Quebec Ski Holidays

Skiing in Quebec

Quebec’s ski areas offer something for every level of skier or snowboarder, from absolute beginners making their first turns to seasoned experts seeking challenge. While the verticals are smaller than the Alps or the Rockies, the province still packs in plenty of terrain variety. One of Quebec’s strengths is the diversity of skiable terrain on offer. At Le Massif de Charlevoix in particular, skiers will find everything from gentle beginner slopes to moguls, glades, terrain parks and expert terrain. You’ll find everything from gentle bunny hills and long cruising boulevards, to mogul runs, glade skiing in the trees, terrain parks with halfpipes, and even some off-piste powder for the adventurous.

There are a number of ski areas surrounding Quebec, but we will focus on Le Massif de Charlevoix, the area accessible from Club Med Québec Charlevoix.

Beginners skiing

Le Massif de Charlevoix is well suited to beginners, particularly those learning in a structured, supportive environment. The mountain has clearly defined beginner zones, including a dedicated learning area near the summit with gentle gradients and wide, confidence-building slopes. This allows new skiers to practise away from faster traffic while still enjoying spectacular views over the St Lawrence River.

Beginner terrain at Le Massif isn’t limited to short nursery slopes. The resort offers one of the longest continuous beginner runs in Eastern Canada, allowing novices to ski from high on the mountain all the way down in a single, scenic descent.

Intermediate skiing in Quebec

Intermediate skiers will find Le Massif de Charlevoix particularly rewarding. The mountain’s large vertical drop creates long, rolling blue runs that encourage rhythm and flow, rather than short, stop-start pistes. Many intermediate trails descend for several kilometres, offering sustained skiing with consistently good snow conditions.

The upper mountain, served by high-elevation lifts, tends to hold snow exceptionally well thanks to colder temperatures and frequent grooming. This makes it ideal for confident intermediates looking to refine technique on wide, well-prepared pistes. Signature runs such as Grande-Pointe and La Petite-Rivière deliver long, scenic descents with uninterrupted views over the St Lawrence.

Because Le Massif is less crowded than many European resorts, intermediates benefit from plenty of space, minimal lift queues, and a relaxed pace on the slopes.

Advanced skiing in Quebec

Advanced skiers will be surprised by the challenge Le Massif de Charlevoix offers.

A significant proportion of the terrain is rated black or double black, including long, fall-line descents that are often left ungroomed. Mogul runs such as La Charlevoix test endurance, while the upper mountain provides steeper gradients and colder conditions that preserve snow quality.

Le Massif is also well known for its glade skiing. Marked tree runs range from open, flowing lines to tighter, more technical sections, allowing advanced skiers to choose their level of commitment. With fewer crowds than major Alpine resorts, experienced skiers can often find fresh snow in the trees well after a storm.

Snowboarding

Snowboarders are well catered for at Le Massif de Charlevoix, thanks to its varied terrain and strong snow reliability. Wide, well-groomed pistes suit carving, while the mountain’s natural fall lines and rolling terrain work particularly well for all-mountain riding.

Tree skiing is a major highlight for snowboarders. Le Massif’s glades provide flowing lines through the forest, offering excellent freeriding opportunities after fresh snowfall without the need to venture far from marked terrain.

Freestyle riders are not overlooked, with terrain park features integrated into the mountain, alongside natural side hits and rollers on piste edges. Snowboarding here feels relaxed and uncrowded, with plenty of space to ride at your own pace.

Freestyle and snow parks in Quebec

Freestyle at Le Massif de Charlevoix focuses on quality over scale. Rather than vast park complexes, the emphasis is on well-shaped features that complement the natural terrain. Riders will find a mix of jumps, rails, and playful features designed to suit both developing and confident freestylers.

The mountain’s natural topography also lends itself to freestyle skiing and riding beyond the park. Rollers, banks, and side hits appear naturally along piste edges, while fresh snow transforms parts of the mountain into an ideal playground for creative lines.

Off-piste skiing

Off-piste skiing at Le Massif de Charlevoix is defined by its extensive glade network and controlled expert zones rather than high-alpine bowls. Many of the mountain’s most rewarding runs lie between the trees, offering a genuine off-piste feel within clearly defined resort boundaries.

For experts seeking more adventure, Le Massif also offers hike-accessed terrain on the mountain’s outer edges. These zones are steep, ungroomed, and demanding, providing a true test of skill.