Planning a Ski Trip to Québec City and Charlevoix
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One ticket, three mountains, lodging from Québec City to Charlevoix: that was the promise of the original site. Even today, the region is perfectly suited to a trip that takes in several resorts. Here's how to plan one.
your ski trip
When to Go
| Period | Snow and atmosphere | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Early December | Runs open gradually | Variable coverage, rates often lower |
| Holidays | Festive atmosphere, sometimes intense cold | Very busy, book early |
| January | Cold snow, quieter runs on weekdays | The coldest days of winter |
| February | Good snow base, Québec Winter Carnival | City lodging in high demand |
| March | Often the best snow, longer days | Spring break: one very crowded week |
| April | Spring skiing, après-ski in the sun | Closing depends on snow cover |
How Many Days?
A long weekend lets you ski two mountains. A week lets you do it all: two days at Le Massif, two at Mont-Sainte-Anne, an evening at Stoneham, a day in Québec City and a night out in Charlevoix, at a restaurant or the casino. To avoid unpacking every night, choose two bases: Québec City or the Côte-de-Beaupré, then Baie-Saint-Paul or La Malbaie.
Which Mountain for Whom?
For strong skiers and scenery lovers. Long runs, plenty of snow, views of the river.
For all levels and families. Three faces, night skiing, a big cross-country center.
For a half day or an evening near Québec City. Terrain parks and night skiing.
Tickets and Packages
The resorts sell their tickets online, often for less than at the window if you buy ahead. For several years, a joint card let you ski several mountains in the region; the options change with the seasons and the owners. Compare each resort's tickets, the ski-and-stay packages offered by hotels and season passes if you come back often. This guide sells no tickets or packages.
Equipment and Clothing
- On-site rentals: all the mountains rent skis, snowboards, boots and helmets. Reserve online during school breaks.
- Dress in layers: a technical base layer, a wool or fleece mid layer and a waterproof jacket. Days at −20 °C (−4 °F) are not unusual in January.
- Protect your face: a neck warmer, goggles and sunscreen, because the sun on the snow and the wind off the river burn fast.
- Hand and foot warmers are easy to find in the shops.
Budget: Where to Save
Without quoting prices, which change every season, here's what makes a difference: ski on weekdays, buy tickets ahead, share a chalet, pack your lunches and take advantage of multi-day deals. As for evenings, Québec City and Charlevoix have it all: a microbrewery, a fine restaurant, a Nordic spa or a night at the Casino de Charlevoix, where admission is free and low-stakes tables suit every budget.
What's next: getting here, family skiing and our lodging guides.
