General Day Trip Information

Where does HPSC ski and snowboard?

We ski and snowboard at destinations within a 2-3-hour drive from Toronto. All offer a full range of facilities, rentals and a cafeteria for lunch and drinks. To learn more about where we go, click here.

Our daytrips are for both skiers and snowboarders, as you can do both sports at all the resorts we visit. There are many members who enjoy both throughout the season and for those who want to try out a different sport, we offer cross over days too.

How much does a day trip cost?

The cost of a trip depends on where and when we go, as each resort sets their own lift pass costs. The cost of the coach remains constant so this is why you'll see a difference. To see a cost comparison between traveling with us or going on your own, visit our Downhill Day Trips page.

When will upcoming daytrips be posted on the website?

Daytrips will be posted on the website on a rolling basis, the trip will open for registration 1 month before the trip. You can register for the trip once is is posted on the Downhill Registration Page.

For a full schedule of the 2022/2023 day trips, click here.

Where and when do I get the bus?

Our pickup points are:

• Keele Station (all trips)
• Yonge & Davenport (all trips)
• Yonge & Eglinton (all trips)
• Yonge & York Mills (all trips)
• Hwy 7 & 400 (all trips)
• Bay & Queen's Quay (select trips)
• Liberty Village (select trips)

Please go to this page for exact pick up locations.

NOTE:  You can get on and off the bus at any of the pickup/drop off locations, and are not restricted to the location you got on or registered for.  

What time does the bus leave?

Departure times depend on the day, the hill and the number of buses leaving. 

NOTE: On the return for one bus trips, after dropping off at Hwy 7 & 400, the bus continues in the west end down Hwy 400 which turns into Black Creek Drive to Keele St. and Bloor. The bus then drops off at Davenport & Yonge, Yonge and Eglinton, and finally Yonge & York Mills.   

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Day Trip Registration Policies for Members on the Bus

Deadline to register for a Downhill Day Trip

• Saturday, Sunday and Monday day trip registration closes Tuesday prior at 6pm 
• Wednesday trip registration closes on the Thursday prior at 6pm 
• Registered members will receive an email with details of bus pick-up points and times
• To learn more about our Snow School and the levels of instruction, click here

What happens on a typical day trip?

1. Register for the trip 
2. Check pick-up times and locations
3. Pack for the day. See full packing list below
4. Set your alarm clock, the bus leaves on time

During 

1. Arrive at your pickup location 10-15 minutes before the bus
2. Load skis underneath bus, boots go under bus seats and bags in storage bins. Boots do not belong in the overhead bins.
3. Relax, sit back and enjoy the bus ride! The bus captain will announce important information on lesson times and meeting locations, bus departure time and location and other information about the day. The bus captain will take attendance.
   In light of COVID-19, masks are mandatory on the bus. Members are permitted to take sips of water or a quick snack. Members will also be required to stay in their seats at all times. If you need to use the washroom, go and return to your seat as quickly as possible. Members are not permitted to move around the bus to socialize. 
4. When the bus arrives at the hill, begin preparing for your day. Unload bus and find your bus captain to obtain your lift ticket. Grab your equipment and head to the hill. You can do a few runs before your lessons with your instructor and group.
5. Rentals: if you are renting equipment, let the bus captain know and they can arrange an instructor to help you if you are unfamiliar with the hill. Rentals are available at Mount St. Louis Moonstone in the main lodge and Blue Mountain at the South Lodge.

6. Morning lessons (exact time to be confirmed on the bus, the times below are simply a guide). Please arrive 10 minutes before the lessons start to find your instructor and fellow step members.
   Mount St Louis, Saturdays:  If you need an assessment, please meet at the clock tower, MSL side at 9:50am. For lessons, meet at the clock tower at 10:20am. Lessons run 10:30am to 12:00 noon.
   Blue Mountain:
   Sundays

   - South Base Lodge: Meet at 10:50am outside the South Base Lodge (near the Southern Comfort Chairlift). Rentals are available here. Lessons run 11am - 1pm.

   Mondays:

   - Inn Cafe: Meet at 10:20am at the bottom of Happy Valley (outside the Inn Cafe) on the west side. Rentals are not available here, the closest location is Activity Central in the Village. Lessons run 10:30am - 12:00 noon.
   Wednesday trips: (various locations):

   - Meet at 10:20am outside the ski lodge, as directed by the instructors. Lessons run from 10:30am to 12:00 noon. 

7. After your lesson, you are free to go for lunch.
8. Afternoon open ski/board. 
9. Return your rental equipment (if applicable) and head to the bus.
10. Arrive at the bus 10-15 minutes before departure. Remember your bus number if there are multiple buses. Be in your seat 5 minutes before departure time. Remember, the bus leaves at departure time – do not arrive at the bus exactly at departure time. The bus will leave without you. You can remove your boots, helmet, jacket, etc. but you will be required to keep a mask on for the return home. If you require a snack, please eat outside the bus before departure. 
11. Sit, back and share stories about your great day on the hill. If you are active on social media, spread the fun online by tagging HPSC via any of our social media channels.

Can I cancel a booking? 

If you can’t make the trip you’ve booked, you can cancel by sending us an email. Please refer to the cancelation policy for deadlines to cancel. Please email cancellations@hpsc.ca to cancel your spot.

I missed the registration deadline - can I still go? 

For 2022/2023, we will allow walk-ons for the bus trips if the buses are not full. Please check the  Day Trip Status Page. You must be logged into the website to see this page.

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Registering for a Drive-up Lesson

• Register for a lesson through our website. 

• The registration deadline for all drive-up trips are: 

Wednesday trip registration closes on the Thursday prior at 6pm 

• You should also visit the resort websites to review this information: Blue Mountain and Mount St. Louis Moonstone.
• Registered members will receive an email before the trip with the lesson time and place as well other pertinent information. 
• To learn more about our Snow School and the levels of instruction, click here

What to do before the trip

1. For Blue Mountain and MSLM, purchase your lift ticket online through the resort (if needed). For the private hills, you will purchase your lift ticket on the day when you arrive at the resort. Do not call the resorts in advance.  
2. If you need rentals, you must reserve and pay for them yourself online prior to the trip. For Blue Mountain and MSLM, do this through the resort websites when you pay for your lift ticket.
3. Pack for the day. See full packing list below.
4. Pay attention to the pre-trip email. It will include all the information you need re lessons, time, locations etc. The same information will also be posted on the Day Trip Status Page. You must be logged into the website to see this page.  

What happens on the day of the trip

1. Give yourself enough time to get to the resort and get ready before your lesson. Leave early if there is traffic or weather concerns. 
2. If at Blue Mountain or MSLM, you will have already purchased your own lift pass online. If at a private resort, be sure to pay for your lift ticket. 
3. If you need rentals, you will have already reserved and paid for them online. You are responsible for getting your rentals. Be sure to arrive with enough time to do so. 

4. Morning lessons (times below are a guide). Please arrive 10 minutes before the lessons start to find your instructor and fellow step members.
   Mount St Louis, Saturdays:  If you need an assessment, please meet at the clock tower, MSL side at 9:50am. For lessons, meet at the clock tower at 10:20am. Lessons run 10:30am to 12:00 noon.
   Blue Mountain:
   Sundays

   - South Base Lodge: Meet at 10:50am outside the South Base Lodge (near the Southern Comfort Chairlift). Rentals are available here. Lessons run 11am - 1pm.

   Mondays:

   - Inn Cafe: Meet at 10:20am at the bottom of Happy Valley (outside the Inn Cafe) on the west side. Rentals are not available here, the closest location is Activity Central in the Village. Lessons run 10:30am - 12:00 noon.
   Wednesday trips: (various locations):

   - Meet at 10:20am outside the ski lodge, as directed by the instructors. Lessons run from 10:30am to 12:00 noon. 

5. After your lesson, you can choose your own adventure. If you'd like to keep skiing or have had enough for the day, that's okay with us too.  

Equipment and Clothing

What should I wear? Tips for first-time skiers and snowboarders

There’s no need for expensive, fancy ski clothes your first time skiing/boarding. Raid your closet first and when you fall in love with skiing or boarding, you can upgrade your wardrobe. Here’s a handy list to get you started. 

Base-layer This is the layer worn next to your skin and keeps you warm, dry and comfortable. 

• Synthetic (usually polyester, including athletic wear) clothes that have "wicking" power. This means the clothes will move sweat away from your skin so it will evaporate
• Silk and merino wool are also good, natural fabrics that have wicking abilities
• Avoid Cotton as it absorbs moisture and can make you feel cold. Remember… Your #1 priority is to stay warm
  

Middle Layer This middle or “insulating” layer is to keep heat in and cold out.

• Includes sweaters, vests, pullovers, and may include pants over your base layer
• Popular materials include fleece, wool and acrylic
• Avoid jeans as they are stiff and may limit your movement on the slopes. If they get wet, they will stay wet and heavy all day. Sweatpants or a sweatshirt over a synthetic base-layer would be better
  

Exterior Layer The exterior or “protection” layer protects you from the elements and should repel water and block the wind. 

• A winter jacket or shell and waterproof but breathable pants 
• Depending on how well-insulated your outer layer is, you may need more or less middle-layers
• Important Tip: Think Shrek! Clothes for winter sports should be in layers like an onion. They allow for the flexibility to add or remove layers in case you get hot or cold
  

Socks We recommend one purchase: A good pair of ski socks that can cost around $30. Ski socks will wick away sweat and are made to minimize rubbing so you don’t get blisters. There is no cotton in ski socks. They are usually a blend of synthetic materials and wool. 

Important tip: do not double-up on socks. Not only could it limit circulation to your feet (making your feet colder), but it may cause your socks to bunch up and cause blisters.

Accessories 

• A warm, waterproof pair of winter gloves or mittens. 
• A helmet (if you are renting equipment, they are usually included in the package price). Note: Anyone participating in a lesson must wear a helmet.
• If you don’t have goggles, bring sunglasses. They aren’t as warm or protective as goggles, but they will help keep the wind, snow and UV rays out of your eyes. 

For more information, check out these links: