As a four season destination, we have snow activities galore to keep you busy throughout the winter. After all, this is snow country! We are made for this! From skiing and snowmobiling to horseback riding along snowy trails and fat biking, the incredible businesses offer thrill-inducing outdoor experiences that are sure to put a smile on your face. Plan your Oro-Medonte winter escape now and prepare for fun!
Here are a few ideas to get you started!
Nordic Ski, Snowshoe, Fat Bike or Ride a Groomer at Hardwood Ski & Bike
With over 100 km of beautiful, rolling trails at this renowned ski and bike centre, it is a beautiful spot to spend your day. Bike, ski and snowshoe rentals are available, or bring your own. Looking for something really special? Book a Snowcat Experience and enjoy the beauty of our forest trails from the comfort of a climate-controlled bubble. Winter Groomer tours allow for up to eight people to tour the grounds of Hardwood Ski and Bike. Over the course of 90 minutes, you will enjoy breathtaking views, with a stop for fireside hot chocolate, s’mores and tobogganing at Hardwood’s Lookout Cabin.
Interested in a cool snowshoe experience? Check out the Moonlight Snowshoe Fondue, AKA, a Dinner Party with a Twist. Rentals are available, you will go for a guided trek through the trees to the lookout. Warm up with fondue, hot drinks and live music. Click HERE for the Hardwood Event Calendar and get out for some fun!
*Reminder to purchase trail passes and/or Snowcat tickets in advance.
Snow Tubing, Skiing, Skating or Fat Biking at Horseshoe Resort
Play all day at Horseshoe Resort and choose from a range of outdoor activities designed to get your heart pumping! Hit the alpine slopes on ski or snowboard and choose from up to 29 runs. If cross country is more your style, explore 30kms of groomed double track set Nordic trails. Take the kids snow tubing and watch their faces fill with delight, try your hands at a fun fat biking experience, or lace up the ice skates for a twirl around the rink. Horseshoe Resort has something for everyone including delicious apres activities and tastes, plan a stay on site to enjoy multiple days of a resort style vacation.
Get out and enjoy winter nights on a Moonlit Snowshoe Adventures, these events happen every Friday and Saturday evening, starting at 7 OR 8pm. Check the Horseshoe Events Calendar for updates and information on all things fun!
Learn to Ski or Snowboard at Mount St Louis Moonstone
Hit the slopes at Mount St Louis Moonstone for an awesome day of skiing or snowboarding. The family-friendly ski hill can accommodate skiers and snowboarders at all levels, from beginner to expert! Make sure to plan ahead if you’re looking for rentals and lessons. Snowboarders have the option of three awesome terrain parks. Enjoy the day surrounded by snowy hills and smiling faces, and don’t forget to try out their newly expanded food menu! Stay a few days in Oro-Medonte to give yourself time to enjoy all of the slopes – accommodations list.
Ride a Horse Drawn Carriage with Rolling Sands Percherons
Make memories this year with a sleigh ride through the snow! Take your family members on a forty five minute horse-drawn carriage ride through an open field and around the bush. Visit some farm animals in the barn. Rolling Sands Percherons is the perfect place to make holiday memories. To avoid disappointment make sure to connect directly to book your tour.
Winter Camping & Horseback Riding at Glen Oro Farm
This rural eco-retreat offers winter glamping and guided horseback trail rides. Spend an unforgettable night in a stargazer dome or a stylish prospectors tent (yes, there is heat!) and recharge in the midst of a snow covered peaceful forest. Take a relaxing horseback ride through Glen Oro Farm’s scenic wooded trails and learn about horse care and riding techniques from expert guides. Plan ahead to get away to the great outdoors to recharge and reconnect with a friend or loved one.
Learn to Snowmobile with SMART Adventures
Get your adrenaline pumping on a guided snowmobile ride through the forest. SMART Adventures offers snowmobile lessons and guided snowmobile tours. Kids and beginners are most welcome! Choose from a one and a half hour tour or a thirty minute kids ride. Booking a lesson gives you a step by step learning experience, designed to equip riders with essential skills and confidence. On guided tours, you’ll explore the forest, stopping for photos along the way. Book ahead, this is a great add on to your stay at Horseshoe Resort or other local accommodations.
Quayles Brewery
Winter experiences at a local Brewery, yes please! Bring the whole family for delicious dining indoors or outdoors. Enjoy the winter ambience with a skating rink and outdoor gas fire tables or warm up inside with two floors of indoor seating and great events. New this winter, enjoy Sunday all-day brunch and a horse-drawn sleigh or trolly ride. Great activities to do after a morning on the local ski hills or sledding. Bring your skates and take a spin on the outdoor rink (weather permitting). Stock up some drinks to enjoy later, and don’t forget to check the Quayle’s Brewery Event Calendar to keep track of fun, future events at this farm-fresh craft brewery!
Explore Local Trails
The Township of Oro-Medonte is blessed with rich forests and gorgeous winter trails. Take the time to slow down, enjoy your vacation and explore the Copeland Forest or Simcoe Forest on foot, cross-country skis or snowshoes. Most of these trails are free and require no prior booking. Be sure to park safely off the road, it is preferred to park in a parking lot off the road. These are multi use trails to please take note of other possible users in some cases it could be snowmobiles and ATVs. Make sure to plan ahead, review trail maps available on Trail Apps and know where you can walk safely. Trail maps are available at the Township Office, or use trail apps such as Trailforks or AllTrails. Enjoy the snow covered canopied forests and stunning natural beauty of Oro-Medonte, remember to be mindful of your surroundings and leaving nothing behind but love, appreciation and footprints on the trails.
After a day in the outdoors fuel your body with food and drink from one of restaurants. For more about our culinary and drink options please click here.
Oro-Medonte is filled with lots of options for winter fun and adventure, however we are also home to a beautiful Nordic Spa that is a perfect pairing for rest and relaxation. Plan a visit to Vetta Spa where you will be surrounded with nature while taking care of your overall well-being. Feel recharged as you move through an authentic, Finnish hydrotherapy cycle of heat, cold and relaxation. Indulge in a registered massage and be sure to treat your senses at the delicious Finnish-inspired restaurant or in-spa bistro.
Have a fabulous, snowy visit to Oro-Medonte and immerse yourself in the outdoors this winter.
Please adhere to all health and safety covid-19 prevention regulations and see the individual businesses for their protocols. For more information about local health and safety restrictions click here
Stay up-to-date, connect with us!
Facebook –> @OrilliaLakeCountry
Instagram –> @OrilliaLakeCountry
Twitter –> @OrilliaLakeCo
