The appeal of wide-open spaces and the need for escape are growing motivations to explore the untamed landscapes of La Jacques-Cartier.
More and more newcomers to ski touring are hitting the snowy trails. Fortunately, La Jacques-Cartier offers ideal spots for both beginners and seasoned experts.
Would you like guidance for your first ski touring experience?
Guided services are available and recommended for beginners. Quatre Natures offers a 4-hour introductory package at the Jacques-Cartier National Park, including a shuttle from Québec City. This guided outing allows you to safely discover alpine touring, get familiar with the equipment, and enjoy the region’s abundant snow.
Popular Ski Touring Spots in La Jacques-Cartier region
Ski Touring at Sentiers du Moulin
Sentiers du Moulin is a prime spot for those looking to try backcountry skiing in a managed forest environment. For the more daring, there’s also a freestyle zone for jumps and tricks. The ascent trail takes about 20 minutes to reach the summit.
Most skiing areas here are intermediate-level, with some steeper, more advanced sections. The site is well-structured, offers cell service, has nearby resources, and provides the perfect challenge for beginners.
Located in Lac-Beauport, it’s an ideal destination for a quick escape from the city. In fact, the header photo was taken here!
Ski Touring at Station touristique Stoneham
Station touristique Stoneham Resort features two ski touring trails that open up new areas to explore: La Caillou with a 388-meter elevation gain and L’Érablière, the newest addition, with 341 meters. Both trails stretch over 2 km, requiring about an hour to ascend.
These trails are not patrolled, but cell reception is excellent, and an emergency number is provided. The descent is done via one of the resort’s open ski runs.
Ski Touring at Centre Castor
Located in Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier, on the Valcartier military base, Mont Brillant offers a great backcountry skiing experience with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
No approach is needed—you start your ascent right after passing the welcome pavilion. For beginners, this makes energy management much easier. While the FQME map labels the slopes as intermediate, skiers with solid experience will find them enjoyable.
The 260-meter ascent is naturally divided into sections, making it an excellent place for fitness and skill development.
Ski Touring at Le Relais Ski Centre
Le Relais Ski Center is an ideal destination to get started with ski touring or for a quick outing. It takes less than an hour to climb the 350 meters and come back down. You can decide to do another run if energy and time allow!
Two ascent routes are offered: Track A (West) for 1.9 km and Track B (East) for 2.1 km. Track B is the easiest but just as enjoyable.
Thanks to a team of professionals and well-placed safety markers, Le Relais ensures a safe experience. Embark on the adventure with confidence and discover the exceptional panoramas with views of Lake Beauport.
Ski Touring at Jacques-Cartier National Park
This Park in the SÉPAQ network offers 3 different sectors that open when there’s over a meter of snow on the ground. Its landscapes are beautiful year-round.
The Belleau sector is the most accessible due to its proximity to the parking lot. With a 300-meter elevation gain, it’s often the most popular sector for visitors.
For those looking to venture further, the Sautauriski sector requires a 2.5 km approach and presents a 200-meter elevation gain. One advantage is the heated shelter available. It’s ideal for beginners before tackling longer outings, but it does require physical effort.
Finally, the Mattaucie sector, with its 330 meters of elevation and a 7 km approach, requires a bit more experience. Be sure to bring plenty of water, lunch, and snacks. Cell reception is very limited in the Jacques-Cartier National Park, so it’s important to plan communication in advance before heading out. Whether on foot or skis, the Jacques-Cartier Valley is a must-see in the region.
* Before starting your mountain ski adventure, check the trails conditions.
An Alternative to Introduce the Little Ones!
For a fun outing without the need for gear, Station Duchesnay, also part of the SÉPAQ network, features a sugar shack that’s perfect for a snowshoeing adventure. Equipment rentals are available. This is the ideal option for a family expedition in La Jacques-Cartier. The team on site will offer the best advice for your family.
How to Learn More?
In addition to the official websites of the sites, a wealth of useful information can be found on the website of the Fédération québécoise de montagne et d’escalade (FQME). Beyond being a trusted resource, they also offer insurance that covers injuries and rescues in remote or hazardous terrain.
La Jacques-Cartier is an immense playground, with plenty of uninhabited and little-visited spaces for the joy of backcountry skiing enthusiasts. Let’s all work together to preserve this environment by leaving only the trace of your skis in the snow. Have a great outing, everyone!
Text written by: David Lachance
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