Gateway to the Gatineau Hills
On winter mornings, the Gatineau Hills awaken under a veil of frost, their ridgelines etched against the pale sky. Nestled within this landscape lies Camp Fortune, Ottawa’s closest downhill ski resort, only fifteen minutes from downtown. It is more than a ski hill—it is a tradition, a gathering place where generations have learned to carve their first turns and where the rhythm of the trails becomes part of the rhythm of life in Chelsea and Aylmer.
The Three Faces of Fortune
The mountain divides itself into three distinct sectors, each with its own personality. Across 23 runs and seven lifts, skiers find terrain that caters to every level: gentle slopes for beginners, flowing trails for intermediates, and steeper pitches for experts. The terrain park vibes with energy, offering rails, boxes, jumps, and walls designed to challenge and inspire riders of all abilities.
The Ski Academy Legacy
Since 2006, the Camp Fortune Ski Academy has nurtured young racers aged 7–19, instilling discipline, technique, and passion. Its programs are designed not just to develop competitive athletes but to foster a lifelong love of skiing. For many families, the academy is a rite of passage, a place where children grow into confident skiers under the guidance of seasoned coaches.
Lodges and Skyline Lounge
Two lodges anchor the resort, each alive with warmth and camaraderie. Fireplaces crackle and boutiques offer gear for every need. On the Skyline side, the lounge offers a panoramic view, a place to pause and watch the slopes unfold below.
Night Skiing: Fortune After Dark
When the sun dips behind the hills, Camp Fortune transforms. With 81 acres illuminated, the resort becomes a glowing hub for night skiing. Fourteen lit runs stretch across the mountain, inviting skiers to chase stars down the slopes. The atmosphere is electric—families, students, and die-hard enthusiasts carving turns under the floodlights, the crisp night air alive with laughter and the hiss of skis.
Snowmaking and Grooming Excellence
At a base elevation of 109 metres, Fortune relies heavily on snowmaking and grooming to maintain its reputation for exceptional conditions. The resort’s full snowmaking capacity ensures reliable coverage, while meticulous grooming keeps trails smooth and inviting. This attention to detail extends the season from early December to mid-April—the longest in the region.
Affordability and Accessibility
A day pass at CAD65 makes Camp Fortune one of Quebec’s most affordable ski destinations. Youth and child passes are CAD48, ensuring families can enjoy the slopes without breaking the bank. With a capacity of 11,400 persons per hour, the lifts keep skiers moving, minimizing wait times and maximizing time on snow.
Sunshine and Seasons
Fortune enjoys an average of 37 sunny days per season, with February shining brightest at 14. While slightly below Canada’s national average of 39, this places the resort among the ten sunniest in Quebec. The interplay of light and snow creates a landscape that feels both vibrant and serene, perfect for long days on the mountain.
Beyond Skiing: Four-Season Adventure
Camp Fortune’s appeal extends beyond winter. In warmer months, the mountain becomes a playground for mountain biking, aerial parks, peak-to-peak ziplines, and the mountain coaster. These attractions ensure that Fortune remains a hub of adventure year-round, its trails alive with energy no matter the season.
The Fortune Family
Perhaps the most distinctive feature of Camp Fortune is its community. Employees, clients, and visitors alike are part of what locals call “the big Fortune family.” Generations have grown up on these slopes, their stories woven into the fabric of the resort. It is not simply a place to ski—it is a way of life, a tradition that endures.
Stats at a Glance
Vertical Drop: 167 m
Peak Elevation: 276 m
Total Run Distance: 23 km
Ski-able Terrain: 81 acres (night skiing)
Lifts: 7 (2 surface, 4 quads, 1 triple)
Lit Runs: 14
Season: Dec 5, 2025 – Apr 12, 2026
The Distance Runner
Camp Fortune earns its title as “The Distance Runner.” With 23 km of trails packed into its vertical, it is designed for skiers who crave mileage. Runs may be shorter in vertical, but their winding layouts maximize terrain, offering variety and flow. For those who want to keep moving, lap after lap, Fortune delivers.
Best for Night Owls and Mileage Seekers
Mileage Seekers: The extensive trail network ensures skiers can explore new lines all day.
Night Owls: With its illuminated acres, Fortune is unrivaled for those who dream of skiing under the stars.
Closing Reflection
Camp Fortune is not the tallest mountain, nor the flashiest resort. But it is steady, enduring, and deeply woven into the identity of Ottawa’s winter. It is the place where children learn to ski, where families gather, and where night owls chase stars down glowing trails. It is, in every sense, the distance runner of ski resorts—reliable, vibrant, and endlessly inviting.
