Early History as the Volunteer-Driven “Batawa Ski Club”
In the winter of 1959, a volunteer group of ski enthusiasts from the nearby Bata Shoe Factory created the Batawa Ski Club. The objective of the club was to promote recreational skiing and friendship.
The club’s Nancy Greene and the North Star Alpine Ski Teams made a name for themselves by their excellent performances in ski competitions throughout Ontario. In February 1985, the Club was excited to have the Canadian Ski Patrol (Ontario Division) using its facilities. The annual Provincial First Aid Competition was held on the Batawa Ski Hill, with an annual awards banquet held in the chalet.
When the Batawa Ski Club began in 1959, it consisted of a truck-powered tow rope and a small donated tent for serving hot drinks. A two-storey chalet was developed with the aid of a Wintario grant, private pledges and volunteer labour. It officially opened in 1979 and was named in honour of Sonja Bata.
The chalet housed a lounge, banquet hall, ski rental shop, canteen and ticket booth. Other early developments and improvements included T-bar lifts, lighting, a pro shop, and a wide selection in daily rentals for downhill and cross country ski equipment. The club provides 17 miles of natural cross-country ski trails.
On December 23, 1988, Colleen DeBruyn, treasurer of the Batawa Ski Club, received a provincial grant towards the purchase of a new snow-making machine, a new all-terrain vehicle, and another 50 rental ski outfits.
In December 1989, a new water pipeline was installed, providing the hill with a sufficient amount of water for making artificial snow. Colleen DeBruyn commented that the water line “will help the ski hill run a season which will start earlier and run longer than past years.”
Expansion as the Not-for-Profit Corporation, “Batawa Ski Hill”
The challenges of keeping a small volunteer community ski hill afloat in Eastern Ontario necessitated the not-for-profit incorporation of the ski hill in 2006-07 under the leadership of Sonja Bata. Rechristened “Batawa Ski Hill,” the organization embarked on an extensive modernization and expansion program to keep it alive for the community and future generations.
Included in the expansion was new state-of-the-art snow-making technology, Canada’s first LED-lit ski hill, a new snow-grooming cat, and a Leitner-Poma quad chairlift that moves 2,400 people per hour up the hill.
Come the warm weather, Batawa Ski Hill has 25 kilometres of trails open to hikers and bikers. And for young, curious palaeontologists, a 40-foot replica Tyrannosaurus Rex is waiting to be discovered in our ever-popular Dino Dig park, the centrepiece of their Summer Adventure Day Camps
Trails & Terrain Park
Named in Ski Canada‘s 2009 annual “Best of” list, Batawa Ski Hill has come a long way since the Bata Shoe employees began clearing trees in 1959 and installing a handmade tow rope, as they sought to create a skiing facility that would enable them to enjoy the beautiful surrounding landscape. This outdoor winter gem now offers nine runs, from novice to experienced, including a terrain park with assorted rails, boxes, jibs and jumps.
Other Highlights
Batawa Ski Hill is home to the Batawa Ski Racing Club, a competitive club with a reputation for winning across Ontario.
A Leitner-Poma quad chairlift that moves 2,400 people per hour
Retro T-bar for special occasions!
State-of-the-art grooming and snow-making capabilities
Nighttime skiing
Rustic chalet slopeside with enhanced WiFi, rooftop patio, fireplace and the Batawa Bistro
Snow school programs, with certified instructors, for all ages and abilities
Rental shop with a full range of ski and snowboard gear
Certified patrollers with the award-winning Canadian Ski Patrol’s Frontenac Zone
HOLIDAY CAMPS: Group Lessons for ages 4 & up
All abilities, from beginner to advanced, are welcome. This four-day camp is designed to get you off to a great start for the winter! Lessons are in the morning so that you have the afternoon to practice and enjoy your new skills.
Four-day ski/snowboard lessons
December 27 – 30 OR January 2 – 5
Ages 4-5 receive 1.5 hrs of lessons daily, (10:30 – 12:00)
Ages 6 and over receive 2 hours of lessons daily,
(10:00 – 12:00)
Buy Online:
Holiday Camp ages 6-17 – Just lessons
Holiday Camp ages 6-17 – Lessons & Lift Tickets
Holiday Camp ages 6-17 – Lessons, Lift Tickets & Rentals
Holiday Camp ages 4-5 – Just lessons
Holiday Camp ages 4-5 – Lessons & Lift Tickets
Holiday Camp ages 4-5 – Lessons, Lift Tickets & Rentals
PA DAY: Full-Day Camp for ages 7 & up
Give your kids a great experience on their next school PA day. The package includes 4 hours of lessons, (10:00 – 12:00 and 1:00 – 3:00), a lunch voucher and a complimentary hot chocolate. The day starts with a great lesson to get them going. We’ll provide a hot lunch and then they have another lesson in the afternoon to hone their skills.
Friday, February 2, 2018
Lift ticket & Rentals not included
Buy Online: PA Day Camp – Feb 2 – Ages 7-17
Visit our website at www.batawaskihill.com
for registration
Programs offered at Batawa Ski Hill
Discover Package for Beginners
Programs for Kids and Teens
Holiday Camps
Private Lessons
Adult Programs
Instructor Prep Program
School Ski Trips
Become an Instructor
Ski Swap
Batawa Ski Racing Club
Canadian Ski Patrol – Frontenac Zone
Track 3 Program
Quinte Mountain Bike
Weddings, Catering, & Facility Rentals
Christmas Parties
Summer Adventure Day Camp
Dino Dig
Summer Adventure Camps
HOURS OF OPERATION
REGULAR
Monday – Tuesday available for group bookings
Wednesday – Saturday – 9 am – 9 pm
Sunday – 9 am to 4 pm
SPECIAL & EXTENDED
December 26 – January 7* 9 am – 9 pm
December 24 9 am – 2 pm
