SNOW MUCH FUN
A Family Winter Adventure in Quinte West
Come along with me and my family as we spend a day exploring Quinte West, making the most of what winter has to offer. We started at Batawa Ski Hill where my son got snowboarding lessons, had dinner at Shoeless Joe’s in the Homestead Marketplace and finished off the evening with a skate on the outdoor rinks at the Batawa Community Centre.
Written by Kathryn Dickson
Read time: 5 min
Batawa Ski Hill, lovingly known as the “small hill with a big heart,” is a local gem in Quinte West. Established in 1959 by employees of the Bata Shoe Company, it has become a go-to destination for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts.
Batawa itself is a small community within the City of Quinte West, historically founded in 1939 as a company town by the Bata Shoe Company. Originally built to house employees and their families, Batawa has since grown into an inviting spot for outdoor lovers, featuring attractions like the ski hill and extensive trails for hiking, running, and biking. There’s even a Dino Dig area that’s perfect for kids and available year-round, as long as the ground isn’t too frozen.
I’m not a downhill skier, but my 15-year-old nephew is an avid one, and my 10-year-old son got a snowboard for Christmas and couldn’t wait to try it out. While they hit the slopes, I planned to enjoy the cozy après-ski atmosphere, complete with warm fires and hot drinks.
Although Batawa Ski Hill is small, it offers 12 runs catering to all skill levels, from beginner slopes to double black diamonds. Yes, you read that right — double black diamonds! My nephew practically grew up on these slopes, having spent countless hours mastering the runs since his elementary school days. At 15, he knows every turn and slope like the back of his hand.
Buying a lift ticket online was a breeze. Lift tickets are sold in four-hour blocks, and it’s as simple as adding to the cart and checking out. We decided to arrive right when the hill opened on a Wednesday to maximize our time. For my son, a first-timer on a snowboard, I purchased a beginner’s package online. It included a helmet rental, boots, an hour-long lesson, and access to a snowboard if needed (though we brought his). This package was perfect for getting him started.
The beginner slopes, Bambi and Boomerang, are ideal for learning. My son’s instructor, Kathryn (same spelling as mine!), was amazing. She helped him get comfortable with his snowboard and guided him through the basics of balance and movement. Before long, he was on the Bambi lift and tackling that hill. The lesson lasted an hour, and by the end, he was hooked on snowboarding.
While my son practiced his turns on Bambi and my nephew zoomed down Smokey and Meadow, I enjoyed a hot chocolate by the fire pit in the outdoor seating area. The fire provided much-needed warmth, and the setup allowed me to keep an eye on the boys while relaxing. Of course, they couldn’t resist the poutine from the Batawa Grill, and I can confirm it’s as good as they say.
If you’re looking for indoor options, the chalet offers plenty of space to relax. The main level has seating, and there’s an upstairs area with a bird’s-eye view of the slopes and a patio. The washrooms are clean and spacious, with warm water to help thaw out chilly fingers. While not large enough for group changing, they’re perfect for individuals needing to freshen up.
Once the boys had their fill of skiing and snowboarding, we headed to Shoeless Joe’s at Homestead Marketplace for dinner. This new attraction is a hub of activity in the summer with a thrilling high rope course that my son and I visited last summer, a mini putt, and a weekend market. This locally-owned franchise has a 5,000-square-foot covered patio with lounge chairs and fire tables that I can’t wait to visit in warmer weather.
Our meal was delicious. We shared calamari, a steak taco bowl, and a Philly cheesesteak sandwich. For dessert, we indulged in the ultimate cookie—a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie topped with ice cream, chocolate, and caramel sauce. It was the perfect sweet ending to our meal.
To round out the evening, we visited the outdoor skating rinks at the Batawa Community Centre. Two rinks are designated areas for leisurely skates and the other two are for hockey games. This spot holds a special place in my heart, as my kids spent their early skating days here. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors under the stars.
If you have extra time, I recommend a hike at the Bleasdell Boulder. It’s a beautiful spot with a massive 2.3 billion-year-old boulder caused by glaciers.
For those who love hockey, catching a Trenton Golden Hawks game at the Duncan McDonald Memorial Community Gardens is a must. The Golden Hawks are the local Ontario Junior A team, and they’re performing exceptionally well in the Eastern Conference this season. The energy in the stands is contagious and makes for an exciting family outing.
The next time you’re planning a family day out, consider Batawa in Quinte West. This charming area and its “small hill with a big heart” offer so much. Hit the slopes for skiing or snowboarding, lace up for a skate, or just take in the scenery.
