Mt Pakenham

Many smaller ski resorts thrive near larger metropolitan areas, like Ottawa and the surrounding region. One such facility is the Mt Pakenham ski area, located west of Canada's capital city and south of the Ottawa River. The venue offers night skiing and riding, with other popular winter activities on the ski hill or near it.

Motorists can use the Trans-Canada Highway 417 west of Ottawa, Ontario. Drivers can exit onto Highway 29 to get to the resort in Pakenham (the township has been merged with Ramsay and is now called Mississippi Mills). The Ottawa International Airport handles most air traffic in the region. Americans driving north of the border will find several entry points into the Province from New York state, including I-81 north of Alexandria Bay.

Keeping Things Small

The Mt Pakenham ski area is a small venue compared to other resorts in eastern Canada. It has 55 skiable acres that guests can ski or snowboard across, making overcrowding a concern close to the nation's capital. Daily passes, rentals, and lessons should be reserved online two days before so that visitors get what they need. Lift tickets are good during a four-hour window, which is enough time for several runs down the hill for most casual skiers/riders and family groups.

Overnight lodging is available off-site, with options for any budget or group size. The main lodge at the Mt Pakenham ski area houses most guest amenities, making things convenient for all. A bar and cafeteria offer drinks and food to keep guests satiated, and the lounge area provides a meet-up location or just a place to rest. The Snow Boutique sells branded items, souvenirs, and essentials that folks forget to bring.

Rentals are available but limited. That means that anyone planning to show up empty-handed should reserve gear ahead of time. The Mt Pakenham ski area might be a smaller winter venue, but it does offer a large selection of classes. Lessons include "Discover" classes, private classes (one-time and multi-week), open weekday and weekend programs, as well as sessions for training future instructors.

Quick Access Powder

The Mt Pakenham ski area is close to a metropolitan area, so it stands to reason the resort area is open day and night (night owls rejoice!). Snowfall amounts each year reach only 60 inches on average, so snowmaking is critical for a successful season. Snowmaking equipment covers the entire area, supplementing the natural snowfall.

Mt Pakenham has over nine miles of snowshoe trails around the resort, and family members of all ages will enjoy access to a snow tubing area. Several gladed areas are marked and provide exploration among the treelines near several of the runs on the hill.

Mt Pakenham has a base elevation of 450 feet and a summit that reaches 730 feet. A 280-foot vertical drop might not satisfy those who like to bomb down the slopes uncontrolled, but it suits the casuals and family groups that frequent the hill. Ten trails have ratings of green/beginner (40-percent), blue/intermediate (35-percent), and black diamond/advanced (25-percent). Six lifts keep Mt Pakenham guests moving along while keeping wait times minimal.