Ooh la, la, another amazing ski season in Québec is set to kick off this weekend, with all the lift, snow and lodging updates available all day every day at bonjourquebec.com/ski/.

At all four of Québec’s remarkably different ski destinations – The Laurentians, the Québec City region, the Eastern Townships and Charlevoix – skiers from across North America can expect to find European charm and New World comfort. They can also expect a broad range of off-season upgrades on the slopes. Whether it’s wooly new glades for the experts, welcoming learn-to-ski programs for beginners, or expansive investments in snowmaking technology, you can expect the skiing to be perfect. As for the sometimes even more impressive nightlife, a startling new luxury casino at Mont Tremblant provides the perfect complement to all the award-winning spas, world class dining and loads of lodging deals that make it hard to consider skiing anywhere but Québec.

Here’s a quick highlight reel of just a few of the brand new offerings, both on and off the slopes:

Québec City and Area

Mere miles from the legendary restaurants and intoxicating nightlife of Québec City, itself a Mecca of shopping, gorgeous architecture and cultural attractions, are the equally iconic slopes of Mont-Sainte-Anne (MSA) and Stoneham. With 66 runs and nearly 2,000 feet of vertical drop, MSA is one of Québec’s most breathtaking and challenging ski resorts. Stoneham, with its focus on state-of-the-art halfpipes, terrain parks and snowmaking, is ground zero for the new school set.

Highlights: Stoneham unveils three wild, woodsy glades custom cut for fun, appropriately named Caribou, Wapiti and Orignal.  But for park-goers, the huge news is that the Olympic half-pipe at Stoneham will open on December 20th!  An $800,000 snowmaking investment means that all season long this will be the place to spot loads of renowned new school athletes while you’re working on your own technique.

Go Now: Insiders know to book early and save 20% with any of the two mountain’s lodging partners, including ski-in/out hotels, condos or even in the middle of the action in downtown Québec: www.fun2ski.com.

The Eastern Townships

The Eastern Townships offer up a versatile and satisfying blend of awesome bumps and glades at Sutton, or non-stop action under the lights skiing seven hillsides and 129 trails at Bromont. For a run with a view, three magnificent peaks frame a magical setting at Orford’s Provincial Park, while Owl’s Head’s perfect fall-line seems to drop right into Lake Memphremagog. Add in all the intimate Inns, welcoming B-n-B’s and award-winning spas and you can rest assured you’ll feel all warm and happy whether you’re inside or out.

Highlights: Over the past decade Ski bromont.com has spent $45 million (CDN) enhancing the alpine experience. This year, the largest lit ski resort in North America increases the total number of night-ready trails to 72, while 850 snow guns ensure pristine conditions across 140 slopes. At Mount Orford, trail improvements and a “magic carpet” ease beginners onto the slopes (www.orford.com), while Mont Sutton (www.montsutton.com) celebrates its 50th Season with loads of special events. Owned and operated by the Korman family for 44 years, at Owl’s Head longstanding tradition meets modern service. Snowmaking upgrades streamline slope preparation, while a new surface lift speeds skiers to the other 4 quads (3 high speed), 4 doubles and 130 acres of skiable bliss.

Go Now: Outdoor lovers can get an equal helping of action and romance with interesting packages available on the Tourism Eastern Townships website, mixing winter fun with gorgeous spas and inns. (www.easterntownships.org)

Charlevoix

Charlevoix is a land of epic inspiration and experience. Mammoth mountains bloom from the Saint-Lawrence River like magical giants, and food, wine and art connoisseurs find their muse in memorable meals, awe-inspiring landscapes and picture perfect hamlets. Of course, there is also the untracked powder of Mont Grand-Fonds, or the endless slopes of Le Massif.

Highlights: Mont Grand-Fonds spent two years doubling its snowmaking capacity, and the summer completing a $ 400,000 upgrade of the ski lift. They always had the average annual snowfall of 250”+, 14 downhill trails and no liftlines.

Go Now: Le Massif still feels remarkably undiscovered, despite its rising status as one of the great ski areas of the northeast. Future plans include a 500-seat venue and 400 new rooms, but right now you can still say, “I saw it first.” There is a daily shuttle from Quebec City and great ski packages offering three ski days for the price of two.

The Laurentians

The Laurentians are home to a grand number of Canadian skiing’s crown jewels, including family-friendly settings such as Mont Blanc and Mont Gabriel, the grand Saint-Saveur Valley, historic Gray Rocks, scenic Chantecler and of course the glorious Mont Tremblant, which glows at night like the magic kingdom itself. Easy air access also means that The Laurentians are one of North American skiing’s most easily accessed “must ski stops.”

Highlights: Adding the Casino Mont-Tremblant to the village’s already legendary nightlife might seem like a sure-fire cause for adrenaline overload. But thanks to the stunning natural setting, incorporating natural materials such as water, stone, wood, leather and suede, the casino feel like a world unto itself.  Outside, 94 slopes on four sides and a monstrous snowmaking system guarantee sweetly smooth slopes. While more than a dozen hotels and scores of boutiques and restaurants make Tremblant a first pick for any taste, and any budget.

Also not to be missed in The Laurentians, Mont Saint-Sauveur’s Alpine Coaster is a luge on roller coaster wheels. State-of-the-art controls make it equally fun for daredevils and beginners – so you have got to try this. Mont Saint-Sauveur also announced improved snowmaking to ensure quality training for all levels of athletes.

Go Now: Major improvements are on the horizon for the Mont Tremblant Airport. Right now, Porter Airlines has scheduled regular flights between Toronto and Mont-Tremblant and Continental has frequent flights in-season flights from the New York - Newark Liberty Airport.

For More: Featured deals, snow reports, upcoming events, information and all things Québec can be easily accessed at: http://www.bonjourquebec.com/ski/