About the Club - Osler Bluff Ski Club

Our Facilities

The experience doesn’t start and end with skiing. Any of our three lodges provide members and guests with service and comfort.

Clubhouse

The award-winning architectural design of our Main Clubhouse is as breathtaking as the slopes it overlooks. Built in timeless post-and-beam style, the soaring timbers, natural stone, and expansive glass walls blend seamlessly with the beauty of the surrounding escarpment. From nearly every corner of the Clubhouse, guests are treated to panoramic views of the hill—making it as inspiring a place to gather as it is to ski.

Inside, the warmth of hand-finished timbers and the inviting glow of the Great Room’s roaring fireplace create a welcoming retreat. Whether you’re sinking into a chair to relax after an exhilarating run, or meeting friends and family to share stories of the day’s conquests, the Clubhouse provides the perfect backdrop for connection.

As the heart of the Club, the Main Clubhouse is more than just a building—it is the central gathering place for members. From casual lunches to après-ski celebrations, from quiet moments by the fire to lively seasonal events, this is where memories are made and traditions are carried forward.

Orchard Lodge

Nestled at the base of the Exhibition Chair, The Orchard Lodge is the perfect place to begin, pause, or end your day on the slopes. Just as important as carving through fresh powder or soaking up crisp winter sunshine, members and guests look forward to the warmth and charm of this inviting lodge. Inside, soaring exposed timber rafters and a glowing stone fireplace create a rustic alpine atmosphere where skiers and snowboarders can unwind in comfort.

The Orchard Lodge is designed with convenience in mind, offering a variety of amenities to make your visit seamless. Guests will find food service with hearty options to refuel, restrooms, a boot-changing area, and the added ease of its own dedicated parking. Whether you’re meeting friends for a mid-day break, gathering with family after a full day on the hill, or simply stepping inside to warm up by the fire, The Orchard Lodge provides a welcoming retreat just steps away from the slopes.

Upper Chalet

Perched at the very summit of Osler Bluff, the Upper Chalet is a hidden gem that captures the timeless spirit of alpine tradition. This quaint and rustic log structure, lovingly preserved, offers an atmosphere reminiscent of ski days gone by. From its doorstep, guests are treated to some of the most breathtaking vistas in the region—sweeping views of Georgian Bay and the rugged beauty of the Escarpment that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Inside, the Upper Chalet radiates warmth and charm. Heated by a grand stone fireplace and three wood stoves, it’s the perfect refuge for skiers and snowboarders looking to pause, warm up, and recharge. The simple, cozy setting invites connection—whether it’s families sharing stories over hot chocolate, or friends gathering for a hearty bite between runs.

With food service, restrooms, and an authentic alpine ambiance, the Upper Chalet is more than just a place to stop—it’s a beloved part of the Osler experience. Rustic yet welcoming, it remains a member favorite and a true mountaintop retreat.

Social

Since its opening in 1949, Osler Bluff Ski Club has developed the enviable reputation as a pioneer in the ski industry, hosting events of every nature. But Osler Bluff is more than just skiing. As every skier and snowboarder knows, there are two integral parts to their sport. First - playing with the laws of gravity outdoors in the winter months and secondly - socializing with other individuals before, during, and after participation in their sport. We offer an extensive social calendar brimming with engaging activities and events tailored for both young and young at heart, encouraging life-long friendships and unforgettable moments. Every winter weekend at Osler offers both adult and junior social events; from Friday night dinners, themed après parties with live music, Men’s and Ladies Days, Club dinners and dances, family fun days, barbecues, and more.

Members please login to view our full social schedule.

The Playroom

The Playroom provides a safe, fun, and engaging environment for our youngest members, offering child-minding services for children aged 15 months to 4 years. With caring staff dedicated to keeping little ones happy and entertained, parents can enjoy a worry-free morning or afternoon on the slopes, knowing their children are in excellent hands.

Located on the lower level of the Main Clubhouse, the Playroom is thoughtfully designed to spark imagination and play. It is stocked with a wide variety of age-appropriate toys, books, and activities that encourage creativity, social interaction, and fun. From building blocks to story time, each visit offers new opportunities for children to explore and enjoy themselves in a warm and welcoming space.

The Playroom is not only a convenient service for parents—it’s also a place where children can begin to feel a sense of belonging at the Club. For more information or to arrange child-minding services, please contact Nadine Vanderschot.

Squire John’s

Conveniently located right at the Club, Squire John’s Ski Shop is your go-to destination for all things skiing and snowboarding. Whether you’re in need of the latest equipment, a quick tune-up, or expert advice, their knowledgeable staff are ready to help ensure you have everything you need for a great day on the slopes.

In addition to gear and accessories, Squire John’s also offers rental equipment, including skis and snowshoes, making it easy for members to outfit their guests for a day of winter adventure. To guarantee availability and the correct sizing, we recommend reserving rentals in advance.

With the ease of having a trusted pro shop on-site, members and their guests can spend less time worrying about gear and more time enjoying the mountain.

For rentals or inquiries, please contact Squire John’s directly at 705-445-1361.

Summer Club

When the snow melts and the hills turn green, Summer Club comes alive at Osler Bluff. It’s the perfect way to stay active, soak up the sun, and connect with friends, with programs and activities designed for all ages and interests.

From the courts to the trails, there’s no shortage of ways to play. Enjoy a match of tennis on one of our two bookable courts, try your hand at the ever-popular pickleball on up to four dedicated courts, or gather friends for a lively game of volleyball. For a refreshing break, our Class “B” pool offers swimming, lessons, certifications, or simply a place to relax poolside.

Adventure seekers will love our growing trail network, complete with a pump track, jumps, and wooden features for biking and hiking. Or, head to the Upper Reservoir to paddleboard or kayak—life jackets included, and the short hike up makes it all the more rewarding.
To round it out, members can take part in a range of fitness classes designed for every level, from energizing workouts to mindful movement.

At Osler, summer is all about balance—fitness, fun, and relaxation, all wrapped in a welcoming community spirit. We can’t wait to see you out there!

A Brief Summary of a Long History

On a frigid January weekend in 1948 at Mont Tremblant, friends Bill Kingsmill and Struan Robertson found themselves shivering in a long lift line. Skiing was booming, and they imagined the sport’s popularity would only mean more crowds and longer waits. If only they had their own hill—somewhere to ski freely with friends in relaxed, uncrowded conditions.

That summer, the pair set out to “buy a mountain” in Ontario’s Blue Mountains. After scouting the Niagara Escarpment, they secured an option on 50 acres of land. All they needed was 30 friends and family willing to invest $100 each. In the end, 37 Charter Members took a leap of faith, joining a ski club with no lifts and no hill—just a shared vision.

In those early years, progress was slow but spirited. Members themselves cut trails, built a base lodge, and raised chalets. A Chrysler engine and steel cables powered wagons that hauled skiers up the hill. They organized lessons, raced, and—perhaps most importantly—celebrated together with dances, dinners, and plenty of après-ski camaraderie.

What began as a dream soon became reality. The location proved ideal, with cooler conditions than nearby Georgian Bay resorts, making Osler well-suited for snowmaking early in the season and offering cozy skiing later when the bay froze over.

Osler Today

From that humble start, Osler Bluff has grown into one of Ontario’s premier private ski clubs. With a vertical drop of 755 feet, Osler offers some of the province’s longest runs—many stretching over a kilometre. Spread across 130 acres, we also provide the most skiable terrain per member of any Ontario club.

Our facilities include:

26 runs with near-perfect fall lines for all abilities, serviced by two high-speed detachable quads, one fixed-grip quad, a platter lift, and a magic carpet for beginners.
3 terrain parks featuring rails, boxes, jumps, and hits.
4 grooming machines working nightly to deliver pristine corduroy every ski day.
Beehive beginner area, perfect for newcomers to the sport.
Cross-country and snowshoeing on 27 km of marked trails winding through Club property.
Outdoor skating rink and skate trail for even more winter fun.

What began as two friends dreaming of a private hill has become a vibrant community where generations gather to ski, play, and create lifelong memories.

1949

As Struan Robertson and Bill Kingsmill inched their way forward in lines of skiers that seemed to go on and on forever, they fantasized about skiing with friends at their own uncrowded ski area. The moment of conception of The Osler Bluff Ski Club had just taken place. That summer they went out and explored the Niagara Escarpment area in the Blue Mountains to “buy a mountain”. They got an option to purchase 50 acres. All they needed to do was find 30 friends and family to part with $100 and a private ski club could be formed. Thirty-seven Charter Members were convinced to join a ski club with no lifts and no hill! The first General Meeting was on September 27, 1949 and the 50 acres purchased in November.

1950

The abandoned Franklin Farmhouse became the first Clubhouse for the Club. A trail was hurriedly cut within the Club’s 50 acres, finishing at the farmhouse. Prospective members were encouraged to climb the hill, ski down and drink hot chocolate in the drafty farmhouse while volunteers showed them brochures of future plans and collected as many signed membership forms and $100 cheques as they could.

1950

The first hill, called the Wagon Trail (now the S Hill) and the tow line were cut by members in the summer and fall of that year in preparation for the 1950-1951 ski season.

1950

The idea of two rope tows to the top was abandoned and Osler’s first lift was to be a Ski Car. The Richard Harding Scrivener Four Car Reciprocating Ski Tow was designed and built by members. Although originally built on truck tires, problems in controlling its desire to wander, forced a switch to sleigh runners and the wagon tow was reborn as a sleigh tow. Thirty-two skiers made their way up the hill at a time. It was Ontario’s newest and finest uphill transportation and the greatest single factor assuring the success of the Club.

1951

The Franklin farmhouse had served its purpose as a place to coerce visitors into joining the fledgling Club. However, a better facility was needed for the cold winter season. With the purchase of more land, the Wagner farmhouse became available and was a much better option for a Clubhouse. This farmhouse was a small sturdy building that lent itself to additions. The building was added onto a number of times. A lounge area in 1953, a dining area in 1956 and a major addition and renovation in 1964.

1958

While the sleigh tow provided a unique and sociable mode of uphill transportation, it was erratic and unpredictable. A new T bar was the solution. Osler’s own crew undertook the installation in the tow that took skiers to the top of the escarpment, replacing both the sleigh tow and the Crashley’s rope tow. Osler was now the proud owner of Ontario’s first T bar. A second T bar, called the Big Wheels Tow, was added at the Orchard four years later.

1958

Racing has always been an important part of the Club. Many hills were cut over the first 10 years. The cutting of the Valley combined with the Bluff Schuss above it, created a course for the Osler Downhill. The Robbins Trophy and Creeds Cup were run annually. Although it was a shorter course than big mountain courses, it had all the jumps and turns to make it a challenging race course. It provided multiple racers with downhill experience which took them to the National team level.

1959

Osler hosted the Canadian Junior Championships. A four-way competition including a slalom and downhill race, cross country and jumping competition.

1960's

Since the beginning, Osler encouraged members to build cabins on the property. All of the early cabins were built on the hill side. As these locations filled up, the barren flatlands were opened up to members and the property became speckled with small cabins.

1962

Growing families and guests made for overcrowding in the Clubhouse. Two old log houses were purchased and reassembled into one large building at the top of the mountain creating the Upper Chalet.

1965

At the beginner Hill (the Beehive), children were still struggling with the rope tow which often became too heavy for them. It was a replaced with the J bar.

1969

The desire for continued improvements in uphill transportation led to the addition of a triple chair, the first triple chair at a private club in Ontario. The site of the triple chair was aligned above the Snow Bowl (now Katies Way). The main T bar was moved over to the Poplar area, opening up the west side of the property for additional hills. This project was in part funded by adding new members through the Ping Pong draw.

1971

Second generation members and new members of the Club are now eager to build their own cabins. All available sites on the main property were allocated resulting in Osler’s purchase of a neighbouring farm. The Angus property was developed in two phases.

1978

March 7 was a sad day for all members when the Clubhouse burned down. It had served the members well for many years. The new Clubhouse was moved down the hill to a superior location and completed for its grand opening just 9 months later in January of 1979.

1985

The Club purchases the Weston Farm on the east side of the Townline. The Club now owned 688 acres of land.

1994

The Fisher Trials are a series of recreational trails designed for use by cross country skiers, hikers, cyclists, and joggers. It was completed by Club staff and over 70 volunteers. It is located east of the Osler Bluff Road in the flatlands of Oslerview, Angus and Osler Pines.

Present Day

Today our fleet of four groomers work throughout the night creating pristine corduroy on all of our trails prior to each ski day, resulting in optimum snow conditions. With over 20 runs from beginner to expert, Osler Bluff boasts the most skiable terrain per member of any Ontario club. A vertical drop of 755ft (230 metres) provides members with some of the region's longest runs. We have two high-speed detachable quad chairlifts and one fixed-grip quad chair to service our ski trails. Our platter surface lift and a 160-foot magic carpet service our beginner “Beehive” area. The 8-acre terrain park offers a half-pipe and two dozen features including rails, boxes, jumps and hits. For those who wish for a change of pace, we offer over 27km of marked cross country skiing and snowshoeing trails that wind through the Club’s property, an outdoor skating rink and a skate trail.