the withdrawal in writing prior to the start of the programs second class/day. No refunds or credits will be considered after this date. Be aware that withdrawals will be prorated based on the date of withdrawal, not based on attendance in the program. A $11 administration fee will be charged, per person, per program, for all refunds, withdrawals, and credits. Requests must be submitted in writing, dated and delivered in person to the respective Ski & Snowboard Centre.
As a parent/guardian of a child taking a lesson, what do I have to be aware of?
All children must be picked up by their parent/guardian at the end of their lesson. The parent/guardian must also stay on the premises during lessons.
What happens if I miss a class due to personal reasons?
If you miss a lesson, get some practice in or schedule a private lesson (at your own cost) to make sure you keep up with group ability level. There are no make-up classes for lessons missed for personal reasons.
Can I stay on the lifts after my lesson to have a bit more practice time?
You must purchase additional lift time or equipment rental to continue practicing outside of the lesson hours.
Are there classes on Family Day?
No classes are held on Family Day. If your classes are on Mondays, that lesson is added at the end of the session.
