Edelweiss Valley, almost on the border with Ontario, attracts many of its skiers and snowboarders from Ottawa. Best known for its night skiing and cross-country runs, Edelweiss ski resort has 18 separate slopes for all abilities and is especially attractive to families due to its tubing park.

There are limited lodging options at the resort itself, with one lodge supplying 20 rooms; while Wakefield and the other surrounding villages have more of a choice, offering comfy cottages, bed-and-breakfasts and hotels. Facilities-wise, Edelweiss has a ski school and ski sports shops as well as first-aid.

The 18 pistes at Edelweiss are segregated into 40 per cent for beginners, 40 per cent intermediate, 18 per cent advanced and two per cent for expert snowboarders and skiers. The longest slope here is 1.5kms and all runs are fed by four lift systems, capable of carrying 7,600 people per hour. Additionally, there are also 36kms of cross-country trails.

The snowboard park comes complete with a half-pipe and there are 11 trails (one lit) on the famed tubing slides. Après-ski at Edelweiss features a large café and a bistro bar, while Wakefield has the Blacksheep Inn, with its superb live music. Farther afield, Ottawa is loaded with restaurants, bars and discos.

The November to April ski season has its best conditions in February and an array of snow cannons to guarantee much of the ski field fit for sliding throughout the season. The most practical travel option for getting here is to fly to Ottawa International Airport and take a ski bus transfer. Alternatively, take the steam train to Wakefield and bus or taxi from there to Edelweiss.