The best ski resort for families in Québec in 2025 is Le Massif de Charlevoix, known for its safe learning zones, excellent kids’ programs, and warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes it ideal for families. That said, several other mountains also offer great options depending on what your crew is looking for.
In this guide, we highlight the 8 best family-friendly ski resorts, outlining their advantages, unique features, and why parents and kids alike enjoy them for winter family vacations.
1. Le Massif de Charlevoix (Charlevoix)
Located in Petite-Rivière-Saint-François, just under an hour northeast of Québec City, Le Massif de Charlevoix is renowned for its spectacular scenery overlooking the St. Lawrence River. Its impressive vertical drop and panoramic views offer a unique experience appreciated by families and avid skiers alike.
When it comes to seasonal programs, the resort offers a variety of family-focused activities, including a beginner zone with a magic carpet and ski lessons for children starting at age three. Additional winter activities may be available, providing fun for young winter-sports fans. The atmosphere is welcoming and family-friendly, with a distinctly Québécois touch.
Available accommodations
Le Massif doesn’t have a large slope-side village, but there are several accommodation options, including:
- Chalets and shelters: Beautiful chalets for rent in Petite-Rivière-Saint-François at the top of the ski mountain or nestled at the foot of the mountain, for an unforgettable four-season stay.
- Apartments: Located at the foot of the mountain, as well as near hiking trails, our apartments for rent enjoy a prime setting in the heart of Petite-Rivière-Saint-François.
- Studios for rent: Nestled at the top of the mountain, in the Chalets‑Forêt area of Petite‑Rivière‑Saint‑François, they are perfect for fully enjoying all the mountain activities in Charlevoix.
2. Belle Neige (Laurentians)
Located in Val-Morin, in the heart of the Laurentians, Belle Neige is a resort that truly focuses on the family experience. With a mid-sized ski area and a modest vertical drop, it offers a safe, welcoming environment, ideal for families who want to introduce their children to skiing or simply enjoy a gentle day in the mountains.
The resort features dedicated areas for young children, including the “sentier des toutous,” where little ones can fully enjoy the experience, as well as a magic carpet and a well-regarded ski school known for its accessible, beginner-friendly approach.
Belle Neige also stands out for its warm atmosphere and straightforward organization, something parents especially appreciate when looking for a less overwhelming alternative to the region’s larger resorts during winter holidays. The runs are well maintained and the crowds are usually lighter, allowing kids and beginners to progress at their own pace.
3. Val Saint-Côme (Lanaudière)
Located less than 90 minutes from Montréal, Val Saint-Côme is a ski destination highly appreciated by families thanks to its balance of accessibility, warm atmosphere, and diverse terrain. With about 300 m of vertical and more than sixty runs of varying difficulty, including several lit for night skiing, the mountain offers something for every family member, from the youngest beginners to intermediate or advanced parents.
The ski school, known for its friendly and supportive approach, reinforces the family-oriented character of the resort. Essential services are also available on-site, including equipment rentals, a shop, dining options, and ski-in/ski-out lodging that makes family stays even easier.
4. Owl's Head (Eastern Townships)
Located in Mansonville, in the heart of the Eastern Townships, Owl’s Head is a ski resort known for its family-friendly atmosphere and exceptional natural setting. With about 540 m of vertical and a summit overlooking Lake Memphrémagog, the resort offers stunning views that captivate both parents and nature-loving kids.
The ski area features nearly fifty runs spread across all difficulty levels, making family outings easy to manage: beginners quickly find their footing on the green runs and learning zones, while more advanced skiers can enjoy technical trails. The experience is generally quieter than at larger resorts, meaning shorter lift lines and a more relaxed overall vibe.
5. Mont Comi (Gaspésie)
Parc du Mont-Comi, located south of Rimouski, more specifically in Saint-Donat in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region, is a ski resort known for its warm, family-friendly atmosphere. With a summit reaching about 575 m and just over 300 m of vertical, the mountain offers around thirty varied runs suited both to young beginners and more experienced parents.
The resort features a well-designed learning area, plenty of easy and intermediate trails, as well as a few glades and more technical descents for advanced skiers. The overall vibe is distinctly regional: simple, friendly service, essential amenities (ski school, rentals, dining), and practical ski-in/ski-out lodging options ideal for large families or groups planning a ski getaway.
6. Le Valinouët (Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean)
Located in the heart of the Monts-Valin, Le Valinouët is known as one of the few ski resorts in Québec that offers 100% natural snow all season long. With about 350 m of vertical and more than 35 km of trails, it provides an authentic, snow-rich playground, thanks to the abundant snowfall typical of the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region.
For families, Le Valinouët stands out for its friendly atmosphere and relaxed pace. Lift access is generally smooth, the trails are well maintained, and the resort has an intimate, manageable layout that makes it easy to get around with kids.
Beyond downhill skiing, the resort offers several winter activities, such as tubing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and fat biking, so everyone can enjoy the mountain in their own way.
7. Mont Garceau (Lanaudière)
Located in Saint-Donat, in the heart of the Lanaudière region, Mont Garceau is known as one of the most family-friendly ski resorts in the area. With about 305 m of vertical and around thirty varied runs, the mountain offers an ideal balance between accessibility for beginners and fun for intermediate skiers.
What truly sets Garceau apart is its warm, laid-back atmosphere. The ski school is well developed, a real advantage for families with young children, and the learning areas are easy to reach thanks to magic carpets. There’s also a nice variety of terrain, giving everyone something to enjoy without the mountain ever feeling overwhelming.
8. Les Sommets (Laurentians)
Les Sommets encompass several ski resorts located in the heart of the Laurentians, all known for their warm atmosphere and family-friendly accessibility. The network offers a wide range of winter activities, alpine skiing, beginner zones, tubing, and outdoor trails for winter hiking, making it an ideal destination for parents looking for a simple outing that suits all ages.
Thanks to their proximity to Montréal, the Les Sommets resorts are perfect for both day trips and short getaways. The ski schools are well established and provide supportive instruction for children and new skiers, while intermediate and experienced skiers will also find plenty to enjoy with a varied selection of runs.
Enjoy Family Skiing at Le Massif de Charlevoix!
Are you looking for the perfect place to bring your family together for a memorable winter experience? Le Massif de Charlevoix awaits with terrain suited to all levels and breathtaking views overlooking the St. Lawrence.
Enjoy our variety of activities, local cuisine, and comfortable accommodations that make every stay unforgettable.
Book your family adventure now!
Frequently Asked Questions About Family-Friendly Ski Resorts
Do all ski resorts have slopes adapted for children?
Most ski resorts offer areas specifically designed for children, though the extent varies by location. These special zones typically feature gentle slopes with minimal incline, making them perfect for young beginners finding their snow legs. Quality family resorts invest in professional instruction programs where certified teachers use age-appropriate techniques to build confidence.
Your little ones will benefit from staff trained to handle children's unique learning needs while enjoying facilities built with safety as the top priority.
Are ski lifts suitable for kids?
Ski lifts at family-oriented resorts incorporate numerous safety features including restraint bars and reduced speeds for younger passengers. Many establishments maintain specific height requirements, usually around 90-120 cm, depending on the lift type.
Patrol teams monitor operations continuously, ensuring proper boarding and dismounting procedures. We recommend accompanying your children during their first several lift experiences until they develop comfort with the process, as parental guidance remains essential even at resorts with excellent safety records.
Can we bring young children who don't ski yet?
You absolutely can bring non-skiing children to family resorts! Many destinations provide supervised indoor play spaces filled with activities to keep little ones entertained while parents hit the slopes. Daycare services staffed by qualified childcare professionals offer peace of mind for families with babies or toddlers.
Your youngsters might enjoy alternative snow experiences such as tubing, sledding, or snow castle building, activities that create magical winter memories without requiring ski skills.
Updated on 12/17/2025