If you're looking for a quick weekend escape from the city, this list is for you! While the skiing near Montreal may not compare to the big name resorts on the western side of the country, there are some great mountains to explore. With over 70 ski resorts in Quebec alone, we've handpicked the best resorts close to Montreal.
10. Owl's Head
Distance from Montreal- 86 mi (1.5 hour drive)
Why Ski Owl's Head
You can ski with a stunning view of Lake Memphremagog at Owl’s Head, with Lilly’s Leap being a favourite for its fantastic views and undulating glades! The resort offers a great variety of 50 trails, and a brand new quadruple Lac chair lift complete with a boarding carpet. Owl’s Head have recently revamped their chalet and provides dining options at the cafeteria and restaurant. However, there is limited accommodation at the base, with more lodging choices in the town of Magog. Located a 30 minute drive away, Magog is also the place to go for other amenities such as grocery stores and restaurants.
9. Saint-Sauveur
Distance from Montreal- 48 mi (1 hour drive)
Why Ski Saint-Sauveur
Located just an hour north-west of Montreal and offering a balanced range of terrain, Saint Sauveur is a great resort for a day trip. With only 57 ac of skiable terrain, it's the smallest resort on this list. However, night skiing is available on most of its 40 trails and experienced freestylers can check out the four terrain parks. And if a post-skiing party is what you're after, the T-Bar 70 has a fantastic après-ski atmosphere with comforting meals. There are limited non-skiing activities, but make sure to take a ride on the alpine roller coaster with the kids!
8. Mont Blanc
Distance from Montreal- 75 mi (1.5 hour drive)
Why Ski Mont Blanc
Situated across three peaks, Mont Blanc is the Mont-Tremblant region’s second highest elevation at 1,902 ft. Most of its 43 trails are challenging black or double black runs, and the five triple and quadruple chairlifts keep everyone moving. For those less confident or looking to refine their skills, the resort’s excellent ski school offers private lessons at affordable rates. Not to mention, Mont Blanc’s lift tickets are the cheapest on this list! 85% of trails are covered by snowmaking meaning you can expect great snow conditions most of the time. Guests have a number of ski-in/ski-out lodging options, with access to an indoor pool and hot tub!
7. Stoneham
Distance from Montreal- 175 mi (3 hour drive)
Why Ski Stoneham
Situated almost three hours from Montreal and closer to Quebec City, Stoneham is better suited for a quick getaway. At 333 ac, the resort is reasonably sized and priced compared to the resorts on this list. There is terrain for all levels, particularly for the advanced, and experienced freestylers can take on the Olympic halfpipe! Stoneham generously offers two free hot tubs in the Arctic Spas zone, as well as ice skating in the base area. If you’re keen to keep going after a day on the slopes, the après-ski bar Le Quatre-Foyers is a popular spot! Lodging at the Hotel Stoneham offers convenient ski-in/ski-out accommodation.
6. Mont Orford
Distance from Montreal- 72 mi (1.5 hour drive)
Why Ski Mont Orford
Adventurous skiers looking for a challenge will love Mont Orford, where you can enjoy plenty of back-country skiing without leaving resort boundaries! Not to mention, the resort has some of the steepest terrain and the highest lift-accessed summit in the Eastern Townships at 2,790 ft. Not to worry, Mont Orford doesn’t just cater to experienced skiers! The Grande Coulée groomer is a great option for beginners and there is also a day ticket exclusively for the magic carpet, so beginners can avoid paying extra fees! The ski-in/ski-out accommodation available at the four-star Espace 4 Saisons hotel is a great option, however other lodging is a 10 minute drive away.
5. Ski Bromont
Distance from Montreal- 53 mi (1 hour drive)
Why Ski Ski Bromont
A reliable all-round ski destination, Ski Bromont’s 450 ac of skiable terrain makes it the biggest of all the ski resorts in the Eastern Townships region. 102 of its 142 trails are lit up for night skiing, and during their Nuits Blanches event held on select Saturdays, the slopes are open until 2am. Not to mention, the vibrant après-ski party that continues even later! The terrain parks that cater to all progressions even have an ‘Experience Zone’ for toddlers to try out their first modules! With extensive snowmaking, a variety of lodging options and a professional ski school, visiting this resort is a must if you’re in Montreal. It’s also one of the closest resorts to the city.
4. Mont Sutton
Distance from Montreal- 71 mi (1.5 hour drive)
Why Ski Mont Sutton
A unique resort with 45% of its 230 ac of terrain covered by glades, Mont Sutton offers narrow tree-covered skiing. Quoted as the best glades in Canada by many specialized ski magazines, there is tree skiing to be enjoyed by all ability levels. For parents wanting their own time to explore the mountain, the resort offers an excellent Daycare School for 2-5 year olds where they can take part in fun activities and learn to ski! There are a number of on mountain chalets for when you need to refuel, as well as lodging options at the base and in the nearby village of Sutton.
3. Le Massif de Charlevoix
Distance from Montreal- 208 mi (3 hour drive)
Why Ski Le Massif de Charlevoix
Situated on the stunning St.Lawrence River, this mountain-top resort is an experienced skiers dream! Over half of Le Massif’s marked trails are graded as suitable for advanced skiers and there are more than 100 ac of backcountry to explore. For non-skiers there are plenty of activities, including the gondola ride, sledding and even nocturnal sledding! Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you can take a gondola ride and try the Sky fondue experience, or check out the delicious French-inspired dishes in the Summit Chalet cafeteria! Le Massif is the furthest from Montreal on this list, however, guests have the choice of accommodation at both the base and the summit of the resort.
2. Mont Sainte-Anne
Distance from Montreal- 186 mi (3 hour drive)
Why Ski Mont Sainte-Anne
From hosting the Canadian Downhill Championships in 1947, Mont Sainte Anne has significantly modernised its operations. These days they are more known for creating one of the best rail parks in Quebec, featuring exclusive ‘expert’ obstacles and a designated ski lift to serve the Snow Park. For those more into traditional skiing, roughly 50% of the terrain is intermediate, with the rest catering to beginners and advanced. Although they offer a variety of activities nearby including all-season paragliding, dog sledding and ice skating, there is not much in terms of an après-ski scene. Mont Sainte Anne is located further north from Montreal than the other resorts on this list. Nonetheless, you won’t be short of accommodation options at the base.
1. Mont Tremblant
Distance from Montreal- 89 mi (1.5 hour drive)
Why Ski Mont Tremblant
With over 100 slopes, a lively après-ski village and wide variety of lodging at the base, Mont Tremblant ticks all the boxes! It’s no wonder Mont Tremblant is so popular with the locals of Montreal. Thanks to its generous number of trails there is terrain for all abilities, including almost 50 black and double black runs. Countless non-skiing activities including tubing, snowmobiling and ice-fishing will keep the whole family busy! The charming car-free village boasts gourmet restaurants and vibrant pubs, giving off a distinctly European feel. Despite being expensive and located further from Montreal than other resorts, its lively village and exceptional skiing makes it worth it!