Skiing Quebec's Le Massif Resort
Spring 2007 Ski Deals in Baie St. Paul and Charlevoix Region
A review of Quebec's Le Massif Ski Resort featuring the annual Great Horned Owl Event where local delicacies are served slope side.
Le Massif, Quebec’s best kept alpine ski secret, is located in the Charlevoix region, an hour outside of Quebec City, 20 minutes further east along highway 138 from the venerable Mont Ste Anne Ski Resort. A shuttle service runs every half hour from nearby Baie St .Paul, an art town and tourist destination in itself.
The dramatic mountain, which features the highest vertical drop (770 metres) east of the Rockies, is one of only three North American ski chalets where visitors can ski right out of the resort nearly five kilometres to the town below without having to board a ski lift.
PROS:
- highest vertical drop east of the Rockies
- restaurants and cafes focus on gourmet healthy food choices
- free guided tours
- ample lifts
- scenic, backcountry ski trails
- 20 minutes from Mont Ste Anne, 1 hour from Quebec City
CONS:
- no night skiing
- heavy traffic around 8 am
- very crowded on weekends
The ski terrain overlooking the St. Lawrence River is part of a UNESCO - designated World Biosphere Reserve.The well - signed scenic runs allow skiers to choose trails of varying degrees of difficulty on their downward descent. The resort is particularly popular with backcountry ski fans as snowfalls in access of two feet are not uncommon.
Currently, there is only one road into the main ski area. Traffic can be a nightmare, especially at 8 am on weekends or after the ski resort has been closed (usually for poor visibility and driving conditions). It might be better to arrive earlier (7am) or later (after 10 am). Because there is no night skiing, the trails close at 4:30.
Ongoing expansion plans for le Massif include green initiatives such as the development of adjacent Mont a Liguori without cutting new trails. By 2013, $120 million will be invested in the ski area. With 43 runs and counting, one can easily get lost. To fully appreciate all Le Massif's trails, free guided tours (recommended) are available upon request.
The Great Horned Owl Event
For the past seven years, resident chef, Parisian Guy Bresson, has been working with local food producers to provide skiers with samples of local Quebec goodies. This year's menu featured mini brioche stuffed with a sharp local cheese and mushrooms served with a port sauce, cured organic meats, handmade organic chocolates filled with apple puree and sparkling fruit ciders, all served slope side to 1500 skiers.
At Le Massif dining is taken as seriously as skiing. Unlike most ski resorts where fried foods are the norm, Bresson and his team work hard to insure skiers are eating properly to meet the physical demands of the sport. From the summit cafeteria to the gourmet restaurant, Mer & Monts, healthy food choices dominate.
Apres Skiing Activities
Local bands including the eclectic and high energy, Metatuk, perform regularly at the summit pub. All season long, visitors can spot resident painter, Jean-François Racine, working at his easel - two skis firmly planted in the snow. Jean skis constantly with the goal of finding new mountain scenes to depict.
Spring marks Le Massif's winding down of ski operations. The closing program includes mountain side entertainment, an outdoor barbecue and free activities including face painting for the kids and horseback rides with a clown. The traveling petting zoo is another popular attraction.
Spring Skiing Deals
Ski & Stay Packages including a two night stay and breakfast start at $124 per person in any Québec City, Beaupré or Charlevoix partner lodging establishment.
At Le Massif, visitors can also cross country ski, snowshoe, snowboard, and go ice climbing.
Further Info:
Le Massif Ski Resort 1-877-536-2774
Baie St. Paul: Accommodation
Food: Orange Bistro, Aupierre Narcisse
