A weekend or a full week at a cottage in winter? It is the perfect opportunity to hit some of Quebec’s beautiful alpine ski slopes and enjoy après-ski at its best.
“Winter is at its peak, so now is the time to enjoy it,” Josée Cusson, director of communications and marketing at the Association des stations de ski du Québec, recently said. “With the snowfall of the past few weeks, ski resorts are able to offer exceptional snow conditions.”
Here are four ski destinations worth discovering, along with some great après-ski stops in the Eastern Townships, Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, Lanaudière, and the Laurentians.
Owl’s Head – Eastern Townships: tradition meets renewal
As you make your way toward Mansonville in Potton Township, the mountain wrapped in its white winter coat already makes a strong impression.
At the foot of the ski resort, it is hard not to notice how much the property has changed since it was purchased in 2018, along with the golf course and marina, by a group of investors who fell in love with the region.
The transformation first focused on the main lodge, which now features a contemporary design. On the skiing side, major investments were also made.
With climate change making reliable snowmaking increasingly important, Owl’s Head invested in modern equipment designed to provide high-quality artificial snow. And it works. It can be surprisingly difficult to tell the difference between natural and machine-made snow while skiing here.
Another highlight is the spectacular view from the summit, at an elevation of 753 metres, overlooking Lake Memphremagog. You can continue enjoying the view for much of the descent.
Despite the improvements, the resort has maintained its family-friendly atmosphere and reasonable prices.
The mountain offers 125 acres of skiable terrain, a vertical drop of 540 metres, 50 trails for all skill levels, and five lifts, including one double chair and four quad chairs.
Our favourite après-ski stops
- Spa Bolton in Bolton-Est, a great place to enjoy a massage after skiing, surrounded by nature and the sound of the Missisquoi River.
- Owl’s Bread in Magog, an artisan bakery known for prepared dishes and pastries.
Mont-Édouard – Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean: a powder paradise
Located just a few kilometres from the village of L’Anse-Saint-Jean, Mont-Édouard is known as one of Quebec’s snowiest ski areas and one of the resorts where natural snow tends to remain on the ground the longest throughout the season.
The mountain, one of Saguenay’s signature ski destinations, reaches an elevation of 633 metres and offers an impressive vertical drop, with 32 trails and two quad chairlifts.
It is also an excellent destination for anyone looking to discover or improve their alpine touring skills.
The resort has developed an impressive playground across eight off-piste sectors covering approximately 200 acres of mountainous backcountry terrain.
The Sacré-Cœur sector is the most accessible, while some of the more remote terrain is designed for experienced skiers.
Guided outings are also available for those interested in learning more about off-piste skiing and alpine touring, making it easier to explore the terrain with experienced professionals.
Our favourite après-ski stops
- Entre chien et loup, an ecotourism company where you can meet the dog pack and book a dog-sledding adventure.
- La Chasse-Pinte, a local microbrewery where you can pick up one of their organic beers inspired by the boreal forest and enjoy it later in the comfort of your cottage.
Val Saint-Côme – Lanaudière: glades, freestyle skiing and a family atmosphere
Val Saint-Côme is one of Lanaudière’s best-known alpine ski destinations.
Although the resort has been operating for decades, it continues to invest in its facilities. Major upgrades have included improvements to its main lift and the addition of modern grooming equipment.
Natural glades and a welcoming family atmosphere are part of what make the mountain so popular.
Val Saint-Côme offers 36 trails, including 8 illuminated for evening skiing, with a vertical drop of approximately 300 metres.
The resort has three chairlifts and one surface lift.
It is also an exciting destination for freestyle skiing, with its own freestyle skiing centre of excellence and a reputation for hosting major moguls and aerial events.
Our favourite après-ski stops
- Fumoir Saint-Damien in Saint-Damien, where you can pick up maple-wood-smoked products such as duck breast, marinated trout, fondue meats, and raclette selections to enjoy back at the cottage.
- Parc régional de la Chute-à-Bull, where you can enjoy approximately 6 km of snowshoeing trails along the Boule River, with waterfalls and cascades along the way.
Mont Habitant – Laurentians: evening skiing near Saint-Sauveur
Mont Habitant is somewhat of a hidden little brother to Sommet Saint-Sauveur, even though it is located just minutes from downtown Saint-Sauveur.
It is a family-friendly resort with a modest vertical drop of 183 metres, but still offers 11 trails suitable for different levels of skiers.
Its longest run, La Cabane, is an easy 914-metre trail.
Spent a little too much time relaxing at the cottage?
No problem. You can turn your après-ski into even more skiing, with illuminated trails allowing you to stay on the mountain into the evening.
Our favourite après-ski stops
- The resort’s restaurant-bar, Le Trappeur, is a convenient option for grabbing something to eat after skiing.
- NO. 900 pizzeria is also a great option in Saint-Sauveur for picking up a pizza before heading back to the cottage.
FAQ – Downhill Skiing and Après-Ski in Quebec
What are some great downhill skiing destinations in Quebec for a cottage getaway?
Some excellent options include Owl’s Head in the Eastern Townships, Mont-Édouard in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, Val Saint-Côme in Lanaudière and Mont Habitant in the Laurentians. These ski areas make it easy to combine skiing, regional activities and a cottage stay.
Why choose Owl’s Head for a ski getaway?
Owl’s Head is appreciated for its family-friendly atmosphere, numerous ski runs and impressive views of Lake Memphremagog from the summit. The surrounding area also offers several ways to relax and enjoy local food after a day on the slopes.
What makes Mont-Édouard special for skiers?
Mont-Édouard is known for its abundant natural snowfall and opportunities for backcountry and off-piste skiing. It is an especially appealing destination for skiers looking for a more rugged and mountainous experience.
Why is Val Saint-Côme a popular ski destination in Lanaudière?
Val Saint-Côme offers a family-friendly atmosphere, natural glades and a variety of ski runs, including some that are lit for night skiing. The resort is also known for its freestyle skiing training facilities.
Can you go night skiing near Saint-Sauveur?
Yes. Mont Habitant in the Laurentians offers night skiing on illuminated runs. This makes it possible to enjoy a more flexible day and even spend part of the day relaxing at the cottage before heading to the mountain.
What can you do after a day of skiing in Quebec?
Après-ski can include a visit to a spa, restaurant, craft brewery or bakery, a snowshoeing outing, or simply returning to the cottage to relax over a good meal. Quebec ski regions usually offer many options for extending the experience after leaving the slopes.
Why rent a cottage near a ski resort?
A cottage lets you enjoy the mountain during the day and return to a private, comfortable space where you can relax, cook and spend the evening with family or friends. It is an excellent option for a ski weekend or a longer winter getaway.
How can you find a cottage near ski resorts in Quebec?
Cottage Discount features cottage rentals in several of Quebec’s best-known ski regions, including the Laurentians, Lanaudière, the Eastern Townships and Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean. This makes it easier to plan a stay near the ski area that best suits your trip.