Around eastern Ontario and western Quebec, ski hills are kick starting the season with snowmaking. While an early December opening is inviting for some, newcomers to the sport often hesitate to jump in as the price tag can feel steep. Lift tickets and gear add up quickly, but around the region, deals abound. Equipment first Fraser Jennings say he’s dusting off his skis now that he’s retired. Rather than buy all new gear, Jennings is getting his old set tuned up to keep costs low while he ramps back up. “I’m going to have to buy some stuff, like ski poles and goggles, but at least I’ll start with my old skis,” Jennings says. “For me I think skiing is about being together. I’ve got good friends out west. I’ve got good friends outside of Toronto so I’m going to spend more time with the people I care about and ski with them.” At Kunstadt Sports, options run the gamut, including new, used and even leased equipment. “Skiing can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be, we have a price point for everybody” says Glebe location manager, Mitch Craig. Craig says a quality package of new equipment for a beginning skier costs approximately $800 to $1000 and that will include everything you need to get going, including help with properly setting up your equipment. For those who are looking to make less of a commitment, Craig says Kunstadt also offers season-long rentals. “We also offer leases, $220 for the junior package, $380 for the adult package that includes skis, boots, bindings, poles, everything you need to get on the hill.” The retailer also offers a buy back program where customers can trade in their older skis and snowboard for store credit, which can be used towards the purchase of new equipment, Craig says. Lift tickets and season passes Paul Pinchbeck, president and CEO of the Canadian Ski Council, says operation costs have risen, causing lift ticket prices to creep up, especially at larger mountain resorts. However, Pinchbeck notes that many regional resorts are doing their best to keep things affordable. “Some of that’s eating into our margins. But that’s something that is an individual business decision. For every destination ski area, there are literally 15 to 20 regional destinations,” Pinchbeck said. “What we have to remember is that skiing and snow sports participation, even at a at a small hill, is an excellent, excellent experience. Maybe save the large destination trips for, for the special occasion.” The CSC has partnered with many ski hills across the country to provide Never Ever Days program offering beginner packages for $29.99, which includes equipment and a pass for all ages. “What this allows people to do is not risk a lot when they’re trying skiing or snowboarding or Nordic skiing or maybe all three just to find their muse,” Pinchbeck said. At Camp Fortune, skiing passes are particularly budget-friendly. Their season‑pass pricing for 2025–26 includes: For families, Fortune offers tiered season passes: $448 for kids (7–12), $494 for young adults, and more. Just over an hour from Ottawa, Calabogie Peaks Resort offers another option. Its daily lift ticket rates for this season include: Their weekday season pass (for all ages) is $539 in the regular tier. Erin Boucher, general manager at Camp Fortune, says their investment in lighting upgrades have paid off, with more runs now open on the south side of the hill. With night skiing from December through March, Boucher says you get plenty of value from a weekday night pass. “Ottawa is a very competitive market, so we are very cautious about our prices,” Boucher said. “A full season’s pass pays for itself in 14 visits. So, if you are a regular skier, it is well worth your while to lock in at a season’s pass.” Boucher notes early-bird pricing for some passes can save you up to 30 per cent, when you make the purchase at the end of the ski season and throughout the summer months.
