Le Massif de Charlevoix
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Le Massif de Charlevoix is renowned for its authenticity and for what it alone can offer: a spectacular view of the St. Lawrence River, long scenic runs that seem to tumble straight into the water, and a microclimate that delivers loads of snow. It's a singular place, shared by passionate skiers and riders who come to take on its roughly 770 meters of vertical.
the complete guide
Le Massif de Charlevoix: The Mountain Guide
An Upside-Down Mountain
At Le Massif, you often arrive at the top. The main parking lot and the summit lodge sit on the plateau, at about 800 meters of elevation, and your day begins with a run down toward the river, almost to sea level. That's what gives the mountain its character: every turn opens onto Isle-aux-Coudres, the south shore and the ice of the St. Lawrence. There's a second access at the base of the slopes, on the Petite-Rivière-Saint-François side, along Route 138.
Le Massif at a Glance
- Municipality
- Petite-Rivière-Saint-François, about 70 km northeast of Québec City
- Summit
- about 806 m (2,640 ft)
- Vertical drop
- about 770 m (2,525 ft), the highest east of the Canadian Rockies, according to the resort
- Runs
- about 50, from green to double black, plus glades and a well-known off-piste sector
- Natural snow
- more than six meters a winter on average, according to figures published by the resort
- Claim to fame
- a sled run of about 7.5 km (4.7 miles), a rarity in North America
A Little History
The first skiers tackled these slopes in the late 1970s, towed to the summit by snowmobile from Route 138. Commercial operations followed in the 1980s, first with buses that carried skiers back up, and the first ski lift wasn't installed until the early 1990s. In 2002, Cirque du Soleil co-founder Daniel Gauthier bought the resort and launched a major development project: a gondola, new lodges, accommodations and, later, a Club Med complex that opened at the summit in the early 2020s. A tourist train also linked Québec City to the base of the mountain for several seasons; its service has varied over the years, so check whether it's running before you plan a trip around it.
The Terrain
Le Massif appeals first of all to intermediate and advanced skiers. The long cruisers run for several kilometers without a break, which is hard on the thighs but makes every run worth it. Experts will find sustained black runs, glades and an off-piste sector that made the mountain's name on storm days. Beginners aren't forgotten, with learning areas and a snow school, but the overall terrain stays demanding: a family with very young skiers may have more options at Mont-Sainte-Anne.
Facilities and Attractions
- The highest vertical drop in Eastern Canada and plenty of natural snow.
- A well-known off-piste sector and marked glades.
- A sled run of about 7.5 km, unique in eastern North America.
- Generous regional cooking made with Charlevoix products.
- Lively après-ski and major annual events.
- Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and, in some seasons, helicopter tours.
- Daycare and a snow school, with adaptive lessons for skiers with reduced mobility.
- Shuttles from Québec City on certain days, and lodging in Baie-Saint-Paul and Petite-Rivière-Saint-François.
Sledding: The Other Way Down
Le Massif's sled run is an attraction in its own right: about 7.5 km of descent through breathtaking scenery, with a guide, a helmet and a sled built for the course. Couples, friends, families and groups get to discover the mountain from an entirely different angle. Reserve ahead during school breaks, since departures are limited. We also cover it in our guide to winter activities.
A Unique Experience
If you love big scenery and big thrills, Le Massif is for you: runs for every kind of skier, a restaurant practically at cloud level and no compromise on the view. On top of skiing and riding, Charlevoix offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, sledding and even helicopter tours. For the rest of the region, see our guide to the Charlevoix area and our look at Charlevoix food.
Après-Ski: From Baie-Saint-Paul to the Casino
After the last run, you have two options. The first is Baie-Saint-Paul, about twenty minutes away, with its galleries, microbrewery and bistros. The second takes a little more driving: about an hour east on Route 138 to La Malbaie and the Casino de Charlevoix, next door to the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu. Plenty of skiers wrap up their Saturday there with dinner, a few hands of blackjack or a seat at a poker table, then head back to Le Massif on Sunday morning. Our ski and casino weekend itinerary lays out how it all fits together.
Our tip: the wind off the river can make the summit bitterly cold even on a clear day. Bring a neck warmer and goggles, and check the conditions the resort publishes that morning before you hit the road.
