As the birthplace of downhill skiing in North America, the Laurentians are the perfect setting for this sport in all its forms! Throughout the territory, there are plenty of snowy trails and just as many runs. Whether it’s in a trip to an urban environment or to the heart of the white mountains, the choice is yours to enjoy skiing freely on the shimmering snow. There are over 12 downhill ski resorts, not to mention several parks and networks, at your disposal, no matter your level. Enjoy the varied views: enchanting lakes, conifers draped in white, historic buildings, and illuminated villages… Superb viewpoints of Laurentian attractions are scattered along your path. And, you can choose from a range of accommodation options, should you wish to extend your trip!
Top-notch downhill skiing
Set off to discover endless options to get started, improve your technique or hone your skiing style at one of the region’s ski resorts. Sommet Saint-Sauveur and its versant Avila have slopes for all skill levels and tastes in a super fun atmosphere. This location is loved by newbies, but also prized by lovers of moguls, snowparks and freestyle who want to put their abilities to the test. Or, share awesome times as a family or friend group at Sommet Olympia in Piedmont, where the sunlight on the hills is utterly sensational. Whatever types of skiers make up your group, they’ll love the diversity of the runs and forest trails! Then, escape into nature at Sommet Morin-Heights and hit the slopes as you admire breathtaking vistas that impart a feeling of freedom. Challenge yourself on runs that match your skill level! You can even enjoy some night skiing. Have young children? Discover Sainte-Adèle’s Sommet Gabriel with your family. In addition to a wide variety of slopes, it boasts a special decorated run for little skiers. Or, treat yourself to a day of descents at Ski Mont Habitant in Saint-Sauveur, where you can take advantage of safe, accessible runs in a family-friendly atmosphere. Don’t ski? Watch your sporty loved ones glide down the slopes from the chalet, day or night!
Cross-country skiing with the family
Your nearest and dearest are sure to gain a new appreciation for winter when they learn to cross-country ski! Running from Saint-Jérôme to Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, the P’tit Train du Nord is a free trail that’s ideal for beginners thanks to its flatness and proximity to shelters and cafés where you can warm up along the way. You can rent equipment at Espresso Sports in Sainte-Adèle, accessible directly from the trail. Or, experience the joy of a day of cross-country skiing at Oka and Mont-Tremblant national parks in an exquisite setting that’s perfect for learning the ropes. Day passes and equipment rentals are free for under-18s! Located in Rivière-Rouge, Centre de plein air les Six Cantons has fantastic trails for all skill levels in a variety of distances, all in an accessible and enchanting environment. And finally, Centre de ski de fond Gai-Luron in Saint-Jérôme is an excellent location for gaining experience on trails with different gradients that snake through a dense forest. With options for every skill level, you’re sure to have hours of fun with the family.
Alpine touring adventures
Are you an explorer at heart? Try some alpine touring to scale majestic mountains and admire nature while it’s dusted with a beautiful coat of snow. You’ll love discovering the little-known corners of the region! In Val-Morin, you can head to the top of Centre de ski Belle Neige and glide down one of twenty marked runs. Or, venture into the mountain’s wilderness skiing area! Once you’re there, put on your touring skis, or rent some at the store, for a fun-filled day. This year, Tyroparc in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts has opened a spectacular new alpine touring playground on Mont Catherine. Check out their three forest runs, suitable for all skill levels. Alpine touring is also available at Avalanche Culture Plein Air Saint-Adolphe-d’Howard, where there are tons of trails to explore in a breathtaking setting. If you have some experience under your belt, try hitting the slopes after dark with a headlamp! Mont Kaaikop at L’Interval coopérative de solidarité de plein air in Sainte-Lucie-des-Laurentides is ideal for more advanced skiers. The steep mountain and obstacle-filled zone are sure to put your technique to the test! Finally, you can ascend Mont Tremblant, the highest mountain in the Laurentians, up a designated area or forest trail with your skis and go back down on one of 102 marked trails!
Stellar ski skating
Ski skating is a more technical discipline than classic cross-country. It’s a little bit like ice skating. Try it on one of many trails on offer at Domaine Saint-Bernard in Mont-Tremblant. You can rent equipment if needed and ski in spectacular conditions whatever your skill level. This stellar network has over 80 km of marked trails for classic cross-country and ski skating. To the north, Centre de plein air Mont-Laurier has over 15 km of ski skating trails to make the most of your outing. There, you can try your hand at the discipline and hone your technique at your own pace if needed. The centre also offers rentals for everything you need to have a great day in the outdoors and fill up on fresh air. Want to challenge yourself and test your limits? Head to the Aerobic Corridor in Morin-Heights, known as the cross-country capital of the Laurentians! This trail, which runs under the forest canopy, will give you a feeling of escape into nature, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Hitting the region’s slopes
With 12 locations to choose from, you can take advantage of tons of packages and options at one of the region’s ski resorts. Whether you’re a confirmed enthusiast or just starting out, by yourself or with family members, this magical setting is sure to create a special downhill outing. Have a spectacular day with the whole gang at Ski Chantecler, Vallée Bleue Family Resort or Centre de ski Belle-Neige, where each mountain offers a unique experience and a friendly welcome. Learn the basics or perfect your technique to make the most of the winter season. Love forest skiing? Head to Mont Avalanche or Mont Blanc to zigzag down a natural obstacle course while taking advantage of stellar powder. Finally, for an unforgettable ski vacation, Tremblant awaits! Enjoy the vast array of lodging options and restaurants, which are also perfect for après-ski with friends! Whatever your choice, the Laurentians are the place to be for downhill skiing!
For adventurous skiers
Are you a cross-country adept? Want to take your skills to the next level? Discover different variations on the sport while taking in the region’s captivating winter vistas. At Parc régional du Poisson Blanc in Notre-Dame-du-Laus, try your hand at ski-hok, which combines snowshoeing and wilderness skiing. With many different beginner and intermediate trails, the park is the ideal spot for trying out the discipline for the first time. It even offers rentals! If you are experienced at ski-hok, head to Parc régional Montagne du Diable in Ferme-Neuve. Its 55 km of wilderness trails are also open to Nordic skiers looking for trails that are marked but not groomed. Nordic ski rentals are available on site. In Val-David, wilderness and telemarking lovers have their pick of nine runs in the Dufresne sector of Parc régional Val-David – Val-Morin. These trails are for experienced skiers only. The park’s telemark runs are rated intermediate to expert. This year, go off the beaten path and enjoy new experiences!
Essential ski events
This winter, there’s a lot going on for mountain lovers. Whatever type of skiing you prefer, there’s an event for you! Love alpine touring? Don’t miss the Touring at Night event at Mont Tremblant on February 24. After a complete ascent of Mont Tremblant from the south base, ski under the stars on a freshly groomed slope and enjoy a warm mountain-style dinner upon your arrival. Or, head to Morin-Heights for Viking Loppet, a winter tradition that celebrates classic cross-country skiing. Held at the Viking ski club on February 25, it will feature 5-, 10- and 20-km races. Is downhill more your style? Check out the Les beaux 4h Fondation Martin-Matte ski marathon at Sommet Saint-Sauveur on February 10. Or, try the Rat Race, a timed obstacle course organized in collaboration with Axis boutique on January 20 at Sommet Olympia and February 3 at Sommet Morin-Heights. Whatever the event, you’re sure to enjoy a fun atmosphere!
For all tourism-related questions: info-tourisme@laurentides.com or call: 450 224-7007 | 1 800 561-6673.