When you love skiing and French, Montreal is a treat! Sometimes you only have to drive less than an hour or take the subway out of the city to enjoy the pleasures of winter. And if you don’t have your equipment yet, we advise you to go to Poubelle de Ski or Ski Shop Rive Sud. Ready yet?
Editor’s Note: This list is not exhaustive. Don’t hesitate to leave your favorite slopes in the comments.
1. La Pente à Neige, métro Angrignon
From December to March, Ignace-Bourget Park offers a wintery space dedicated to winter sports, just a stone’s throw from the Angrignon metro station in Montreal (green line). Skiing, snow tubing, and snowboarding for all ages! The objective? Diversify the use of urban natural spaces by creating a community gathering place to celebrate the cold, and democratize winter sports in the city. A great initiative launched by La Pente à neige and the Sud-Ouest neighborhood. A skating area is available free of charge for everyone. Pay $50 for an unlimited season pass. Website and Facebook page.
2. Station de ski du Mont Orford (1h15 from Montréal), for easy greens and nice blues
Ideal for intermediate skiers who don’t yet dare to venture on the red or black slopes, the Mont Orford ski resort seduces a varied public with its 61 slopes including wooded areas and nine ski lifts. “There’s a beautiful green trail that runs four kilometers along the entire side of the summit, it’s magnificent,” says Amandine Dalleau, of Navette Ski Montreal, also adding that there are some more technical trails certain to thrill skiers and snowboarders. It’s $63 for a regular day ticket for adults (18-64 years old) bought in-person, and much cheaper if you buy online. All rates here. Website and Facebook page.
3. Station de ski Bromont (1h from Montréal), for an smooth ride with a bit of a challenge
With 142 slopes on seven hillsides, the ski resort Bromont offers a variety of experiences for those who enjoy skiing. There are several green and blue slopes for those not comfortable with off-trail skiing. “Approximately 70% of the area is very accessible to all skiers and there are accessible glades that don’t require too much technique,” says Kevin Crozet of Navette Ski Montreal. Fearless skiers can try “The World Cup,” a double-black diamond track with a relatively severe slope. Be careful! Pay $61.20 for an adult day ticket bought on the internet. All rates here. Website and Facebook page.
4. Station du Mont Sutton (1h20 from Montréal), for the family
It’s perhaps the most natural and most family-friendly resort on the list with its 60 slopes of all levels! It should be noted that 45% of the land is made up of forest; the resort allows you to ski in an environment where nature is all around you. It’s also possible to create your own course on the way down with the 204 junctions. Pay $64 for a day ticket for an adult. All rates here. Website and Facebook page.
5. La Station Mont Tremblant (1h30 from Montréal), the most well-known
Mont Tremblant resort is a must-see destination for the unique charm of this small village and its shops. Summer and winter alike, a multitude of activities are offered for tourists, who number higher and higher each year. On the trails, it’s a bit like what you can find in Vermont. The summit of Tremblant is 875 meters high and offers a breathtaking view of the Laurentides. The ski area has 96 slopes on four sides, and there’s something for everyone. It’s 89$ for an adult day ticket. All rates here. Website and Facebook page.
6. Centre de ski Owl’s Head (1h30 from Montréal), the jewel of the East
If you want to ski and enjoy the view at the same time, head towards Mont Owl’s Head, a resort that rises majestically above the shores of Lake Memphremagog, offering safe trails with good skiing conditions, especially for families. Thrill-seekers will also find a stimulating environment with good slopes and forests. In summer, it becomes a golf course. Pay $55 (taxes included) for an adult day ticket. All rates are available here. Website and Facebook page.
7. Sommet Saint-Sauveur (45 minutes from Montréal), the birthplace of skiing
With its 38 slopes, the Sommet Saint-Sauveur has been welcoming skiers of all kinds for over 40 years. Lovers of forests or technical slopes should come here! The resort offers downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and evening skiing. It’s also known for having the longest ski season in Quebec, thanks to its outstanding snowmaking system. It’s $50.99 for 4 hours of skiing during the day for adults (18-59 years old). All rates available here. Website and Facebook page.
8. Sommet Morin Heights (1h15 from Montréal), the authentic escape
Located in the heart of the Laurentian forest, the Summit promises a nice change of scenery and a beautiful escape! On the program: cross-country skiing, or downhill skiing and snowshoeing on the most beautiful snowy hiking trails in the Laurentides. It’s $48.99 for an adult (ages 18-59) day skiing ticket from the opening to 6pm. All rates are available here. Website and Facebook page.
9. Centre de ski Mont Blanc (1h15 from Montréal), steps from Tremblant
Situated only 10 minutes from Mont-Tremblant, Mont Blanc is the second highest summit in the Laurentides and is well known to experienced skiers. With 41 runs and seven ski lifts on three sides, the Mont Blanc ski resort is the perfect place for an outing with friends or family. Hotels and apartments are available for lodging at the foot of the slopes. Charming villages such as Saint-Faustin and Saint-Jovite, among others, where you can find restaurants and shops are just a few minutes away. Pay $55 for a full day of skiing for an adult. All rates here. Website and Facebook page.
10. Mont Saint Bruno (20 minutes de Montréal), the family resort
11. Sommet Gabriel, snow and happiness as you like
Friendly Gabriel Summit is a south-facing ski resort with relatively affordable prices. It has 22 trails and five lifts. There you can practice alpine skiing, evening skiing, and snowboarding. Pay $38.99 for a full day of skiing for an adult, or $30.99 from 3pm onward. All rates here. Website and Facebook page.
Three other locations are also worth the detour but are located on the other side of the border in Vermont: Whiteface, Jay Peak, and Stowe! Nonetheless, if you’re willing to go the distance…
This article first appeared on Maudits Francais.