The Perfect Winter Weekend from Mount St. Louis to Christie’s Mill
The problem with ski weekends
A typical ski weekend goes something like this: drive two or three hours, check into a basic hotel near the hill, ski all day, eat an overpriced dinner at whatever is nearby, sleep in a room that smells like chlorine from the hallway pool, ski again Sunday, and drive home exhausted. It works, but it is not exactly rejuvenating.
There is a better version. Mount St. Louis Moonstone – one of Ontario’s best ski hills for day-trip terrain
– is roughly 40 minutes south of Christie’s Mill Waterfront Resort and Spa in Port Severn. That proximity creates an opportunity: ski during the day, then retreat to a waterfront resort with fireplace suites, a full-service spa, and a proper restaurant. The skiing stays the same; everything around it gets significantly better.
Mount St. Louis Moonstone: what you need to know
Mount St. Louis Moonstone operates two interconnected mountains with 36 runs, 3 terrain parks, and 12 lifts. The vertical is modest by western standards – about 165 metres – but the variety is solid, and the snowmaking covers 100 percent of the terrain. For Ontario skiing, it is one of the best options, and the drive from Christie’s Mill is an easy 40-minute ride south on Highway 400.
Lift tickets can be purchased online in advance, and weekday skiing offers shorter lines and better value. For families, the ski school programs are well-regarded, and the learning areas are separated from the main runs – important for younger children finding their confidence.
After the slopes: the Christie’s Mill advantage
This is where the weekend changes. Instead of a highway-side chain hotel, you return to a heritage waterfront property on the Trent-Severn Waterway. Your suite has a gas fireplace already set and waiting. The jetted tub is big enough to actually soak sore muscles, not just rinse off. And the Waterfront Restaurant serves a proper dinner – seasonal Ontario ingredients, waterfront views, and a wine list that rewards exploration.
The spa adds another dimension. Book an after-ski massage and let a registered therapist work on the specific tension that a day of skiing creates. The combination of physical exertion on the hill followed by skilled recovery at the spa is something that dedicated ski resorts rarely offer at this level.
For snowmobilers who want to combine a day on the trails with skiing, Christie’s Mill accommodates both. Ride the OFSC trails in the morning, ski Mount St. Louis in the afternoon, and return to the resort for a fireplace evening. It is the kind of multi-activity winter weekend that makes January and February feel like an opportunity rather than an endurance test.
Beyond winter: golf and year-round stays
Christie’s Mill is not just a winter base. The resort offers golf packages in partnership with nearby courses, including options that pair a round of golf with overnight accommodation and dining. Oak Bay Golf Club and other area courses provide solid play within a short drive of the resort. For guests who discover Christie’s Mill through a ski weekend, it is worth noting that the property is equally appealing—and arguably even more so in the warmer months.
Spring through fall, the waterfront comes alive with kayaking, swimming, and lakeside dining. Many guests who first visit for skiing return in summer for a completely different experience on the same property.
Book your ski-and-stay weekend
Winter weekends at Christie’s Mill are popular with skiers, snowmobilers, and couples looking for a cold-weather escape. The Signature Suites with fireplaces book first – reserve early for peak ski-season weekends in January and February.
Plan your winter weekend at christiesmill.com or call 705-538-2354.