In The Spotlight: Québec Charlevoix

Charlevoix owes its spectacular geography to the impact of a 15-billion-ton meteor 350 million years ago. Steep cliffs, exceptional parks, impressive vistas and tiny villages are nestled at the base of the hills or in peaceful coves.

Designated as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, the surrounding National Parks are the ideal setting to discover Québec’s large unspoilt natural areas with white-covered wonderland such as the Ice Valley in Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière- Malbaie, the frozen Montmorency falls or the impressive Saguenay Fjord. The numerous snow-shoe hikes offer beautiful vistas across the region

For the most adventurous, try ice-fishing in the Parc des Grands Jardins, riding a fatbike through the Ice Valley, sampling Via Ferraski in St Siméon, or even ice-canoeing in Isle-aux-Coudres.

Alternatively, take a break from the sport and pay a visit to local quaint Villages such as Baie St Paul with the largest concentration of art galleries in the country or La Malbaie where you’ll find a Casino and a beautiful maritime landscape with bucolic charm together with bourgeois residences from another century.

Get ready for the most spectacular skii-ng East of the Rockies that will impress even the most experienced sports fiend with a season that lasts from late November to early April. The ski resort has artificial snow production facilities on all the main slopes down to the Saint Lawrence River meaning powder comes guaranteed all season round.

Le Massif De Charlevoix is a place where you can easily ski from the summit to where the main base area is located, all the while enjoying views of the imposing St Lawrence river as you swish down the slope. The terrain is ideal for intermediates but there is also a dedicated area for beginners and some demanding challenges for the experts, particularly the Triple Black Diamond trail.

Since earlier this century, the facilities and trails have been upgraded to a world class standard. Take a ride to the top in the 12 person Gondola, feel confident on newly installed lifts and enjoy runs that have been created for maximum ski-ing enjoyment.

For enthusiasts of other winter sports, the 4.5mi sledding trail is well worth your time and there is also plenty of snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, dog sledding and alpine touring opportunities. The terrain park features a small to medium jump line, and several rails spread over 5.3 acres.

Le Massif is already highly developed, but is in the process of making $6 million in improvements to the area, including high-tech snowmaking and a slide sports learning centre with beginner terrain. Expect the future to be even more exciting.