Hockley Valley Resort

Hockley is close to Toronto and works really well for kids, with modest hills and enthusiastic staff. We’ve been coming for day ski trips pretty regularly for 3 or 4 years. There are also great instructors for adults who want to improve while their kids are in class. This Winter 2026 I had a lesson with Camden, and in just an hour he had me skiing runs I thought were at least a year beyond me. I’ve also had good experiences with other instructors. Highly recommend!!

The DJ was pretty good and took requests, though my partner’s request never got played. The rest of the evening was a huge letdown. There was no one or any signage to direct guests to the ballroom or coat check, so we found a coat rack in an open hallway. Then we waited in a long line to buy drink tickets and another line for a drink, with only one bartender. We met two couples at our assigned table who were staying at the hotel. They said they arrived at 3:30, couldn’t find parking because of the skiers, and their room wasn’t ready until 5:30. That left them no time to get ready for the event advertised as a Gala beginning at 6pm. The Yuck Yucks show was late and continued while dinner was being served. The comedy was disgusting, vulgar, racial and insulting. Several guests we spoke with felt it was totally inappropriate, and were disappointed there’d been no warning about the potentially insulting language. The beef tenderloin was cool, undercooked and tasteless, served while the comedians were grossing us out. Dessert was delightful, but came on a badly worn piece of wood that seemed outdated and unsanitary to me and should be discarded. We were very disappointed with the meal, presentation and service, and totally disgusted by the entertainment. The event didn’t meet the standards we expected. The organizers need to do a much better job.

We came for a hockey tournament and skiing, but eating at Babbo’s was truly disappointing. The deli and cheese platter was advertised with three meats and two cheeses, yet all we got was bread and meat that was almost entirely fat when sliced. I took pictures. As an Italian, I found it insulting. The displayed deli fridge and cheese room seemed to be for show, since none of that food was on my platter. We also had pasta that cost $200. Even homemade pasta shouldn’t cost $200 a plate, especially for such a small portion. There was nothing special about it. Save your money and drive into Orangeville. You’ll get a better meal and definitely more food, even at McDonalds! Please reach out if you want to talk about what an ‘Italian inspired’ dish looks and tastes like. You might serve more food and get repeat customers. I won’t be coming back or recommending it.

It turned into a special day, thanks to several kind people. I hadn’t skied in 30 years and fell within five minutes. I couldn’t get up, but a student on a ski trip took off his skis and helped me. My wife’s old boots broke, and the rental shop gave her a pair for the rest of the day at no charge. After a few runs, Jamie at the Bar rounded things out with great service and conversation. Thanks again.