Travel

Uber/Lyft to ski resorts - any experience

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  • Oct 21st, 2020 5:46 pm
Deal Addict
May 11, 2005
2182 posts
218 upvotes
Ajax, ON, Canada

Uber/Lyft to ski resorts - any experience

Hi folks,

I was wondering if you had any experience of using Uber/Lyft to/from the ski resorts? The reason that I'm asking is that I'm currently expressing interest on going to the Dagmar (and possibly the Lakeridge Ski) resort . Sadly, I never learned how to ski or snowboard before and that's why I have these resorts planned on my bucket list. I don't drive myself and the biggest barrier on getting to/from the resort without a car - is transportation.

I've inquired to these resorts if they have (or planning) to offer a bus shuttle near my area. While the folks at Dagmar liked my suggestion, the folks at Lakeridge gave me an extreme sarcastic response. They advised me that Uber or Lyft are my suggestions. Only concern is - not all Uber/Lyft drivers aren't willing to go longer distances that are beyond the ridesharing providers' operating territory (either when going to the resort or coming back from it). Coupled with that (and despite the cheapest option), not all will carry ski/snowboarding gear to/from the resort.

I was wondering if anyone of you folks have any experience on using Uber (or Lyft) to/from the ski resorts and what are some of the lessons learned when using a ridesharing service to/from the resorts (not just the aforementioned resorts I had mentioned, but Blue Mountain, Brimacombe, etc.)?
19 replies
Deal Expert
Aug 22, 2006
31271 posts
17295 upvotes
4 seconds of Googling says there's a bus that goes to Lakeridge. $31 round trip.
https://kingshuttle.ca/ski-bus/

Dagmar doesn't seem to have a bus, but I know nothing about the actual resorts.
Do you not have anything else to do rather than argue with strangers on the internet
Nope. That's why I'm on the internet arguing with strangers. If I had anything better to do I'd probably be doing it.
Deal Addict
May 11, 2005
2182 posts
218 upvotes
Ajax, ON, Canada
death_hawk wrote: 4 seconds of Googling says there's a bus that goes to Lakeridge. $31 round trip.
https://kingshuttle.ca/ski-bus/

Dagmar doesn't seem to have a bus, but I know nothing about the actual resorts.
The information that you had provided was slightly out of date but I don't want travel far just for the shuttle.

Maybe, I'll consider submitting a ride through poparide in the future. That way I won't have to go through Toronto and catch such a ride.
Deal Addict
User avatar
Sep 4, 2007
1272 posts
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Your best bet is to join some snowboarding groups local to your area like on Meetup and go to one of their organized ski trips. They'll have transportation and accommodation worked out.
The only thing is ...you can't choose your own dates. So join a bunch and see whats available for you
THE CHILDREN ARE FINE!!!
Deal Addict
Oct 18, 2014
2050 posts
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HK
Ask a Uber/Lyft driver and find out (from a shorter ride) and/or make an offer.

I've used Uber for trips out of town.
Deal Guru
User avatar
Sep 6, 2002
11547 posts
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Moving target
McKinsey wrote: Ask a Uber/Lyft driver and find out (from a shorter ride) and/or make an offer.

I've used Uber for trips out of town.
You can get an estimate from the app though it may vary on the date you actually do it. A (non stretch / non party) limo company could probably quote you a flat rate to and from although you may need to pay for waiting time while you ski.

Something to consider is what do you do when a junk nissan sentra with no folding seats shows up? Youre going to have skiis or a board next to you.

I don't see why you wouldn't just take a bus. There are more shuttles to blue mountain as it is significantly better.

I used to board lakeridge in the 90's and it was always better than Dagmar. Lol I can even remember their "snow phone" by heart 905 686 SNOW (still works)

Not sure lakeridge vs dagmar who has spent more on upgrades but lakeride always had more of a curvy hill feel where dagmar the runs seem almost identical as its a straight ridge.

Finally don't teach yourself how to snowboard. Join lessons each time and don't take the minimum time. Snowboarding has some basic fundamentals where if you develop sloppy habits it will impair you.

If you are skiing, you'll have a lot more fun on your first day with the whole pizza/french fry routine.

That said if Toronto has snow. Earl bales is great. The bunny slope is really mild, perfect for basic lessons, and the main hill is short but quite steep. They sell lessons and tickets by the hour and you can take TTC there.

I think the uber/lyft idea isn't wise, but if you got the cash sure. I can almost bet you'll be waiting for a ride back and likely drivers cancelling.
Autocorrect sucks
Deal Addict
Oct 18, 2014
2050 posts
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GangStarr wrote: You can get an estimate from the app though it may vary on the date you actually do it. A (non stretch / non party) limo company could probably quote you a flat rate to and from although you may need to pay for waiting time while you ski.
Estimates is a given.

Uber takes 20-30% from drivers (depending on the service), OP can save money by making them a cash offer. This helps me get home when my flights are delayed (due to severe weather) and I don't feel like spending a night at the airport hotel.
Deal Guru
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Sep 6, 2002
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McKinsey wrote: Estimates is a given.

Uber takes 20-30% from drivers (depending on the service), OP can save money by making them a cash offer. This helps me get home when my flights are delayed (due to severe weather) and I don't feel like spending a night at the airport hotel.
Doesn’t sound like he’s at an airport where you could use something like the alt hotel trick.

Relying on tapping a strangers window especially in the suburbs would be sketchy. I guess less sketchy with skis in your hand but I think the idea of a private car like uber to lakeridge is silly when there is a bus. Take the uber to the bus terminal and maybe that’s a way to get the conversation going.

Won’t work for the ride home.

Besides the bus you’ll have a bathroom the bus driver is experienced driving country roads with black ice. Fully insured and OP could possible make some friend play cards and maybe sneak an adult drink on the ride home.

Would you really want to be in some strangers low end car with loose skis, boots and driver who likely has zero country winter driving experience and spin out? Think of the insurance ramifications.

Some uber drivers are ok some are absolutely horrible.

Plus they’ll make more hanging around town than an hour dead head.

My two pesos anyways. Dumb idea
Autocorrect sucks
Newbie
Dec 15, 2019
1 posts
Hello have u figured out how to solve this problem. I am planning to go to Lakeridge this sat by lyft. I am worried no drivers want to take my order. Thanks
Member
Dec 8, 2009
353 posts
61 upvotes
Is this not the original concept of ride sharing? The driver already planned to go to Dagmar and gives ride to somebody else to make a few dollars.
Deal Addict
May 11, 2005
2182 posts
218 upvotes
Ajax, ON, Canada
KrystalL62360 wrote: Hello have u figured out how to solve this problem. I am planning to go to Lakeridge this sat by lyft. I am worried no drivers want to take my order. Thanks
Ever since I've opened this thread, I haven't made any developments on my "plan" on taking an Uber (or Lyft) to the Lakeridge (or Dagmar) Ski Resort. There was one guy who asked an inquiry on the Facebook page for Dagmar Ski Resort - if there was any public transit in that area? The folks at Dagmar immediately shot it down and (sadly) advised the user that "there are no public transit buses that run along near the ski resort." They advised the user that Uber and Lyft may be the option.

And to add to what the user says, not all Uber/Lyft drivers aren't willing to be going the distance (and back) to take "fares" for customers going to/coming from the resort. I've also suggested to the folks at Dagmar that "Poparide" may be an option. While they never heard about Poparide before, they are pleased with the interface of the site and offers a way to request for a ride.
Deal Fanatic
Jun 11, 2005
8633 posts
2399 upvotes
Mississauga
FutureHeartsJunkie wrote: Ever since I've opened this thread, I haven't made any developments on my "plan" on taking an Uber (or Lyft) to the Lakeridge (or Dagmar) Ski Resort. There was one guy who asked an inquiry on the Facebook page for Dagmar Ski Resort - if there was any public transit in that area? The folks at Dagmar immediately shot it down and (sadly) advised the user that "there are no public transit buses that run along near the ski resort." They advised the user that Uber and Lyft may be the option.

And to add to what the user says, not all Uber/Lyft drivers aren't willing to be going the distance (and back) to take "fares" for customers going to/coming from the resort. I've also suggested to the folks at Dagmar that "Poparide" may be an option. While they never heard about Poparide before, they are pleased with the interface of the site and offers a way to request for a ride.
Have you called Uber or Lyft to get a price? I tried online but said call in. I`m curious what the cost would be.
Deal Addict
Jan 17, 2009
4533 posts
5071 upvotes
Toronto, Ontario
Dude.. its like a 20 minute drive away from Ajax to Dagmar Face With Tears Of Joy. I've taken ubers for hour+ trips before no problem. Uber/Lyft don't know where you're going until they accept, so you might get a few cancellations but someone will take it because they lose ratings for cancelling after accepting..

I just put in my location as Dagmar there was no issues requested a ride, so it's in their service location. Might take a while to get a ride coming home, but not like you're trying to go an actual far distance.
Newbie
Aug 20, 2018
61 posts
42 upvotes
I would use a ride share for that. If you could come up with more money and some friends could you rent a car and all split the cost?

Ajax to Dagmar is short, but probably better with friends. It isn't the best place though. I used to go all the time. The problem is the hills are small. I went during a snow storm once and the hills were terrible (small and not steep).

If you get better, definitely get your butt to Blue Mountain. It is a killer drive, so you may want to skip a ride share and rent a car with friends.
Deal Addict
May 11, 2005
2182 posts
218 upvotes
Ajax, ON, Canada
antigua1999 wrote:
Have you called Uber or Lyft to get a price? I tried online but said call in. I`m curious what the cost would be.
Well, checking the price on the app - makes calling them for a quote "redundant".
Ecsta wrote: Dude.. its like a 20 minute drive away from Ajax to Dagmar Face With Tears Of Joy. I've taken ubers for hour+ trips before no problem. Uber/Lyft don't know where you're going until they accept, so you might get a few cancellations but someone will take it because they lose ratings for cancelling after accepting..

I just put in my location as Dagmar there was no issues requested a ride, so it's in their service location. Might take a while to get a ride coming home, but not like you're trying to go an actual far distance.
I wished that "Kangaride" should offer some form of service.

Still with Uber - this reminds me when I took my mom and dad home from the Pearson Airport from their trip abroad (a few months ago) back to my house (in Ajax).

I hailed an UberXL and it cost me $125CDN (even without surge pricing). Although it was an astronomical cost for that of a distance, I wanted to persuade my mom and dad to observe this experience themselves.

If you were to fit in my shoes and learn from my experience, how would you feel if you take your parents to/from the airport?
Deal Fanatic
Jun 11, 2005
8633 posts
2399 upvotes
Mississauga
FutureHeartsJunkie wrote: Well, checking the price on the app - makes calling them for a quote "redundant".



I tried using the app and it SAID CALL FOR A QUOTE. It wouldn't give me a price on the app. Get It?
Newbie
Dec 25, 2019
1 posts
1 upvote
I'm yet to find a bus route to Lakeridge from Ajax, I've Ubered one way and took Lyft back (little difference in price) it's about 30 bucks each way which kinda negates the cheap cost of skiing at Lakeridge ($50 rentals,3hrs lift ticket + $60 Uber/Lyft) I would be open to a cheaper way of getting there as I consider it a good place for a quick few hours while I'm in Ajax, otherwise I can hop on a shuttle from Toronto and for that price and ski somewhere better.
Newbie
Feb 10, 2020
1 posts
2 upvotes
I was looking something else up and stumbled on this thread. I live by Lakeridge and Dagmar (5min north) frequently use Uber to get to and from Durham and Toronto. In my experience Uber drivers love long trips bc its pays well. Thats my experience. As long as you are going to another dense population where they know they can pick up another ride I haven't had a problem. Resorts are only 10/15min from Ajax/whitby where dozens of Ubers are available.

There is no public transportation on Lakeridge road where the two resorts are located.

Island Taxi out of Port Perry may also be able to assist you on the drive home, they take people to and from the casino so I would assume they will do long trips.
Deal Addict
May 11, 2005
2182 posts
218 upvotes
Ajax, ON, Canada
AshleyH20127 wrote:

There is no public transportation on Lakeridge road where the two resorts are located.

Island Taxi out of Port Perry may also be able to assist you on the drive home, they take people to and from the casino so I would assume they will do long trips.
One of my colleagues at a community/fan-based message board called the CPTDB (Canadian Public Transit Discussion Board) told me that Durham Region Transit's so-called "OnDemand" service serves the locale - but special eligibility to use the service is required (i.e. medical reasons, etc.)., Only problem is, I live in the southern part of the Durham Region. \

ICYW on what Durham Region Transit's OnDemand service is about , refer to the link:
https://www.durhamregiontransit.com/en/ ... lized.aspx

I would have posted a ride request posting using Kangaride or Poparide - but so far, I haven't made any intentions.

ICYW = In Case You're Wondering
Deal Addict
May 11, 2005
2182 posts
218 upvotes
Ajax, ON, Canada
I’ve decided to revive this thread and in case anyone is wondering, Durham Region Transit has recently introduced their expanded “On-Demand” service offerings (as of late-September 2020). This newly expanded offering is replacing local bus routes that experience low ridership or demand that doesn’t warrant adequate bus service.

The drawback is that that newly-expanded On-Demand service uses special minibuses (and in some cases, taxicabs that operate under contract with Durham Region Transit - they feature a signage that features the Durham Region Transit logo).

While there are no guarantees that the service is a direct ride (similar to Uber/Lyft), the vehicle may be shared with other passengers who travel in a similar direction.

Another drawback is that the service only operates from one of these cases:

- Stop-to-stop within a zone
- Connections to/from Durham Region Transit bus routes
- Connections to/from local GO Train stations or bus terminals within the Durham Region

In order to book such a trip, you have to download two separate apps: DRT On-Demand and “Transit”. You can still however do the old fashioned way: telephoning an agent who will help plan your travel.

I did a simulation of what my trip would be like using the Transit app and let's say I start from the Pickering Parkway Bus Terminal (adjacent to the Pickering Town Centre shopping mall and situated at the pedestrian bridge to the Pickering GO Station) and wanted to go the Dagmar Ski Resort (to my understanding, these areas are within the On-Demand Zone with the Pickering Parkway Terminal as a meeting point).

The Transit app would advise me that the trip will take 25 to 30 minutes using the DRT On-Demand service. I only have to pay the standard Durham Region Transit fare (which is $4CDN cash or using my DRT Monthly Pass (or even at a cheaper cash rate) on PRESTO).

However there are some cases that the taxi drivers who provided the service for DRT (IIRC, Blueline Taxi is covering some of the bases for the enhanced On-Demand service) - may not know what procedure to follow (meaning, you have to fully prepared to pay in cash/card if you don't believe on what they're trying to say!).

In simple terms, while the On-Demand trip is supposed to be charged at regular DRT rates, you could potentially encounter a situation in which you have to pay at regular taxi rates!


While the upcoming ski/snowboard season is near (coupled with the current COVID-19 restrictions), it is anyone’s guess who decides to take this option to/from the ski resorts within Durham Region (it’s even more worse when you try and walk while carrying your ski/snowboard equipment - just to make the long trek to the nearest bus stop!).

Further reading: https://www.durhamregiontransit.com/en/ ... ravel.aspx

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