Alpine Adventures in Thunder Bay
A Tale of Two Hills and Two Families
By Michelle McChristie
There’s something satisfying about carving your way down a ski run with Lake Superior stretching out on the horizon and the Sleeping Giant keeping watch. In Thunder Bay, you don’t have to travel far from the city to find that kind of winter escape. Mount Baldy and Loch Lomond Ski Area offer two distinctly local takes on downhill skiing and snowboarding, with runs for different abilities, panoramic views and chalets where pub-style food and drinks are part of the experience.
The hills have their own personalities, owned by local families who work behind the scenes and have invested years of hard work in keeping them going. Both offer rentals and lessons for all ages and abilities, plus night skiing on select days of the week. Each hill is visible from the other, framing Thunder Bay’s rugged terrain in snow-covered winter fun. Come for the skiing; stay for the scenery, the warm-up breaks and the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to come back for another run.
Mount Baldy: Celebrating 80 Years
Mount Baldy opened in 1947 and is owned and operated by brothers Jason, Dan and Kristof Kardas, who purchased the hill in 2016. Since then, they’ve invested countless hours, considerable capital and plenty of TLC in modernizing the facilities, including a magic carpet for beginners, a new chairlift, an expanded terrain park, a new glade area (a blast on powder days!), chalet renovations and an expanded menu. They also diligently maintain fire pits at the base and summit—perfect spots to meet up with friends and family.
It’s impossible to say how many Persians (a unique local treat), pizzas and orders of poutine (made with fresh-cut local potatoes) have been enjoyed near the fireplace or in front of the chalet’s picture windows. But it’s safe to say that generations of TBay residents have made winter memories here with family and friends.
Insider tip:
Warm up on the Gold run and work your way up to Hornet or Main, both wide runs with endless lines. If your legs get tired, trade your skis or board for a tube and take a few rips down the tubing hill. And no, you’re never too old.
Après: Beer, Pizza and Board Games
Eat:
Head down to the Waterfront District for local craft beer (try the crushable pilsner) and Detroit-style pizza at the co-located Lakehead Brewing and Tomlin Subdivision. It’s casual and surprisingly family-friendly, with big tables and an impressive selection of board games.
Stay:
Crash for the night at the Courthouse Hotel or the Prince Arthur Hotel. Both are heritage properties with their own fascinating stories and within walking distance of the brewery (if you’re with the kiddos, the Prince Arthur has a pool so they can truly wear themselves out before bedtime).
Loch Lomond: The Giant of the South Side
On the south side of town, Loch Lomond has been part of the local ski scene since 1956. Jason Gerry and Grant Brodeur purchased the hill in 2014. The Gerry family connection goes back even further: Jason’s grandfather and great-uncle helped the original founders build the hill’s first T-bars.
Known simply as “Loch” to locals, the ski area offers terrain for a range of abilities, from gentler runs to challenging descents. The owners have invested in improvements including an expanded terrain park, snowmaking and new runs, improved lighting for night skiing and a new system that enables customers to purchase passes online and add funds to their account for food and drinks—the hill is cashless, so you can leave your old-school wallet at home.
Loch’s sprawling chalet is a welcome spot to refuel between runs, with chicken fingers, wraps, fries (a ski hill staple, it seems) and more on the menu. On sunny days, the second-floor deck is the perfect place to catch some rays and enjoy a pint.
Insider tip:
Warm up on the chill and scenic south side slopes before working your way to the north side’s Birch. Craving something steeper? Experienced skiers can seek out Devil’s Dive, a local favourite on powder days.
Après: Burgers, a Pool and a Sauna
Stay:
Loch Lomond is conveniently located around the corner from the Best Western Plus Nor’Wester Hotel & Conference Centre. A pool, hot tub and sauna offer a chance to replenish after a day on the hill. If you prefer to stay closer to the city or the airport, the Valhalla Hotel and Conference Centre offers Scandinavian-style warmth and hospitality.
Eat:
The hotel’s cozy restaurant, aptly named the Cliff Hanger, is a convenient option for dinner and it delivers poolside. If you want a little fresh air after your swim, the Neebing Roadhouse is on the other side of Highway 61—chow down on one of their famous burgers while you watch the game on the big screen.
What's in a Name?
Mount Baldy: The name comes from the hill’s bald appearance after a forest fire swept through the area in the late 1920s, before skiers first laid tracks there.
Loch Lomond: The hill takes its name from a nearby lake visible from the north peak (the smaller one; the big one is Lake Superior). A Scottish fur trader thought the lake resembled Loch Lomond back home. It’s a little piece of Scotland in Northwestern Ontario.
Two hills, two family stories and plenty of ways to make the most of winter. Ski one or ski both, then settle into a chalet or head down the road for a well-earned feed. Around Thunder Bay, a good day on the slopes is about more than the runs. It’s about the views at the top, the meals enjoyed afterward and the memories made with family and friends along the way.
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