Mont Cascades

The Mont Cascades ski area is one of several winter venues near Canada's capital city of Ottawa. Sitting north of the Ottawa River, the ski resort is in the Province of Quebec. Skiers and snowboarders in the region enjoy the downhill access it provides, no matter which Province they call home.

Motorists will use Route 307 north out of Gatineau before transferring onto local roadways just a few miles away in Cantley, Quebec. Americans have several options for roads between New York State and the New England region. Skiers and riders flying into the area will find the Ottawa MacDonald-Cartier International Airport handling most flights.

A Familiar Suburbian Feel

With the Mont Cascades ski area located so close to a major metropolitan area, it is understandable that the winter venue does not offer overnight accommodations. A variety of lodging options operate in the surrounding communities and highway routes. There are two daytime lodges here (the North Lodge and World Cup Lodge) that offer beverages and food. The North Lodge has changing rooms and washrooms as well.

A boutique shop sells branded items, souvenirs, and a selection of name-brand gear for skiers and snowboarders. The Rental & Repair shop offers equipment for those arriving empty-handed, but visitors must reserve items ahead of time online. Staff can repair, upgrade, and fine-tune gear at reasonable prices so that everyone hits the slopes with fresh wax and edging. Parking is available at both lodge locations and is free.

The Mont Cascades Snow School has programs for kids, adults, and families. These come in four or eight-week classes, with private lessons available as one-hour sessions. Those wanting to become a ski or snowboard instructors can take a specialized class that meets their interests.

The Nancy Greene Racing program is hosted on the slopes at Mont Cascades, drawing interest from those who enjoy bombing down the trails. A Race Club is another way for competitive family members to find camaraderie and improve their skills at the same time.

Casual and Serious Alpine Experiences

The racing programs and clubs might give one the impression that the Mont Cascades ski area is for park rats and hard-core ski bums. Those things will attract a serious crowd, but the facility maintains a family-friendly vibe that lets casual skiers and snowboarders enjoy the pow without being intimidated.

While snowfall in the area can exceed 100 inches each year, the Mont Cascades resort maintains snowmaking equipment that provides 95-percent coverage. They also have grooming equipment that keeps quality control across all skiable terrain. A 482-foot drop provides plenty of momentum and potentials down the 20 runs that cover the ski venue.

The Mont Cascades ski area has terrain ratings of green/beginner (four runs), blue/intermediate (11 runs), black diamond/advanced (four runs), and double diamond/expert (one run). Night skiing is an option on 15 of these runs, allowing folks to get some time in on the snow after work. The longest run reaches 6,562 feet in total length, with many others shorter than this. Six lifts provide Mont Cascades guests with uphill access.