I’ve got two goals for this season: beat my standing record of 37 days on the hill, and graduate from beginner to a solid intermediate snowboarder. The first half of my season is all planned out: I’ve got a pass for Camp Fortune, a Privilege Card for Mont Ste. Marie, an overnighter at Calabogie in January, followed by a week in Lake Placid… all I need now is some snow!

Its tough to believe it looking out the window but most of our local hills opening for business this weekend, officially kicking off the 2011/2012 Ottawa ski season! If there’s any upside to last month’s record temps and dry air,  it could be that the resorts all had a few extra weeks to put the finishing touches on their off-season upgrades. Oh, and there have been plenty of upgrades!

We’re pretty lucky with the variety of destinations available within just an hours’ drive of Ottawa, and its great to see continued expansion, especially on the scale of the Calabogie Peaks developments and the new runs at Mont Ste. Marie… I can’t wait to try it all out! Ottawa’s hillside getaways are really battling for your skiing dollar, and I’ve outlined all the details inside.

Before we get started, be sure to check out Vertical Drop at OutdoorOttawa.com/ski. Vertical Drop is OutdoorOttawa’s ski and snowboard section, where you’ll find current trail conditions, the latest ski and snowboard pictures, videos, blog posts, and upcoming events from Ottawa ski hills, and of course you can post your own, too! I’m eager to hear feedback on the new section, so feel free to leave a comment!

The Preview

This year’s Ottawa Ski and Snowboard Season Preview is divvied up into separate posts for each hill; you’ll find links to them all below. Inside you’ll find all the details on new trails, improved snowmaking, enhanced snow parks, upcoming events, and other renovations for each hill.

I got pretty revved up for the season while preparing this Preview and I hope it has the same effect on you! As always, I’m eager to hear your thoughts, so feel free to comment on any of the ski hills! Pray for snow and I’ll see you on the slopes!

2011/12 Ottawa Ski & Snowboard Season Previews:
	Calabogie Peaks New runs, renovations, accommodation, snowmaking… Calabogie’s got it all!
	Camp Fortune More snowmaking, a huge airbag, and great ski & board events.
	Edelweiss Again, more snowmaking – tripling the water pressure!
	Mont Cascades Improvements to their Revolution snowpark and a little more snowmaking.
	Mont Ste. Marie Two huge new runs – tallest in the region and the first in 3 decades!
	Mount Pakenham New Park features, glades, renovations, and expanded WOW program!
	Ski Vorlage Snowmaking, finishing touches on last year’s new run, and lodge renovations