General Daytrip 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 daytrip 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 2 weeks before the trip. You can register for the trip once is is posted on the Downhill Registration Page.

For a full schedule of the 2020/2021 daytrips, click here.

Where and when do I get the bus?

Our pickup points are;

• Bloor & Indian Road (all trips)
• Yonge & Davenport (select 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)

To make it easier to find these locations, we've created a map to show you exactly where to wait for the bus.

What time does the bus leave?

Departure times depend on the day, the hill and the number of buses leaving. For 2020/2021, there will only be one bus per trip.

What happens on a typical daytrip?

Check out our handy guide to see how a High Park Ski Club day trip unfolds.

What happens if I leave something on the bus?

If at the end of the trip, you accidentally leave something on the bus, don't worry. You can contact Pacific Western's Lost and Found, by email at dispatch@toronto.pwt.ca or call 1-800-387-6787 ext 220. You will need to reference HPSC and the day and destination you traveled to when you lost your item(s).

Day Trip Registration Policies for Members on the Bus

Registering for a Downhill Day Trip

• Saturday, Sunday and Monday day trip registration closes Thursday at 6pm 
• Wednesday trip registration closes Monday 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

Day Trip Schedule

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
   

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 quick sips of water or a quick snack (e.g. granola bar), but coffee, breakfast foods or larger snacks are not permitted. 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. There is no inside access to lodges to get ready or store bags/clothing. Put your ski/snowboard boots on, snowpants, sweaters, jacket, gloves, helmet and goggles. If you need some extra time to get ready, we suggest sitting near the back of the bus to reduce the number of members passing you while you get ready.
5. 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, or hang out outside before heading out with your instructor and group.
6. 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.
7. Morning lessons (exact time to be announced on bus). Please arrive 10 minutes before the lessons start to find your instructor and fellow step members.
   Mount St Louis, Saturdays: Meet at 10:20am by the ski racks between the 6-pack and quad chairs, MSL side.
   - lessons run 10:30am to 12:00 noon.
   Blue Mountain, Sundays and Mondays:
   - South Base Lodge: Meet at 10:50am outside the South Base Lodge (near the Southern Comfort Chairlift). Rentals are available here.
   - Inn Cafe: Meet at 10:50am 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.
   Wednesday trips: (various locations):
   - Meet at 10:20am outside the ski lodge, as directed by the instructors.
   - Lessons run 10:30am to 12:00 noon. 
8. After your lesson, you can go to the bus for lunch at your designated time (times will be confirmed by the bus captain on the way to the hill). Lock your skis/board outside the lodge, we highly recommend locking your board/skis/poles to the ski locks to avoid having gear stolen. You will have 30 minutes to eat your lunch on the bus.
9. Afternoon open ski/board. 
10. Return your rental equipment (if applicable) and head to the bus.
11. 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. 
12. 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 read over the Downhill Cancellation Policy which provides the details, rules and process for doing so.

I missed the registration deadline - can I still go? 

For 2020/2021, we will have no walk-ons for the bus or lessons. Members who are not registered will be turned away. This is due to strict guidelines the club is following for COVID and the limited lift tickets available at each hill.

Day Trip Registration Policies for Members Driving-up

Registering for a Downhill Day Trip

• Saturday, Sunday and Monday day trip registration closes Thursday at 6pm 
• Wednesday trip registration closes Monday 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

Day Trip Schedule

1. Register for the trip 
2. Pack for the day. See full packing list below
3. Set your alarm clock, you'll need to arrive at the hill on time to collect your lift ticket from the drive-up captain.

1. Plan to arrive at the designated time. Leave early if there is traffic or weather concerns.
2. When you arrive at the hill, begin preparing for your day. There is no inside access to lodges to get ready or store bags/ clothing. Put your ski/snowboard boots on, snowpants, sweaters, jacket, gloves, helmet and goggles. 
3. Find the drive-up captain and obtain your lift ticket. Their exact location will be provided before the trip.
4. 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.
5. Morning lessons (exact time to be confirmed in the pre-trip email). Please arrive 10 minutes before the lessons start to find your instructor and fellow step members.
   Mount St Louis, Saturdays: Meet at 10:20am by the ski racks between the 6-pack and quad chairs, MSL side.
   - lessons run 10:30am to 12:00 noon.
   Blue Mountain, Sundays and Mondays:
   - South Base Lodge: Meet at 10:50am outside the South Base Lodge (near the Southern Comfort Chairlift). Rentals are available here.
   - Inn Cafe: Meet at 10:50am 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.
   Wednesday trips: (various locations):
   - Meet at 10:20am outside the ski lodge, as directed by the instructors.
   - Lessons run 10:30am to 12:00 noon. 
6. After your lesson, you can choose your own adventure. If you'd like to have lunch, head to your car. 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. 

Bring a mask! (or a few). You will be required to wear a mask on the bus, in the lodges, in lift lines and on the ski lift. We also strongly recommend keeping your mask on while skiing/boarding.

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.