Le Massif de Charlevoix is a ski mountain where the slopes fall toward the river, near Baie-Saint-Paul, about an hour east of Quebec City. Snow-sports data puts the vertical drop at roughly 770 metres, with 53 runs, eight lifts including a gondola and three high-speed quads, and about 406 acres of terrain, of which roughly a third is advanced and a fifth beginner. The mountain's own site gives lift tickets as valid from 5 December 2026 to 11 April 2027, which means the winter season has not started yet, and a live counter showed none of the eight lifts running when it was read on 7 November 2026. The long, river-facing runs and the heavy snowfall, about 166 inches a year on average, are the draw, and the mountain sells day tickets that are cheaper when bought at least 48 hours ahead.
What to do
Buy a day ticket online ahead of time, because the mountain gives 15 percent off for advance purchases made at least 48 hours before, and daily tickets are capped. Adult prices on the site run from about 129 Canadian dollars midweek to about 160 in the high season, before tax, with lower rates for teens, children, seniors and free entry for children aged six and under.
High season is 27 December to 3 January, 13 to 20 February and 27 February to 6 March. Payment on the mountain is electronic only, and cash is not accepted. Half-day tickets from noon are also sold.
Seasons and planning
The winter season is 5 December 2026 to 11 April 2027 for lift tickets, so nothing is running in early November and the opening day depends on snow. Last season the mountain was open 121 days, and about 111 days are projected for 2026-27. In summer the mountain runs mountain biking, with the 2026 season having run from 20 June to 12 October, so that has ended too.
Past years included a winter train stop at Le Massif, but the Train de Charlevoix is closed for the winter now, so check its 2027 plans before you build a trip on it.
Fitting it in
Drive from Quebec City in about an hour or stay in Baie-Saint-Paul. Hotel Baie-Saint-Paul describes itself as close to the mountain, and the town's galleries are a good non-ski day.
What to expect
The experience
A downhill ski and snowboard mountain with 53 runs and eight lifts, including a gondola, sloping toward the St. Lawrence.
Best time
Lift tickets are valid 5 December 2026 to 11 April 2027, with the snow depending on the weather.
How long
A full day, or a half day with tickets valid from noon.
Tips
Book online at least 48 hours ahead for 15 percent off, avoid the high-season dates if you can, and bring a card because cash is not accepted.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Skiers and snowboarders who want long runs and a view of the river.
- Families
- Children aged six and under ski free and there are cheaper rates for ages 7 to 17, with beginner terrain making up about a fifth of the mountain.
- Couples
- A ski day followed by the Nordic spa at Le Germain Charlevoix in Baie-Saint-Paul.
- Pair with
- The Baie-Saint-Paul art trail for a non-ski day and a night at Hotel Baie-Saint-Paul or Le Germain.
- Time needed
- A full day on the mountain and an hour each way from Quebec City if you are not staying.
Good questions
When does Le Massif open for the winter?+
Lift tickets are valid from 5 December 2026 to 11 April 2027, and the lifts were not yet running on 7 November. The real opening day depends on snow.
How big is the mountain?+
Snow-sports data lists a vertical drop of about 770 metres, 53 runs, eight lifts including a gondola and about 406 acres. Roughly a third of the terrain is advanced.
How much is a lift ticket?+
Adult day tickets run from about 129 Canadian dollars midweek to about 160 in the high season, before tax. Buying online at least 48 hours ahead takes 15 percent off.
When is high season?+
The mountain's site gives 27 December to 3 January, 13 to 20 February and 27 February to 6 March. Those are the days with the highest ticket prices.
Can I pay in cash?+
No. The mountain accepts electronic payment only, and you should keep your access card for every visit, since a replacement costs 10 dollars.
