Discover Quebec's Premier Ski Destinations
Quebec's ski resorts offer a blend of challenges and leisurely slopes, with the Laurentian Mountains being just one of the many regions to explore. The province's eastern ski areas, including those near Quebec City and along the Vermont border, cater to all skill levels and boast excellent snow conditions and meticulous grooming.
The Eastern Townships are a lesser-known gem, rich in history and bilingual in French and English, ensuring a welcoming experience for English-speaking visitors.
Eastern Canadian skiing differs from the West with lower elevations and less frequent deep powder, but advanced snowmaking technologies ensure a quality experience. Quebec's ski areas are known for their steeps, moguls, and glades, and their proximity allows skiers to explore multiple resorts in one trip.
1. Mont Tremblant
Mont Tremblant stands out with its French Alpine charm and a traffic-free village. Located 128 kilometers north of Montreal, it guarantees ample snowfall, complemented by top-notch snowmaking. The resort features over 755 skiable acres, with a balance of beginner, intermediate, and expert trails. The new Timber Summit terrain and a $1.4 million beginner area are recent additions. Mont Tremblant is also family-friendly, offering a range of activities and lessons.
Official site: https://www.tremblant.ca
2. Mont-Sainte-Anne
Near Quebec City, Mont-Sainte-Anne boasts 70 trails across three mountains and is renowned for its night skiing. The resort offers a mix of terrains, with a notable beginner trail from the summit and extensive snowmaking. Experts will enjoy the glades and mogul runs, while the north side offers excellent intermediate terrain.
Official site: www.mont-sainte-anne.com
3. Le Massif de Charlevoix
Le Massif, with its spectacular views and steep runs, is unique with its top-down layout. It caters to advanced skiers with a high vertical drop and new glades. Cross-country trails offer stunning vistas, and the resort is known for its exceptional food service.
Official site: https://www.lemassif.com
4. Mont Orford
Mont Orford's skiing spans three mountains within a national park, offering trails for all levels and a section of undisturbed natural snow. The resort is known for its challenging black diamond runs and family-friendly cross-country trails.
Official site: https://montorford.com
5. Bromont
Bromont features 155 trails across four mountains, providing a vast variety of terrain. The resort is popular for night skiing and family-friendly with a learning area and water park at the base.
Official site: https://www.bromontmontagne.com/en/
6. Mount Sutton
Close to the US border, Mont Sutton is celebrated for its glades and challenging upper mountain terrain. The resort also offers a family zone and is known for its heavy snowfall.
Official site: www.montsutton.com/en
7. Saint-Sauveur and Les Sommets
Saint-Sauveur and Avila offer 40 trails with a range from beginner to expert-rated runs. The area is known for night skiing and features Quebec's largest snowpark.
Official site: https://www.sommets.com
8. Owls Head
Owl's Head combines a retro vibe with modern snow-making and grooming. The resort offers a panoramic view and a balanced mix of trails for all skill levels, along with backcountry skiing spaces.
Official site: www.owlshead.com/en
9. Stoneham
Stoneham Ski Resort, close to Quebec City, has 42 trails and is a favorite for boarders with Quebec's only Olympic half pipe. It also offers night skiing and family-friendly glades.
Official site: https://ski-stoneham.com/en/
Tips for Choosing the Best Ski Resort
Here's a quick guide to Quebec's best ski resorts based on specific preferences:
- Best for Experts: Mont Tremblant, Mont Orford
- Best for Beginners: Bromont, Mont Ste Anne
- Best for Freestyle and Boarders: Saint-Sauveur, Stoneham, Mont Tremblant
- Best for Backcountry and Natural Snow: Owl's Head, Mont Tremblant, Mount Orford
Where to Go Cross-Country Skiing in Quebec
Quebec offers abundant cross-country skiing opportunities, with extensive trail networks in both Montreal and Québec City. Mont-Sainte-Anne, Camp Mercier, Sentiers du Moulin, Forêt Montmorency, and the Plains of Abraham are notable spots in Québec City. In Montreal, Maisonneuve Park, Cap-Saint-Jaques Nature Park, and Bois-de-l'Île-Bizard Nature Park are popular among skiers.
