Loch Lomond

American skiers and riders familiar with the Midwest will appreciate the Loch Lomond ski area in ways others may not. Like many facilities south of the border, this Ontario winter venue sits near Lake Superior but does not benefit from Lake-effect snowfall unless the winds favor it. Locals from Thunder Bay and the surrounding area enjoy the easy access and relaxed vibe this facility provides.

Driving the section of the Trans-Canadian Highway on Highway 17 will get motorists to Thunder Bay before it turns west. Highway 61 will get motorists to the resort on the southern edge of town. Americans will find Minnesota State Highway 61 turns into Ontario's Highway 61 at the border. Flying into the area will involve landing at Thunder Bay's International airfield or larger airports farther away before renting ground transportation.

West Shore Winter Conditions

Thunder Bay sits west of Lake Superior, meaning that it does not get hit regularly with lake-effect snowstorms like venues on to the east of the Lake will. That said, the area does get almost 63 inches of average annual snowfall, a respectable seasonal total for the middle of the continent. Temperatures here can become frigid during January and February, so dressing in layers is advisable if guests want to enjoy their trip.

The amenities at the Loch Lomond ski area are minimal. A day lodge area is a good place for groups to meet up before, during, and after they ski or board down the slopes for the day. Locals can take advantage of the seasonal locker rentals, so they do not have to lug around all their gear. Guest services provide passes, and relaxed staff members are more than willing to answer questions.

The Loch Lomond ski area does offer rental equipment if someone shows up without their gear, and branded clothing or other merchandise lets locals know that the visitor is a park rat. A Tune & Repair shop will get skis and snowboards ready for winter, and alpine enthusiasts use the shop and hill to prepare for more adventurous trips farther away.

The Loch Lomond ski area does offer group lessons for children and adults. Special first-timer lessons help to establish fundamentals that skiers and riders will use for life, and private lessons can benefit newbies and experienced snow hounds looking to improve their skills on the mountainside. Week-long camps will match time off during holidays, while "Skiing in Schools" integrates with the local education curriculum.

A Little Something for Everyone

The Loch Lomond ski area does use grooming and snowmaking equipment to maintain and supplement the conditions here. The winter venue does have snowshoe trails nearby if family or friends want to try something besides downhill runs. There are over a dozen runs to choose from at Loch Lomond, with an even distribution of terrain difficulty.

There are slightly fewer green/beginner runs than blue/intermediates or black diamond/advanced trails at Loch Lomond, with the longest run reaching about 1.5 miles in total length. The Loch Lomond ski area uses three lifts to move everybody around, with an uphill capacity of roughly 4,600 skiers each hour.