SubscribeHere's When All The Major Ski Hills In Quebec Are Opening For The Season
- The snow has fallen... so are you ready to hit the slopes?
- If you just can't wait to get out there and hit the pow, here's a list of Quebec ski hills open now for the winter 2019-2020 season.
- Plus, a look at all the major hills that will be opening soon.
- Visit MTLBlog for more headlines.
Forget December 21 as the day winter officially begins. This weekend is the big weekend for Quebec ski hills, signifying the real start of winter for snow bunnies throughout the province. There are only a handful of ski resorts that opened a little earlier in the month but most are slated to start their pre-season skiing days this coming weekend.
You can already get your skiing on at some of the most popular hills like Tremblant and Sauveur which opened mid to late November. Only a few trails are currently open on these mountains (more will open as the season continues), but it's enough to give you an excuse to head out of the city for a day.
If you want to celebrate the opening of some of your favourite hills, this may be the weekend for you. Take a look at the list below, as there are over ten resorts that are hosting their grand opening weekend over the next three days.
Quebec's slopes may not be as high as some of the mountains out west, but we do have breathtaking landscapes... and even if you're not a skier or snowboarder, these hills have everything from tubing and fat biking to free hot tubs and some of the best après-ski bars.
All dates below are the planned opening and may be subject to change. Also, take note, many of the hills may open this weekend but close the trails during the week for upkeep.
SKI HILLS THAT ARE OPEN
Mont-Tremblant
Where: 1000 Chemin des Voyageurs, Mont-Tremblant
One of the better-known ski hills in Quebec, Mont Tremblant already has 16 runs and six lifts open to the public. There are 102 runs in total, so as the conditions get a little colder and snowier you can have your pick of levels.
Mont Saint-Sauveur
Where: 350 Avenue St Denis, Saint-Sauveur,
Also an early opener, Sommet Saint-Sauveur has seven runs of its 40 in total. You'll find everything from novice runs to black diamond moguls.
Ski Bromont
Where: 150, rue Champlain, Bromont
Located in the Eastern Townships, Mont Bromont has 141 total ski trails. Only about 5% percent of their trails are currently open right now, but the grand opening of the Versant du Village and Chalet du Sommet is planned for November 30.
Stoneham
Where: 600 Chemin du Hibou, Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury
Stoneham has everything you could need from a ski hill, including two free hot tubs in the Arctic Spa Zone that you can slip into after a long day. There is even night skiing and an Olympic half-pipe.
The next pre-season skiing day is November 29, but take a look at the site for updates as the regular ski season doesn't begin until December 7.
Mont Orford
Where: 4380, Chemin du Parc Orford
The launch of the season is set for this weekend and you can get great deals over the next three days. The hills will be closed during the weekdays as they prep the trails and continue snowmaking.
Owl's Head
Where: 40 Chemin du Mont Owls Head, Mansonville
Owl's Head, in the Eastern Townships, has been open since 1965 and keeps on getting better with activities for everyone. Its the fourth-highest ski slope in Quebec where you can ski during the day, enjoy a hot chocolate in the afternoon and head out to a bar at night.
SKI HILLS OPENING SOON
Le Massif de Charlevoix
Where: 1350 Rue Principale, Petite-Rivière-Saint-François
When: November 30
You can go skiing, snowboarding, sledding or take a guided backcountry tour at Le Massif de Charleviox. It's the highest vertical drop east of the Rockies so you know you'll get in some high adrenaline runs.
Mont Ste-Anne
Where: 2000 Boulevard du Beau Pré, Beaupré,
When: November 30
About half an hour from Quebec City, the ski slopes at Mont St-Anne look like they're rising from the St. Lawrence River. There isn't only skiing in the area but ice canyoning, dog-sledding and tubing.
Mont Sutton
Where: 671 Rue Maple, Sutton
When: November 30
A few of the trails are planned to open this weekend but once the weather is in full winter mode there will be 230 skiable acres, 60 trails, and 10 chair lifts.
Mont Blanc
Where: 1006 Rte 117, Saint-Faustin-Lac-Carré
When: November 30
Opening weekend is planned for November 30 and December 1 at this ski resort not even an hour and a half drive from Montreal. Located in the Mont-Tremblant ski region it boasts three peaks, the second-highest elevation, and 42 skiable trails.
Mont Gleason
Where: 280 Chemin du Mont Gleason
When: November 30
Mont Gleason will have a small opening weekend that will see a few of the smaller trails open, but the trails will close again December 2 - December 5 for more maintenance. There will be a new quadruple lift featured this year that opens on December 6.
Mont Rigaud
Where: 321 des Erables, Rigaud
When: November 30
Located in Montreal's suburbs, Mont Regaud is a good place if you're learning to ski or snowboard or plan on taking young ones with you. But being so close to the city, it's a quick way to feel like you're out of the city.
Val-D'Irene
Where: 115 Route de Val d'Irène, Sainte-Irène,
When: December 14
Not only can you test out your skills on 40 trails, but you can also check out the backside of the mountain (there are no chairlifts) that is available for backcountry professionals. This Saturday nearly 96% of the trails will be open.
Ski La Réserve
Where: 56 Chemin du Mont la Réserve, Saint-Donat-de-Montcalm
When: November 30
While the hill opens soon, it will only be open on weekends until December 21. The hill offers something to all levels of skiers from regular trails to moguls, terrain parks, cross country skiing, and glades. There are also snow tubing slopes if that's more your style.
Ski Morin Heights
Where: 231 Rue Allen, Morin-Heights
When: December 7
One of the later hills to open, a trip to these Laurentian slopes are worth it for the picturesque landscape. There may be only 80 skiable acres but the 35 trails will still keep you busy all day.
Ski Mont Gabriel
Where: 1501 Ch du Mont-Gabriel, Sainte-Adèle
When: December 7
Sommet Gabriel may be small but it's known for its south-facing orientation and more importantly, it's very inexpensive passes. It's worth the trip, especially considering it's not even an hour from Montreal.
Mont Olympia
Where: 330 Chemin de la Montagne, Piedmont
When: December 7
This is another great hill for beginners. The trails aren't too steep is and there is a renowned ski school on the premises to help you get down the slopes in one piece.
Mont Avila
Where: 500 Chemin Avila, Piedmont
When: December 13
Mont Avila is part of Sommets Saint-Saveur but needs its own mention. This hill is small. We're talking only 13 trails small. But this is where you go when you're a little nervous to attack the slopes. There is a specifically adapted bunny hill for newbies that has its own lift designed with beginners in mind.
At least the cold weather brings all the cold weather activities!
