Le Massif De Charlevoix in Quebec & Escape2ski provides info on; vertical drop 2526ft/770m, total trails 53, closest airport 67mi/107km, lifts 7, and more.

The ski resort is located on the north shore of the St Lawrence River near the Petite-Riviere-Saint-Francois municipality, in the Charlevoix region. Access is just off Route 138 and leads directly to the summit of the ski resort.

The history of this beautiful area dates back to 1603 when Samuel de Champlain sailed up the St Lawrence River. The discovery of this area attracted many settlers whose descendants still call the region home. Fast forward about 370 years to the late 1970s, when a group of winter enthusiasts brought the idea of downhill skiing to the region. Armed with snowmobiles, a van serving as a lift, and they carved out several trails, and Le Massif De Charlevoix was born.

This grassroots operation offered a pure mountain experience to serious skiers. These pioneers witnessed the first steps towards the emergence of a ski area when school buses were used as chairlifts to transport skiers from the base area to the summit in the winter of 1983.

The first real advancement for Le Massif De Charlevoix occurred in 1992, with the installation of two chairlifts, a high-speed quad, and a double chairlift. At this point, the mountain moved beyond just servicing the local market.

Le Massif De Charlevoix offers stunning views of the St Lawrence River and beyond, and as you descend, you can see where the slopes of the mountain range meet the waters’ edge. This is one of only two ski areas in North America where you can get so incredibly close to the ocean.

Jump ahead to 2002, when Daniel Gaulthier, co-founder of Cirque du Soleil, purchased Le Massif De Charlevoix. His vision for the ski resort included the installation of new lifts, a gondola with a mid-station loading option, high-speed quads, and a pulse gondola. Combine this with new trails that feature great fall line skiing and snowboarding from the summit to base allowed the resort to gain the attention of winter enthusiasts from far beyond the local area.

A unique feature about this ski resort is that everyone can start at the top, as the main base area is at the summit. You can begin your day at the top, and on your first run, you can enjoy the views that make the ski resort so special to all who visit.

Over the years, Le Massif De Charlevoix has grown to provide skiing and snowboarding on three distinct areas, with on-mountain lodging for your convenience. It provides the greatest vertical drop east of the Canadian Rockies and continues to operate with a core set of values -openness, service, respect, performance, and fun.

On the Slopes

• Le Massif De Charlevoix features summit to base skiing and snowboarding on the main area of the mountain with magnificent views of the St Lawrence River below. For a challenge, check out La Charlevoix, a Triple Black Diamond trail that is definitely a thigh burner.
• When you look at the trail map, you’ll see that Le Massif provides terrain that is more tailored to the intermediate to advanced skill level. La Petite-Riviere and La Prairie are fun intermediate trails that wind down to the gondola mid-station.
• Le Massif De Charlevoix has a dedicated beginner area with three trails, a magic carpet, and platter lift. It’s a great place to enjoy your first time on the slopes and provides the space to have fun while improving your skills.
• There is one terrain park located above the day lodge that provides a beautiful view of the St Lawrence River. It’s an intermediate park that features a small to medium jump line, and several rails spread over 5.3 acres.
• The Snow School at Le Massif De Charlevoix has a dedicated team of instructors who are eager to get you on the slopes for the first time or help you take your skiing or snowboarding skills to the next level. There are beginner, private, group, kids’ camps, adaptive, and multi-week programs, and lessons.
• Le Massif has lodging options at both the base or summit of the mountain. Les Caches De La Grande Pointe located at the base features one, two, or three-bedroom units. Les Chalet-Foret and Les Refuges (tiny houses) are located at the summit near the slopes but are not slope-side.

Off the Slopes

• At Le Massif, you will discover many activities away from the slopes, including a unique experience on a 7.5km/4.5mi sledding trail that makes it way down the mountain. There is also snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, and an alpine touring and off-piste experience.
• There are several options for a break away from the slopes. The Summit Chalet Day Lodge features the Summit Cafeteria serving all the favorites, plus the Café du Coin and the Le Grand Duc Pub. Open on select days located at the base of the mountain are the base cafeteria and the Pub Le Chouenneux.
• In the Summit Chalet Day Lodge, there is a boutique retail shop that has a vast selection of merchandise, including Rossignol equipment, plus a rental shop, and a ski and snowboard Tune-up Centre.
• When you have time away from the slopes, be sure to visit the city of Baie-Saint-Paul, which is located 27km/16mi to the northeast. This city is rich in art-culture and heritage. There are places to stay, extensive dining and shopping options, and the Casino de Charlevoix. Use the Helpful Links section below to discover more info.
• The town of Beaupre is another option for a place to enjoy shopping, dining, and accommodations, located 40km/24mi southwest of Le Massif de Charlevoix.
• Le Massif De Charlevoix has a daycare facility for ages two and older. Open Saturday, Sunday, and holidays from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. There are three options available; hourly, half, and full days. There is also the IGOR Camp that is a daycare for children looking to learn to ski.