The best place to ski during the holiday season is Le Massif de Charlevoix, an exceptional destination known for its impeccable snow conditions, spectacular views of the river, and festive atmosphere unique to Québec. But several other destinations also deserve your attention, depending on what you’re looking for.
In this guide, we highlight the 7 best ski destinations for the holidays, along with their strengths, what sets them apart, and why they’re excellent choices for your winter vacation.
The seven destinations
1. Le Massif de Charlevoix
Located in Petite-Rivière-Saint-François, Le Massif de Charlevoix is a must-visit ski destination during the holiday season. Known for its impressive vertical drop and its exceptional views of the St. Lawrence River, Le Massif offers a unique playground with a variety of slopes, appealing to both intermediate skiers and those with more experience.
Its high-quality natural snow, authentically Québec atmosphere, and fun complementary activities, such as the famous sled run, make it a perfect spot for a memorable winter getaway, especially during Christmas and the end-of-year festivities.
Available Accommodations
Le Massif de Charlevoix offers several appealing lodging options for a comfortable stay during the holiday season.
- Chalets and refuges: Beautiful chalets for rent in Petite-Rivière-Saint-François at the mountain summit or nestled at the foot of the mountain, for an unforgettable four-season stay.
- Apartments: Located at the base of the mountain and near hiking trails, our apartments for rent enjoy a prime location in the heart of Petite-Rivière-Saint-François.
- Studios for rent: Nestled at the mountain summit in the Chalets‑Forêt area of Petite‑Rivière‑Saint‑François, these studios have an ideal location to fully enjoy all the mountain activities in Charlevoix.
Overall, with its calm nightlife and numerous lodging options, the accommodation experience in Charlevoix stands out for its charm, comfort, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere so characteristic of the region.
2. Owl’s Head
Located in the Eastern Townships on the shores of the stunning Lake Memphrémagog, Owl’s Head is a ski mountain known for its spectacular panoramic views.
With 50 runs and a large ski area designed for both beginners and intermediate skiers, the mountain offers a relaxed, family-friendly, and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for a holiday getaway with kids or the whole family.
Owl’s Head’s charm comes as much from its natural surroundings as from its calmer vibe compared to major ski centres. You’ll find wide, well-groomed trails and reliable snow conditions, enhanced by recent investments in snowmaking, ensuring good coverage throughout the holiday season. The summit offers exceptional views of the lake, creating an almost magical winter setting.
3. Val-Saint-Côme
Located in the Lanaudière region, about 90 minutes from Montréal, Val-Saint-Côme is a ski destination appreciated for its warm atmosphere and varied terrain. With roughly 300 metres of vertical drop and more than 60 runs, a dozan of which are lit for night skiing, it offers an experience well suited to both beginners and more advanced skiers.
Glades, mogul runs, and freestyle training facilities add diversity to the terrain, while ski-in/ski-out lodging lets visitors fully immerse themselves in the mountain ambiance during the holidays.
Val-Saint-Côme stands out for its accessibility and its friendly, family-oriented atmosphere, making it an excellent destination for a winter getaway where you can switch between skiing, other winter sports, relaxation, and festive moments. However, its more moderate vertical drop and relatively compact ski area may feel limited to expert skiers looking for long descents.
4. Bromont
Located in the heart of the Eastern Townships, less than an hour from Montréal, Bromont is one of Québec’s most accessible and versatile ski destinations. Known for having one of the largest lit ski areas in North America, the mountain truly shines during the holiday season, when its warm atmosphere and wide range of activities make it a natural choice for a winter getaway.
Bromont offers a wide variety of runs for every skill level, from beginners to advanced skiers, and benefits from a robust snowmaking system that ensures good conditions even when the weather is unpredictable. It’s also the perfect place to enjoy night skiing, an experience that lets you extend your time on the slopes and partly avoid peak daytime crowds.
5. Mont Sutton
Located in the heart of the Eastern Townships, Mont Sutton is one of the most beloved ski destinations for its authentic and welcoming atmosphere. Unlike large tourist complexes, Sutton focuses on a more intimate mountain experience rooted in nature and a strong community spirit. Its varied terrain, made up largely of glades, makes it a must-visit destination for backcountry skiing enthusiasts and for anyone who enjoys skiing in a unique forest setting.
The mountain offers a well-balanced mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs, making it an ideal option for families and groups with mixed skill levels. The nearby village of Sutton enhances the experience with its cafés, microbreweries, and local shops, all of which contribute to a festive vibe during the holiday season.
6. Mont-Blanc
Located at the foot of Europe’s most iconic mountain range, Chamonix–Mont-Blanc is one of the most sought-after ski destinations for the holiday season. The village, charming on its own, takes on a magical feel at this time of year: a majestic alpine setting, lively streets, a warm Christmas atmosphere, and breathtaking views dominated by Mont Blanc and the Aiguilles de Chamonix.
The ski area is vast and varied, offering technical runs for advanced skiers as well as more accessible terrain for intermediates. Adventure lovers are especially drawn to the off-piste routes, while those looking for a gentler experience can enjoy village life, cafés, spas, and a wide selection of alternative winter activities.
7. Mont-Tremblant
Located in the heart of the Laurentians, Mont-Tremblant is one of Québec’s most popular ski destinations during the holiday season. Its colourful pedestrian village, inspired by European resorts, creates a warm and festive atmosphere that appeals to both families and outdoor enthusiasts. You’ll find a wide variety of runs for all skill levels, along with an abundant après-ski offering: restaurants, bars, shops, seasonal events, and even a nearby casino.
Mont-Tremblant stands out for its accessibility, about 1.5 to 2 hours from Montréal, and for the convenience of being able to walk everywhere, which is especially appreciated on cold December days. The ski area offers a good mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs, as well as glades and an efficient snowmaking system that ensures reliable conditions even early in the season.
Celebrate an Unforgettable Holiday Season at Le Massif de Charlevoix
Looking for the perfect winter holiday spot that combines amazing skiing with breathtaking views? At Le Massif, we offer you the highest vertical drop east of the Canadian Rockies with spectacular panoramas of the St. Lawrence River.
Our mountain welcomes everyone from beginners to experts, with accommodations and delicious local food to complete your experience.
Book today to turn your holiday season into unforgettable memories!
Frequently Asked Questions About Holiday Skiing
When should you book to get the best prices?
For holiday ski trips, booking 4-6 months ahead typically offers significant savings. Early autumn presents an ideal time to secure December and January ski packages, with many mountains providing discounts.
Some ski destinations release special flash sales during off-season months, particularly August and September, which savvy travellers can leverage for substantial deals.
What essential gear do you need for skiing in December?
December skiing requires proper preparation with cold-weather gear that keeps you warm without restricting movement. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add an insulating mid-layer, then top with a waterproof, breathable jacket and pants that shield against snow and wind.
Quality ski boots that fit correctly make a huge difference in comfort and performance throughout your holiday. Protective equipment such as helmets, goggles, and impact shorts help prevent injuries on busy holiday slopes.
Pack extras like hand warmers, neck gaiters, and multiple pairs of wool socks to stay comfortable during changing mountain conditions. Sunscreen remains necessary even in winter as snow reflects UV rays, intensifying potential skin damage at higher altitudes.
How can you easily get to Le Massif?
Le Massif welcomes visitors through several convenient transportation options that make your holiday journey smooth. Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport serves as the primary gateway, located about 60 minutes' drive (approximately 82 km) from the mountain. Shuttle and private transfer services are available, especially during the ski season, to facilitate travel between the airport and Le Massif.
Travellers can take advantage of the scenic train route "Le Massif de Charlevoix" that runs from Quebec City directly to the base of the mountain, offering spectacular St. Lawrence River views along the way.
Car rentals provide flexibility for families bringing extensive gear, though winter tires become mandatory from December through March on Quebec highways.
Updated 12/9/2025