The Quebec City area has more great ski spots than it has distinct names for them, apparently. The familiarly-named Massif du Sud resort is making a bid to be as well-known as its well-regarded cousin located to the north in Charlevoix. New ownership and $2.3 million in investments are seeking to put the other Massif on the map.
This independent ski area is expanding by 40 percent with the opening of a 50ha backcountry sector called 5th Dimension. Its 170ha of terrain includes beginner areas and steep glades with 63-degree pitches. Also new for this year: an updated base lodge, new rental chalets, a new grooming machine and a new owner in Pierre-Yves Charest.
Beyond the beginner poma tow, all the skiing is done by way of a fixed-grip quad that tops out at 915m, letting Massif du Sud claim the title of offering the highest lift-serviced skiing in Quebec. The 400m vertical drop below is blanketed in 7.5m of snowfall a year. As the slogan says, “The only ice you’ll find is in your drinks!”
With one main lift doing most of the work, the resort limits ticket sales so that lift lines are never more than a seven-minute wait. Buy your tickets ($82 per day) online ahead of time, but check the schedule if planning to ski weekdays. It’s generally open three days a week in January and four days a week in February.
As for accommodation, this year also marks the launch of five new micro-chalets for rent. Van lifers can book one of the many spots at the base and have access to the lodge with showers. Lodging in nearby cottage rentals is also available.
Be warned, the après-ski and foodie scene is pretty limited. Tailgating, cafés and grocery stores in nearby towns will have to suffice. This is no Club Med, but the pow is worth the drive—with snow tires on, of course.
