Mont-Sainte-Anne
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Mont-Sainte-Anne has a full range of services: performance equipment rentals and tuning, restaurants on the mountain and at the base, plenty of activities and outstanding terrain for both alpine and cross-country skiing. With its facilities and runs for every level, this Côte-de-Beaupré mountain is a must-visit in every season.
the complete guide
Mont-Sainte-Anne: Runs, History and Tips
Three Faces, One Mountain
You can ski the mountain on three sides. The south face, looking out over the river and Île d'Orléans, has most of the runs and the most famous view. The north face, often colder, holds its snow longer and appeals to skiers looking for quieter runs. The west face rounds out the area with more relaxed descents. All told, there are about 70 runs, from beginner to expert, plus well-known glades.
Mont-Sainte-Anne at a Glance
- Municipality
- Beaupré, on the Côte-de-Beaupré, about 40 km east of Québec City
- Summit
- about 800 m (2,625 ft)
- Vertical drop
- about 625 m (2,050 ft)
- Runs
- about 70 on three faces
- Night skiing
- about twenty lit runs, with one of the biggest lit verticals in Canada
- Cross-country skiing
- a center with about 200 km of trails, a few kilometers from the alpine resort
A History of World Cups
People were already skiing the mountain in the 1940s, but the modern resort opened in January 1966, with a handful of runs and a gondola. It belonged to the town of Beaupré, then to the Québec government, which made it a park, before being handed over to private operators starting in the 1990s. Mont-Sainte-Anne hosted several World Cup alpine races between the late 1960s and 1990, then became known around the world for its mountain bike World Cups. More recently, snowboard cross has brought it back to the international stage.
The resort has also had some hard winters, including lift incidents in the early 2020s that led to temporary closures. The owners have since announced investments in the lifts. Before you go, check which lifts are running: on a mountain this size, it makes a big difference to your day.
Facilities and Attractions
- Well-groomed conditions and a resort designed with families in mind.
- Slopeside lodging, from condos to a large hotel.
- Runs from beginner to expert and well-known glades.
- Close to Québec City, with shuttles from town in some seasons.
- Snow school, equipment rentals, restaurants, daycare and a fitness room.
Night Skiing
Mont-Sainte-Anne is one of the few big mountains in the East to offer night skiing over much of its vertical. Skiing above the lights of the Côte-de-Beaupré, with the river below, is something to do at least once. Hours vary with the season, so check with the resort.
Cross-Country Skiing
The Mont-Sainte-Anne cross-country center has an excellent reputation. With about 200 km of trails, the vast majority also groomed for skate skiing, it ranks among the largest centers in Canada. It's about 7 km east of the alpine resort, in the Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges area.
Fresh Air for the Whole Family
Between Charlevoix and Québec City, the Côte-de-Beaupré and Mont-Sainte-Anne are a perfect place for a family stay: a range of lodging, winter activities for everyone and the mountain close at hand. See our guide to the Mont-Sainte-Anne and Côte-de-Beaupré area, our page on where to stay at Mont-Sainte-Anne and our tips for family skiing.
Après-Ski and Evenings
In the evening, the action is split between the resort's bars, the microbreweries of the Côte-de-Beaupré and downtown Québec City, 40 minutes away. If you're after a night of gaming, you have two choices: the Loto-Québec gaming hall in Québec City's Beauport district, or a detour of a little over an hour to La Malbaie and the Casino de Charlevoix. To get the lay of the land, read our overview of the Loto-Québec casinos.
