If you’re looking for a day full of snowy fun with plenty of cozy activities to keep you toasty before, during and after, look no further than York Region. The Town of Georgina and the surrounding area have everything you need for a perfect day of fun before, after and during a day full of winter adventure! Time to enter the apresphere of York Region!
Don’t know what apresphere means? It’s our word here in York Durham Headwaters for capturing the post-activity experience from cozy cafes to those corners of our region that warm you to your core. We have a whole list to describe what we call Snuug-Flaking in YDH so check out our article to learn more!
Start your journey with a stop at Elpida Cafe & Roastery in Keswick. What began as an at-home coffee roasting hobby has transformed into a beautiful cafe with a cause! Owners Justin & Amanda not only ethically source their coffee beans but are part of the Café Femenino program which supports women farmers across the globe. Plus 50% of the proceeds from every bag of their Charity Blend is donated to local organizations located right in Georgina! On top of picking up a bag of coffee, indulge in the unique flavours featured in their monthly specialty beverages are not to be missed and if you’re a tea fanatic, you have to try Elpida’s blue lavender tea latte!
With a toasty beverage in hand, set off for The ROC, aka the Recreational Outdoor Campus. Located in the heart of Georgina, you can ski and snowboard their Alpine Hill runs or finesse your skills with the jumps, rails and bumps of their Terrain and Riglet Parks. Don’t have the coordination for skiing or snowboarding? You can always sign up for one of their ski schools or check out The ROC’s amazing tubing hill which is fun for all ages! If you’re more of a wanderer than an adrenaline junkie, you can always meander along the snowshoe trails or snap on some cross-country skis. It’s the epitome of blissplore! There’s even an outdoor ice skating rink at The ROC!
All that adventure will certainly work up an appetite so if you’re looking to fuel up during or après ski, The ROC Cafeteria has you covered! If you’re local to Keswick, you may recognize Dina’s Cuzina as they’re taking over the cafeteria for the 2023-2024 season! There’s a variety of eats on the menu that the whole family will enjoy. Sink your teeth into one of her delicious smash burgers made with 100% organic Canadian grass-fed beef, the pierogi poutine made with hand-cut fries and Dina’s homemade cheddar and potato pierogies or grab one of her dill pickle pizzas which are a fan favourite! That’s not all Dina’s Cuzina is serving up so take a look at the menu yourself. Be warned though, it’s bound to make you hungry!
Once you’ve tackled the slopes until your heart is content, there’s a possibility you’ll be thirsty. If so, head to Georgina’s first craft brewery – Turkey Shoot Brewing Company! You’ll find a variety of beers on tap from red ales to IPAs to stouts with their flagship brew being the Lake Simcoe Lagered Ale. These beers are brewed to the highest calibre using only Ontario hops as they’re a member of BrewON to support local hop growers! Turkey Shoot Brewing often partners with other local small businesses around Georgina, Lake Simcoe and York Region to showcase the best the region has to offer. There’s no better spot for an après ski beer!
Close out your day with some tasty eats and beautiful lakeside views at Lakeview Restaurant at the Ramada by Wyndham Jacksons Point. Here you’ll find a variety of dishes to suit your palette including pub-style meals like fish and chips and chicken wings, hearty steaks, and a variety of pasta dishes. Savour the flavours as you watch folks cast their lines on Lake Simcoe aka the ice fishing capital of Canada where more people fish on it in winter than all the other seasons combined!
Who says that’s where your skiing adventure in York Region needs to end? If you’re looking to extend your stay, spend the night at the Ramada by Wyndham Jacksons Point and take advantage of their hotel facilities. Take a dip in their indoor heated pool, relax in the on-site sauna or book yourself a massage at the Koana Spa. You’re guaranteed to sleep well after all that fresh air and après ski relaxation. It’s the ultimate way to end your ski day in York Region!
The Art of Snüg-Flaking: Aprèsphere
Aprèsphere means Après EVERYTHING this winter. Winter is a wonderland, and every time we venture into its frosty embrace, we deserve a treat – no negotiations. Whether it’s conquering the slopes, twirling on ice, strapping on some snow shoes, or even just attempting to build the world’s best snowman, we’re all winter champions. And you know what champions need? Celebration! So, let’s raise a toast to aprèsphere – because every winter activity is a reason to treat ourselves and turn chilly escapades into unforgettable moments of joy!
Explore snowy ski slopes and cross-country trails effortlessly with our downloadable map… don’t worry each location offers rental options for the perfect winter escapade!
