More than eight million people live in the province of Quebec, with roughly half living in the greater Montreal area. In our search for the best ski towns in Quebec, however, we are going to venture beyond the big cities and head out into some peaceful, beautiful places.
Conveniently, you don’t have to travel far from the population centers to find some great slopes – and the towns that go with those mountains. Whether you are looking for a great place to take a Canadian ski vacation, or you want to find a town where you can settle down and make a home, the list below is a great starting point.
Beaupre
Beaupre is a beautiful small town just north of Quebec City on the shores of the St. Lawrence River. Route 138 passes right through the middle of Beaupre, making it easy to access from around the area. Just over 4,000 people lived in this town as of 2021, and you’ll understand why they chose to live here when you arrive and see the natural beauty that is all around.
There are two options for skiing within a short distance of the town. The closest, by far, is Mont-Sainte-Anne, which is only a few minutes away. This is a large ski area, as well as the highest in the region – there are more than 500 skiable acres and a summit elevation of just over 2,600’.
You’ll have the chance to try out 71 different trails and Mont-Sainte-Anne, including 19 of which that are available for night skiing adventures. A nice spread of difficulties is featured here, and the season often stretches out to the middle of April.
If you’d like to spend a bit more time in the car before skiing for the day, you can drive from Beaupre up Route 138 to Le Massif de Charlevoix. The notable feature here is the layout of the terrain – you ski down the slopes and head directly for the St. Lawrence River in the distance below.
It’s an incredible sight and one you aren’t likely to enjoy anywhere else. Over 400 acres are available spread across 53 trails, and plenty of other winter activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding are also available.
Mont-Tremblant
If you were familiar with any Quebec ski towns prior to reading this article, it was probably this one. Mont-Tremblant is the big player in the Quebec ski game, so you’ll at least want to consider this option before deciding where you are going to point your GPS. Although you feel like you’re deep into the rural lands of Quebec when you reach the Village of Mont-Tremblant, it’s only a modest 90-minute drive from Montreal to get to this town of around 10,000 people.
It’s the Mont-Tremblant Ski Resort that is the major attraction for this town, offering plenty of other ways to enjoy your time while not on the slopes. Given the popularity of this resort destination, it’s no surprise that many excellent places to eat are available, and upscale lodging can be found. Be sure to take some time to check out the shopping and dining offered on Rue de St Jovite, which runs right through the heart of town.
One of the best ski areas east of the Rockies, you’ll find that the popularity of this place is no accident. A great experience on your skis or board awaits, with more than 100 runs spread out over an impressive 630 acres.
More than 2,000 feet of vertical drop is to be enjoyed from the summit to the base. There are 15 double diamond runs for the talented and experienced skiers in your group. 14 lifts help to keep wait times down, as the system as a whole can move in excess of 25,000 skiers in an hour.
You may also find yourself spending quite a bit of time in the pedestrian village at the base of the ski hill. Those who have spent time in Whistler may notice some similarities between the two villages, although what you’ll find at Mont-Tremblant has a distinct Quebec feel that is different from the Pacific Northwest vibe of Whistler Village.
Bromont
Traveling east and slightly south from Montreal, you’ll arrive in Bromont, just miles from the border with Vermont. Significant growth has taken place there in recent years, with the population more than doubling since the turn of the century. Now the town is called home by over 11,000 people.
Unlike many ski towns in Quebec and elsewhere, Bromont features an active business community, so many people are drawn here for work opportunities and wind up falling in love with the active lifestyle that the town makes possible.
Ski Bromont is located very near to town and is one of the more impressive ski areas in the province. With 1,175’ of vertical drop, you’ll have more elevation change here than most of the local alternatives, and there are 143 trails to go along with 8 snow parks.
Ample snowmaking capabilities make this a reliable destination even when the weather isn’t exactly cooperating. Interestingly, the skiing here takes place on seven different slopes, so you can explore a variety of spots on the property and have diverse experiences throughout your stay.
Orford
The township of Orford, like Bromont, is quite close to the U.S. border. Around 5,000 people call this place home, which is a great size for a ski town that provides sufficient amenities along with ample peace and quiet.
You’ll find a few local restaurants here, plenty of lodging options, and tons of untouched wilderness. The ski area is within the Mont-Orford National Park, so if you would like to go for a hike or enjoy any other kinds of outdoor activities beyond skiing, you’ll have plenty of options to do so nearby.
Mont Orford provides skiers with around 850’ of vertical drop, starting from an elevation at the top of roughly 2,800’. There are 61 total runs served by a gondola, four chairs, and four magic carpets. One of the standout features of this ski area is the abundance of difficult runs – accomplished skiers aren’t going to get bored here, as it offers a nice challenge despite the modest overall elevation drop.
Stoneham
Stoneham is one of those towns that has built up over the years largely due to the presence of the ski area. In 2021, almost 10,000 people lived in the town, which is just a short half-hour drive north from the heart of Quebec City. All of the basics you’ll need are found here, such as a grocery store and a few places to eat, and there is even a golf course if you stay for the summer months.
Stoneham Mountain Resort is found just a short drive up the mountain from town and is notable for its annual hosting of the Snowboard FIS World Cup Finals. When the snowboarding pros aren’t in town, this is an accessible ski and boarding area that offers a nice variety of terrain over a total of 820 acres.
All of the standard features are in place to make this an enjoyable skiing experience, including snowmaking, a system of four quad lifts, 42 different runs to try, and available night skiing. With a summit elevation just shy of 2,000 feet, Stoneham will take you a bit higher up into the clouds than many of the other nearby ski options.
Saint-Sauveur
Located less than an hour northwest of Montreal, you’ll be amazed at how quiet and peaceful Saint-Sauveur can feel despite its proximity to a major city. The population of this town was just over 11,000 in 2021, giving it enough size to offer services, shops, and restaurants, while still maintaining a relaxed, ski town vibe.
One of the cool things about this town is the proximity of the ski slopes to the city streets. There is no long drive required here to hit the snow – you’ll be on the hill in a matter of moments if you’ve been staying in Saint-Sauveur. Other than skiing, you’ll also enjoy the dining experiences available here, many of which are located on Rue Principale.
Sommet Saint-Sauveur is where you’ll be heading when it’s time to get out your skis or board. There are 43 trails here, distributed nicely all the way from easy up to double diamond. Eight lifts serve the property, which spreads out over 142 acres and reaches a peak elevation of 1,365 feet.
By picking the right town, and the right ski area, you can enjoy an outstanding experience on the slopes in Quebec. There are many different types of runs accounted for in the aforementioned Canadian destinations, so take some time to determine which is right for you, as well as your family or friends.
Have fun up there and if you’re heading west, consider BC’s top ski towns for your next winter adventure in the Great White North!
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