Night skiing at Blue Mountain transforms an already exciting mountain into something truly magical. With lit trails, fewer crowds, and a completely different atmosphere than daytime skiing, evening sessions at Blue Mountain are a must-try experience for anyone visiting the area.
What Night Skiing at Blue Mountain Looks Like
Blue Mountain illuminates a significant portion of its terrain after dark, creating a dramatic contrast between the bright white trails and the dark sky above. On clear nights, you can see the lights of Collingwood and the distant glow across Georgian Bay. The experience feels completely different from daytime skiing — quieter, more peaceful, and surprisingly intimate.
The mountain typically lights up around 16 trails for evening sessions, covering a mix of beginner, intermediate, and some advanced terrain. The lighting is modern and well-maintained, providing good visibility across the groomed runs.
Hours and Schedule
Night skiing at Blue Mountain typically runs from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM during the ski season. The exact schedule varies by time of year:
- **Peak Season (December through March)** — Night skiing available most evenings, Wednesday through Saturday
- **Holiday Periods** — Extended night skiing may be available seven days a week during Christmas, New Year, and Family Day weekend
- **Early and Late Season** — Night skiing availability depends on conditions and snowmaking
Always check Blue Mountain's official website or app for the most current schedule before planning your evening session.
Which Runs Are Lit
The lit terrain focuses primarily on the South Face, which includes several beginner and intermediate runs. This makes night skiing particularly accessible for less experienced skiers and families. Key lit runs include:
- **Easy Rider** — A gentle green run perfect for warming up under the lights
- **Cascade** — A popular blue run that skis beautifully under lights
- **Tranquility** — The beginner favourite is lit and offers a relaxed evening experience
- **Big Baby** — A solid intermediate option with good visibility
Runs to Avoid at Night
Not all terrain is lit, and unlit areas should be avoided entirely after dark. Stick to marked, illuminated runs and pay attention to signage. The North Face is generally not lit for night skiing.
Tips for Night Skiing
Dress Warmer Than You Think
Temperatures drop significantly after sunset, often by 5 to 10 degrees Celsius. What felt comfortable at 2:00 PM will feel bitterly cold by 7:00 PM. Layer up with an extra mid-layer, bring a balaclava or neck warmer, and consider hand warmers in your gloves.
Use the Right Eyewear
Yellow or clear lens goggles are essential for night skiing. Dark lenses that work perfectly during the day will make it nearly impossible to see terrain features and ice patches after dark. If you do not own clear-lens goggles, most rental shops at Blue Mountain carry them.
Adjust Your Speed
Snow behaves differently at night. The surface that was soft and forgiving at midday has typically firmed up or become icy by evening. Reduce your speed, keep your weight forward, and be ready for patches of hard-packed snow or ice, especially on high-traffic areas.
Arrive During Twilight
The best strategy is to arrive around 4:00 PM when there is still daylight. This gives you time to get oriented, make a few runs in fading light, and adjust gradually to the lit conditions rather than stepping out into full darkness right away.
Night Skiing Lift Tickets
Night skiing tickets at Blue Mountain are typically less expensive than full-day passes, making evening sessions an excellent value. Pricing varies by season, but expect to save 30 to 40 percent compared to a daytime ticket.
Options typically include:
- **Night-only ticket** — Covers the evening session from 4:00 PM to close
- **Full-day plus night** — An extended ticket that covers morning through evening
- **Season pass holders** — Most season passes include night skiing
The Apres-Ski Scene After Night Skiing
One of the best parts of night skiing is the apres-ski afterward. Blue Mountain Village comes alive in the evening with restaurants, bars, and shops. After your last run, you can walk directly into the Village for a hot drink or dinner. Popular options include the Copper Blues Bar for live music and Twist Restaurant for something more upscale.
Making a Weekend of It
Night skiing works brilliantly as part of a full Blue Mountain weekend. A popular approach is to ski during the day, take a break in the late afternoon to rest and warm up at your chalet, then head back out for the evening session. This two-session approach lets you maximize your time on the mountain without exhausting yourself.
Blue View Chalets provides the perfect base for this kind of weekend. Our chalets are close to the mountain, so you can easily head back for a break between sessions. Relax in the hot tub, make dinner in the fully equipped kitchen, and then decide whether to head back out for a few more runs or settle in for the evening.
Is Night Skiing Worth It?
Absolutely. Night skiing at Blue Mountain offers a unique experience that you simply cannot replicate during the day. The atmosphere, the reduced crowds, the lower ticket prices, and the stunning visual experience of skiing under lights with Georgian Bay in the distance all combine to create something special.
For families, night skiing is particularly appealing because children find the lit mountain exciting and magical. For couples, it makes for an unforgettable date night. And for groups of friends, there is nothing quite like sharing a run under the stars before heading to the Village for drinks.
If you are visiting Blue Mountain during ski season, make sure at least one of your evenings includes a trip to the mountain after dark.
Or call us at (416) 203-2057
