Mount Sima, at 770 Mount Sima Road, is the local hill that Whitehorse residents treat as a second backyard. It is run as a non-profit, community-operated ski area just 15 minutes from downtown, and it is open year-round with seasonal hours posted on its website. In winter it offers alpine runs for every level, from a gentle bunny hill for first-timers to steeper black-diamond terrain, with a snow school for skiing and snowboarding lessons and a rental shop on site. In summer the lifts carry mountain bikers up to a network of downhill trails that range from beginner blues to expert black lines and extreme runs, and there is also a disc golf course and a glamping option with wall tents and a geodome. A restaurant and store, wheelchair access and a welcome for pets round out the facilities. It is a good choice for active travellers, families with children who ski or ride and anyone who wants a local, informal outdoor day rather than a guided tour.
Match the season to the activity. Winter skiing depends on snow, so check the hill's website for opening dates, lift hours and conditions, which change through the season. Short winter days and cold snaps affect schedules, and the hill is smaller than a big resort, so expect a friendly, local feel rather than an extensive lift network. Beginners should book lessons through the snow school, and gear can be rented on site, which means a visitor without equipment can still ski for a day.
Summer is a different mountain. The bike park is lift-accessed, so you ride down rather than grind up, and trails are graded so beginners and experts have something suitable. Bring a helmet and protective gear, and rent or bring a bike, since rentals are at shops in town. Disc golf is a low-key alternative for families or mixed-ability groups, and the glamping option suits visitors who want to sleep on the mountain. The fish ladder, Miles Canyon and the Millennium Trail make easy companion outings on other days.
Who it suits
Families, active travellers and ski or biking fans who want a day of exercise that is not a tour. It is less suitable for travellers who dislike cold in winter or heights on lifts in any season. Arrive with a flexible plan, because mountain weather decides the day more than any schedule.
What to expect
The experience
A community-run mountain with alpine skiing and snowboarding in winter and lift-accessed mountain biking, disc golf and glamping in summer.
Best time
Winter once there is enough snow for the lifts, or summer for the bike park and disc golf.
How long
A half day for a lesson or a few runs, or a full day for keen skiers and riders.
Tips
Check seasonal hours and conditions on the website, rent gear on site in winter, book lessons for beginners and bring a helmet in summer.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Active travellers and families who want a local ski or bike day.
- Families
- A bunny hill, a snow school and summer disc golf make it flexible for children.
- Couples
- A fun active day followed by a hot soak at the Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs.
- Pair with
- A soak at the Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs or a dog sledding trip.
- Time needed
- Half a day to a full day.
Good questions
How far is Mount Sima from downtown Whitehorse?+
About 15 minutes by road, at 770 Mount Sima Road.
Is it open in summer?+
Yes. It is open year-round, and summer offers lift-accessed mountain biking, a disc golf course and glamping.
Can beginners ski or snowboard there?+
Yes. There is a bunny hill, a snow school with lessons and an on-site rental shop.
Can I rent bikes?+
Bike rentals are available at shops in downtown Whitehorse, so arrange one before you head up the mountain.
Is there food and wheelchair access?+
There is a restaurant and store on site, and the hill lists wheelchair access.
