Cape Smokey Ski Area in CB, NS & Escape2ski provide info on; vertical drop 1000ft/305m, total trails 15, closest airport 86mi/139km & lifts 2.

Cape Smokey Ski Area is located along the beautiful Cabot Trail near the Cape Smokey Provincial Park of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. From the summit of the ski area, you’ll find spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

Planned and financed by the government of Nova Scotia, Cape Smokey Ski Area opened for the 1970-71 season with a few trails and a lift, to bring winter tourism and promote snow sports in the local region. For decades, the ski area was popular with skiers from nearby communities of Ingonish, Neils Harbour, Dingwall, and Ingonish Beach, along with skiers from industrial Cape Breton and mainland Nova Scotia, plus the provinces of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland.

The Cape Smokey Ski Area has the greatest vertical drop at 1000ft/305m of any ski area in the Maritime Provinces, which are comprised of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island.

For decades, the original orange double chairlift provided access to the snow-covered trails for local snowsports enthusiasts and access to summer sightseeing for the many tourists who travelled the Cabot Trail. Around the early 1990s, the government of Nova Scotia planned a much-needed upgrade to the ski area with the installation of a fixed-grip quad chairlift. However, with the downturn of the economy of Cape Breton, the Province of Nova Scotia no longer wanted to fund further improvements and the ski area was turned over to the local community to continue operations as a non-profit organization. For over a decade volunteers from Ingonish and the surrounding area continued to operate the ski area with several trails and a Poma lift.

In 2019, the Cape Smokey Ski Area was sold to Joseph Balaz, a New York developer who plans to turn the ski area into a four-season destination. The first huge leap into the future was the installation of Atlantic Canada’s only Gondola that opened to the public on Aug 26, 2021.

On the Slopes

• An eight-minute gondola ride to the summit of the Cape Smokey Ski Area provides access to a variety of beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails, plus spectacular views on your descent down the mountain.
• The Poma Lift provides access to several beginner trails perfect for those who need extra practice on the slopes or are new to either skiing or snowboarding.
• The dedicated team of ski and snowboard instructors at Cape Smokey are available to help skiers and boarders to improve their skills or teach newcomers the basics to enjoy their time on the slopes.
• The day lodge is where you will find the rental shop that has all of your ski and snowboard equipment needs, including skis, poles, boots, helmets, snowboards, and more. They even have snowshoe rentals available for those looking for an alternate outdoor activity.

Off the Slopes

• There is no lodging available at the ski area; however, only a short distance away in the Ingonish community are several options for overnight accommodations. Just check the Helpful Links section below for assistance.
• There are many off-mountain activities like snowshoeing at the summit of the Cape Smokey Ski Area or Cross-Country Skiing on the groomed trails for a fee at North Highlands Nordic located in Cape North which is 50km/30mi north of the Cape Smokey Ski Area.
• The Day Lodge is home to the food and beverage area where dining is available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Plus, a retail outlet where you'll find logo apparel, T-shirts, hoodies, toques, jackets, and hats.
• Another option for dining is in the nearby community of Ingonish, located only 15 minutes away to the north of the ski area.