Barrie 
When schools are closed for the winter break, Horseshoe Valley transforms into a vibrant holiday destination, offering a range of activities for visitors.
Credit: Horseshoe Resort
The resort will operate fully during the holiday season, weather permitting, with a wide array of winter sports and activities.
If you are visiting the famous ski resort, enjoy traditional winter sports like alpine skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing. In addition, the resort offers snow tubing, fat biking, snowshoeing, and ice skating, providing a comprehensive winter experience.
Horseshoe Resort boasts 29 downhill ski and snowboard runs. Depending on the weather, the resort will also open for night skiing, catering to a range of skill levels from beginners to advanced enthusiasts.
The resort’s cross-country skiing trails span 30 kilometres, groomed and track-set for skiers of all levels. These trails explore the scenic beauty of the Copeland Forest. Snowshoeing is an inviting way to explore the Copeland Forest, offering a magical experience in the winter setting.
Credit: Horseshoe Resort
If you are not interested in skiing, the resort offers snow tubing, a fun and easy activity for all ages. Ontario’s longest snow tubing hill offers a thrilling, easy-to-enjoy family activity and will open depending on the weather.
You can also enjoy slopeside skating on the resort’s outdoor rink, perfect for a leisurely spin or a friendly game.
The Horseshoe Valley event schedule is packed with a variety of festive activities.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of performances and attractions. Highlights include FireGuy, a Guinness World Record-holder for fire swallowing, and Nemesis, a duo blending classical violin and beatboxing. Families can also catch shows by Circus Jonathan, known for juggling tricks, and The Circus Drummer, featuring unique drumming on stilts.
Special holiday events kick off on December 22 with live DJ Christian Primrose at the Monster DJ Booth. The schedule includes diverse activities such as the “Jingle & Mingle” on December 24, where guests can skate, relax on the Après Patio, or ski alongside Santa and circus performers.
Christmas Day offers a festive three-course dinner at the Crazy Horse restaurant for $55 per person, with vegetarian options available. The resort is open for winter fun on December 25.
Boxing Day brings slopeside busker entertainment, followed by a variety of shows throughout the week. Notable performances include fiery displays by FireGuy on December 28, Zoe Stardust’s bubble and fire acts on December 30, and juggling acts by Jack Frost and the Glow Guy on December 29 and January 2.
New Year’s Eve features a fireworks display at 10 p.m., live DJ music, and fire and glow performances. Festivities include a 19+ bash at Crazy Horse Sports Bar & Grill and a family-friendly Alpine Gala.
Community shuttles will be available from 5 p.m. to midnight on New Year’s Eve. Winter entertainment continues into the first week of January with performances by Scott Jackson, FireGuy, and The Steve Goodtime Variety Show.
Horseshoe Resort is open daily during the holidays and is located about 90 minutes away from downtown Toronto at 1101 Horseshoe Valley Road West, Barrie. Lift tickets start at $54.
