Hello

Parc de la J-C is around 20-30 minutes north of Quebec city.   As a national park, they let us ski in the wood in two different area but they don't cut any tree.   So the area is not wide open...   there's lot of tree and branch but there still so good ski to do if you want to do some backcountry close to Quebec city.   Not really high (probably 250 meters?) but you can do multiple laps.   The park open the ski area when there's 1 meter of snow on the ground.   If you plan to visit Quebec city, bring your ski and you will have fun but I will say: don't plan a backcountry ski trip in Quebec !  

If you plan a trip to Quebec, you can also do some slack country at the Massif de la petite rivière St-François.   Good ski to do but you will have to pay for the lift ticket...  expensive day but worth the view!   

Don't miss a trip to Gaspesie if you plan a trip in eastern Canada.   Around 6h east of Quebec city.   The montains are called the Chic-Choc:  you will have more snow, alpine bowl, more remote skiing...   Really good backcountry.  Bring you're avalanche gear for this place.    Some people will complain that it's not like skiing in the west...   yeah sure!  But I ski in Utah, many resort in British Columbia and Alberta, backcountry in Roger Pass....  And I still remember some awesome skiing day in Gaspesie !  So maybe not as high but still lots of good turn to do !

Hope I help you to plan your trip !

Hi Dominic,

Thanks for the info. I'm actually already in Quebec City. A bit early I know, but I'm hoping for some colder weather to start the season with some ice climbing! Then, say in January will do some touring. It sounds like Parc de Jacques Cartier is quite limited, but would do for a day trip out of the city. This and some of the Chic Chocs are situated in Quebec national parks, so will I need a parks entry pass for every day entrance? I'm thinking of getting a yearly pass if required for entrance in the winter....

thanks

About the Parc de la J-C....

you will have to pay 8.50$ each day.   You can also pay for a season pass at 76.50$

Like you said, this park is good for a day trip or a quick afternoon ride!  

About the chic-choc, you don't have to pay.   

Hey!
I know solo skiing is not usually a good idea, but for J. Cartier Park, is it small enough/ busy enough with other skiiers that going alone would be an option? I'm hoping to plan a trip this winter from Ontario, but am having a hard time finding a partner to go with. I'd like to stay in their winter huts and ski for a week or so.

Thanks for your thoughts!