Mont Ste-Marie

Regional alpine enthusiasts know that skiing and snowboarding opportunities abound north of the nation's capital, Ottawa, including the Mont Ste-Marie ski area. It is known for its high vertical and challenging terrain ratings, putting it on the shortlist for serious skiers and riders to visit. Several quality amenities in the surrounding communities make a visit memorable while keeping the facility's chilled vibe intact.

Motorists can exit the Canadian capital north, across the Ottawa River. The Autoroute 5 leads to Route 105 that drivers will take to the winter resort in Lac-Sainte-Marie, Quebec. Air travelers will find the Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport receiving most air traffic in the region, with ground transport available to rent upon arrival.

Cozy Facilities with Community Support

The Mont Ste-Marie is a day-use facility, meaning that skiers and snowboarders wanting to spread their wings after dark need to look elsewhere. That does not mean there are no nearby accommodations, as the surrounding communities offer chalets, inns, hotels, motels, and tourist residences to stay. Drinks and food services in the main ski lodge at the base of the slopes keep everyone filled, but more extensive dining services must be found off-site.

The Mont Ste-Marie rents ski and snowboard equipment to visitors, but they will need to reserve the equipment 48-hours in advance. That includes helmets for adults and kids, which is advisable considering the terrain ratings on the two mountains. Repairs and tune-up services in the main lodge keep personal equipment working so that guests can get the best experience possible on the pow.

Parents can purchase lessons for their children for skis or snowboards, with classes for first-timers offered to everyone 6-12. A Mini Max program provides an hour-long session for children between three and five years old. Adult lessons range from first-timers to knowledgable ski bums and are available in group or private settings. Snow-cross and competitive snowboard classes are an option, and the Nancy Greene Racing Program is available at the Mont Ste-Marie ski resort.

Lots of Vertical Here

The Mont Ste-Marie ski area is known for its vertical drop of 1,250 feet, the biggest in this part of Canada. Cheval Blanc and Vanier Mountain provide the slopes for skiers and snowboarders to navigate down using the 20 alpine runs. There are also two parks (Liberation and Prestige X-Cross) on Vanier Mountain, both of which have blue/intermediate ratings for experienced skiers to explore.

The Mont Ste-Marie ski area and surrounding communities receive over 100 inches of snowfall each year. There is total coverage for snowmaking on the skiable terrain, with the staff using 200 state-of-the-art snowguns to supplement natural snowfall. The runs here favor skiers and riders with experience, meaning that the Promenade at the base of the slopes is the only green/beginner-rated area at the venue. Off-piste exploration is found mostly on the terrain between the two mountain peaks.

Mont Ste-Marie trail ratings break down as green/beginner (one run), blue/intermediate (12 runs), black diamond/advanced (five runs), and double black diamond (two runs). There are only three lifts moving guests around the Mont Ste-Marie ski area.