In Ontario, winter has most definitely arrived. An unseasonably cold November, with higher than normal precipitation, has blanketed the traditional snow-belt areas of central Ontario with an early cover of snow. In many areas, a good base of snow has already been established, and Ontario four-season resort operators couldn't be happier. Ontario winter resorts and accommodation businesses, like much of Ontario's winter tourism industry, is weather dependent. Ontario winter resort vacationers expect to experience crisp clear days in a landscape covered with freshly fallen snow, especially over the Christmas holiday week. They want to indulge in winter-based activities like ice fishing, snowmobling, and cross-country skiing- activities that are dependant on adequate snowfall and cold temperatures. Mild temperatures and a lack of snow can be disastrous. During the unusually warm and dry winter of 2006/2007, room occupancy fell as much as 40% in some Ontario winter tourist areas.



While the current economic news in Canada and in the States is not encouraging for many sectors of the economy, Ontario resorts and Canadian vacationers may directly benefit from these uncertain times. The substantial drop in the value of the Canadian dollar against the American may cause Canadian's to re-think where they will go for their annual winter vacation. The combination of unfavorable exchange rates, high fuel and travel costs, as well as a weakening economy, may curtail many from heading south this year. To save money, reduce travel time and hassle, an Ontario resort winter vacation may be the perfect winter vacation alternative, especially this year, considering the optimum winter conditions predicted.

With the recent large snowfall, the phones are beginning to ring at many Ontario winter resorts with inquiries about winter accommodations and Christmas and New Year packages. Some areas in Ontario are reporting that their Nordic ski trails are open, suggesting one of the earliest starts for the Ontario cross country ski season on record. While the beginning of the snowmobile season is still a few weeks away, if the good base of snow already accumulated remains, Ontario may be looking at an early start to the snowmobile season as well.

Ontario resorts and businesses are delighted with the recent snowfall and the early start to a prosperous winter season. Due to the downturn in the economy and strong winter weather predictions, many Canadians will be staying closer to home this in an effort to make the Canadian dollar go further. Many vacationers will find that this not only saves them money, but also allows them to take part in the many popular winter activities that Ontario has to offer.

Many four-season Ontario resorts have the benefit of being located close to many popular winter attractions. For instance, the Bancroft area is a very popular snowmobiling destination, offering visitors hundreds of kilometres of scenic groomed trails. Snowmobling has become very important to the region's economy and it's not only the resorts and winter tourist operators who benefit from a good snowmobiling season. Some resorts even have the added benefit of enabling winter guests to ride their snowmobiles right from the front door and travel to many winter attractions. Not only is this a convenient and enjoyable way for Canadian vacationers to spend time, but they also spend money in the area, stopping for lunch, gas, and shopping along the way which in turn benefits many of the local businesses.