Cape Smokey: Where skiing meets the Atlantic

This Canadian gem is the world's closest ski hill to the ocean

As ski hills go, very few can rival the scenery at the top of Cape Smokey in Nova Scotia. Its 300-metre vertical drop, the largest in the Maritimes, offers skiers and snowboarders 15 runs with a breathtaking view.

“It’s one thing to ski here, but for me–it’s the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean that make it so special," said Nathan Coleman, a video journalist at The Weather Network.

The hill—part of the Ontario Snow Resorts Association—underwent a major transformation after it was purchased by an investment group in 2019 and by the winter of 2021, Cape Smokey reopened with a new enclosed gondola–the first of its kind in Atlantic Canada.

The project drew Martin Kejval, who became CEO after moving to Cape Breton from the Czech Republic.

“This project was the only reason I moved here,” said Kejval. “Before I came, if someone told me you could ski to the ocean, I’d think they were mad.”

“In Europe, people say that if you’re not at least 2,000 metres above sea level, winter conditions are unreliable,” he added.

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Kejval said he is focused on rebuilding the ski culture at Smokey with initiatives such as school programs that offer a six ski day trip and a season pass for $260.

“For the views alone, it’s well worth it,” said Kejval.

With files from Nathan Coleman, a video journalist for The Weather Network, and Fredrick Reyes, a digital journalist for The Weather Network.