Best Spots for Ski Touring

This little slice of heaven for experienced skiers with their own equipment offers 3 different backcountry zones with drops ranging from 200 to 330 metres. The first two areas are close to the welcome centre and very easy to get to, while the third is about a 7 km hike away, but those willing to put in the effort will be rewarded with some primo powder. Since these areas don’t open until there’s at least a metre of snow on the ground, it’s always best to ask what’s open before heading to the park.

This off-piste ski area is the closest to Québec City and offers woodland skiing and 170 metres of vertical drop. The trail up to the summit takes less than 20 minutes. Sentiers du Moulin is the perfect spot to get your snow fix if you’re short on time. You can also rent equipment from the sunny new reception building that doubles as a great après-ski spot.

A plethora of powder, vertical drops of up to 800 metres, and one of the most breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence around—welcome to the Mont à Liguori sector at Massif de Charlevoix. There are multiple trails to get you to the top, and all the descents ultimately lead back to the resort’s groomed trails. The extensive network of skiable areas makes it easier for beginners who can split the descent in two for a more manageable 200-metre vertical drop. The Alpine Touring day pass includes one lift in a chairlift or gondola, and you can rent equipment.

Over at Mont-Sainte-Anne and Stoneham ski resorts, all downhill runs are on traditional downhill ski trails since backcountry skiing is not allowed. 

At Station touristique Stoneham, alpine hiking is newly offered on trails leading to the summit in about 60 minutes.

At Mont-Sainte-Anne, ski touring enthusiasts can climb their way to the top on three marked trails, with one located on the north face. This resort is still one of the best places for those looking to give alpine touring a try: it’s easy to rent equipment, they offer beginner clinics, and the trails are patrolled, which can be reassuring for first timers. The fabulous views of the St. Lawrence River and Île d’Orléans from the summit will be your greatest reward.

There’s nothing better than going out with a guide to learn the basics of the sport or to discover a ski area’s best-kept secrets. To get the most out of backcountry skiing, it helps if you already have some downhill skiing experience.

• Quatre Natures: For beginners, a guided excursion with Quatre Natures is a great way to get familiar with the loaner equipment and master uphill and downhill skiing techniques at Jacques Cartiers National Park.
• Québec Pure Expérience/Éco Plein air: The spectacular ski area at Vallée Bras-du-Nord Park is accessible only if you go with a guide from this adventure tourism outfit. But that means you’re less likely to run into others so you get to be the first to schuss your way through the deep, untouched snow.