Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Oro-Medonte offers a multifaceted winter getaway that feels far from the stressors of everyday life.
With an abundance of fresh clean snow and an impressive range of top-notch operators offering skiing, snow tubing, horseback riding, Nordic spa experiences and more, Oro-Medonte is the perfect playground for winter fun.
Whether you’re here for just an afternoon, or a multi-day vacation, you’ll find that making the most of the outdoors is the key to thriving during the long Canadian winter. Enjoy cross-country skiing and fat biking at Hardwood Ski & Bike, skiing or snowboarding at Mount St Louis Moonstone and skiing or tubing at Horseshoe Resort. Or, forge your own path on cross-country skis or bikes along public trails in the scenic Copeland Forest. Visit a farm brewery, winery/cidery, a tea house and local artisanal shops to find some special items to bring home with you. Available soon, is a Finnish Nordic spa to warm up and refresh from all of the hustle and bustle.
Make a weekend out of your adventure and stay overnight at Horseshoe for the full resort experience, or try winter camping with glamping at its finest at Glen Oro Farms, or, enjoy a local and intimate experience at a country B&B. After a long year, it’s time to treat yourself.
Here some suggested itineraries to experience Oro-Medonte and embrace winter:
Alpine Slopes & Après Ski Sips
Get your heart pumping on fresh powder at Mount St. Louis Moonstone, a family-owned ski resort with 36 different ski slopes and eight chair lifts. Everyone from beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders will find some fun during a day or night ski. Lessons are available for those who are keen to develop their skills on the slopes.
After downhill skiing or snowboarding to your heart’s content, savour a delicious craft brew and gastropub meal at Quayle’s Brewery. This family friendly farm brewery has tables inside its majestic musical barn, as well as heated beer gardens outdoors. Enjoy food, beer, hot chocolate and live music and other special events. Kids and dogs are welcome too!
Family Snow Tubing, Fat Biking & Skiing Adventures
Horseshoe Resort is the ideal place to enjoy family-friendly winter activities including skiing, snowboarding, fat biking, cross-country nordic trails, snow tubing, dining and overnight accommodation… all in the same location! Horseshoe boasts twenty-nine Alpine ski and snowboard runs, as well as thirty kilometres of groomed double track set Nordic trails.
Plan ahead book your ski passes and lessons, then pack in some more fun and head on over to the tube runs that will light up everyone’s faces with delight. Zip down the hill on tube and join in a magic carpet ride to whisk you back to the top for more excitement. Bring your skates for your resort stay and enjoy a little slopeside skating on a small outdoor rink. You can also book a snowmobile adventure with SMART Adventures who specialize in learning to snowmobile experiences.
Sample some elevated après ski cuisine at Eleven01 Tap House + Kitchen, or dig into slope-side pub fare at Crazy Horse Sports Bar and Grill. Rest overnight at the resort’s lovely hotel rooms, or for bigger families with longer stays in mind, book a one or two bedroom condo with a living room and kitchen.
Forest Exploration, Lovely Tea House & Artisanal Shopping
Explore the tranquil hardwood and pine forests at Hardwood Ski & Bike and choose from a range of outdoor activities including Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking, groomer rides and trail hiking. This renowned facility offers trails suitable for all ages and levels of experience with lessons available.
Combine this outdoor experience with a warming indoor tea service at The Lovely Teahouse located in a stunning Victorian house. Enjoy Tea service with finger sandwiches, fresh scones with homemade clotted cream and jams, delicate desserts and a range of fine tea. On select dates, enjoy delightful homemade dinners and other special events.
While at the Tea House, pop by the shops upstairs and choose from a tasteful range of home decor, clothing items and more. Don’t forget to swing by local shops such as Northbound Rustic or Dwellings to treat yourself to something special for your kitchen, home, cottage or garden. Pick up locally made products at Chelsea Chocolates.
Photos: Vetta Nordic Spa
Spa & Ski: Nordic Themed Wellness Weekend
Pamper yourself with a wellness weekend in Oro-Medonte featuring the brand new Vetta Nordic Spa. Scheduled to open in early 2022, the authentic Finnish spa will offer a range of saunas, exfoliating salt scrub and showers, hot and cold pools, steam rooms, massage therapy, Finnish-inspired cuisine and more. Pair your Nordic spa visit with a cross-country ski experience, or enjoy a long walk in the peaceful Copeland Forest. Find several accommodations options nearby to get away from the city life and enjoy the calmness of Oro-Medonte.
Stargazing, Trail Riding & Luxury Camping
Explore Oro-Medonte’s rolling hills and pristine forests on a memorable horseback trail ride at Glen Oro Farms. At this eco-retreat, expert guides will safely lead you through fabulous farm and forest scenery while pointing out any local wildlife that may appear. Spend the night in one of several incredible and unique glamping units, make memories that will last a lifetime. You’ll stay cozy in your King-size bed while feasting your eyes on the spectacular night skies above in a star gazer dome, or rest your head in a heated Explorer’s Tent and spend time connecting with friends and family in this beautiful ancient forest setting. All accommodations are outfitted with heat and ensuite bathrooms. Ask about private chef service, brunch boxes, charcuterie platters and more.
Embrace winter in beautiful Oro-Medonte away from the hustle and bustle, and enjoy the beauty and excitement that this season can provide. Plan a getaway your way, these are just a few suggestions of how to fully embrace winter in Oro-Medonte.
