Girlfriends Getaway to Hockley Valley Resort for Skiing, Spa and Fine Dining

When it’s the middle of winter and you can’t escape the snow, where do you go? What do you do? Perhaps you have already considered a ski weekend up north but don’t quite know where to start in making your plans. There are so many options, it’s true, and Ontario has loads of great ski hills, snowshoe paths and hiking trails to get us off our couches and reunited with Mother Nature. But what stands out on my radar most is the quaint and luxurious chic Hockley Valley Resort, located in Mono, Ontario. Only an hour and a half drive from downtown Toronto, Hockley Valley Resort is equipped with spa, ski slopes, winery, two pools, sauna, Jacuzzi, refined dining and cozy suites. It truly has everything you could need for the perfect Canadian winter escape and chalet experience.

We started our trip with a spa visit, which was refreshing and set the tone for the perfect day. I had the “Just For You” facial which is totally customizable to your skin type, and includes a deep cleansing with enzyme peel and extractions, facial massage and mask. My facialist was informative and helpful in recommending product for my skin type and answered any questions I had. The scalp massage, feet warmers, and a heated bed were little added details that didn’t go unnoticed, making this spa treatment extra special.

Other facials to choose from – include the Oxygen, Hollywood and Vitamin C. Be sure to also check out the midweek spa promotions going for March and April, as the spa menu at Hockley is quite extensive, offering massage therapy, Reiki, body scrubs, mud therapy, waxing, Botox, and mani-pedis.

Dining at Hockley is a real treat. We had a quick lunch after the spa in the hotel’s beautiful wine bar, Babbo. The burgers and truffle fries with garden salad were delicious and hit the spot! An interesting fact about Hockley’s culinary team is that they have their own farm on site. Their four-acre fruit, vegetable and herb farm provides 80 percent of all restaurant menu ingredients, allowing the chefs to gather fresh produce on the spot. In the winter months, house-made pickles and preserves are available. What a great way to eat well and support the environment.

After lunch, we checked into our charming room where we discovered a peaceful view of the countryside, enough to make one feel truly at peace and miles away from home. Before taking on a bit of brisk snowshoeing, we suited up in our super warm hoodies and toques from Support The Locals and comfy MEC Patagonia jackets. We brought our light and easy to use snowshoes from MEC downtown Toronto had a blast exploring the grounds. We lucked out with the sunshine and kept shaded with our sunnies from Bloc Eyewear.

On Sundays, the winery closes at 4:00 p.m., so we wasted no time and took the complimentary shuttle two minutes up the road to Adamo Estate Winery to catch a tasting. The winery is open every day of the week except for Mondays and offers public tours Saturday and Sundays. Should you wish to dine here, the beautiful space offers visitors an intimate setting for farm-to-table dining at the Paddock Café.

We were saving our appetites for our much-anticipated dinner at Cabin, the main dining room at the resort where rustic meets modern. The gourmet menu here is nothing short of spectacular. Be sure to finish your feast with the Pear Upside Down cake, adorned with caramel sauce and port wine gelato.

Beef croquette, pickled hot pepper, gorgonzola fondue. Ricotta gnocchi, braised beef short rib, mushrooms, pan sauce, pecorino

The following morning, after enjoying a delicious breakfast buffet, we hit the slopes. The Niagara Escarpment’s natural elevation makes for ideal alpine skiing and snowboarding conditions. If you’re not quite sure how to ski or you’re in need of a refresher, don’t worry! Hockley has you covered with its rental packages and hands-on instruction for all age groups. The vibe is very laid back and easy going here and the staff are most welcoming and helpful.

So if you’re contemplating a hassle-free trip with some friends, family or solo for some alone time, Hockley Valley has every box checked to satisfy your winter wonderland wishes. Pack your overnight bag, grab your parka and take an easy trip north of the city for a pleasant and unforgettable stay.

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Jackets and snowshoes provided by www.MEC.ca
Hats and hoodies provided by www.wesupportthelocals.com
Sunglasses and goggles provided by www.bloceyewear.com
Leather fashion footwear provided by https://ca.shop.ecco.com

Photos by @laurenhardyphotography and @jennifersteelephotography