For one thing, skiing here is more than just a great outdoor winter activity. It’s also the perfect prelude to an unforgettable soiree of après-skiing.

Fine dining. Rest and relaxation. Or sublime pampering in a world-class, Euro-style spa. 

While it’s true that Québec’s peaks are smaller than, say, the Rockies or the Alps, they’re positively huge when it comes to giving you top value for your skiing dollar. Ski & Stay packages start for less than $70 per night. That includes top-notch accommodations and lift tickets to some of the most vaunted names in skiing. Places you’ve always wanted to ski. Places that will challenge, delight and pamper any level of skier. Places like Tremblant, Mont Sainte-Anne, le Massif and Sutton to name but a few.

These four ski areas are more than storied names on every skier’s map. They’re also milestones inviting you to discover four distinct skiing regions in Québec: The Laurentians, Québec City & Area, Charlevoix and the Eastern Townships. Each region has its own unique and unforgettable character, and a wealth of skiing and après-skiing experiences to be treasured. To find the best ski packages in the province: www.bonjourquebec.com/ski

Mont Blanc, Tremblant & the Saint-Sauveur Valley: Vive les Laurentides!

Steeped in snowy history, the Laurentians house the largest concentration of ski resorts in Eastern Canada. Most are family-centered hills such as Mont Blanc, Mont Gabriel and, the largest illuminated ski terrain in the world, the Saint-Sauveur Valley. True romantics will fall in love with stately, historic Gray Rocks or the scenic palatial charms of Chantecler. And no trip to Quebec is complete without skiing or at least visiting the one and only Tremblant. Of course, there’s more to the Laurentians than great skiing.  That’s because the Laurentians are also synonymous with lively, fun-packed villages, welcoming hosts, gourmet dining and quality lodgings of every stripe for every budget and taste. www.laurentians.com

Québec City : Pure winter magic

Magical Québec City has been putting the win in winter for over 400 years. World-class restaurants, vibrant nightlife, great shopping and gorgeous architecture and must-see cultural attractions abound in the enchanting old capital. What’s more, Québec City is just minutes away from some of the hottest slopes anywhere, and Stoneham is jib central. Not to be outdone, nearby Mont- Sainte-Anne serves up 66 heart-stopping runs topped with mountains of righteous powder snow. Too tired to ski? Well, there’s always the Québec Winter Carnival and Montmorency Falls and the Ice Hotel and snow rafting and ice fishing and dog sledding and… www.quebecregion.com

Quel beau choix: The Eastern Townships

The Eastern Townships southeast of Montreal are where the world’s most finicky skiers ski for one reason: the highly satisfying smorgasbord of four great ski areas that incudes Sutton, Bromont, Owl’s Head and Orford. Sutton is home to awesome bump and glade runs as well as copious quantities of natural snow. Bromont is seven hillsides and 129 trails chock-a-block with non-stop day and night skiing fun. Orford is three magnificent peaks in a bountiful provincial park with something for winter sports fan. And Owl’s Head is where families gather to feast on the delicious fall line and the equally sumptuous views of Lake Memphremagog. Now if all that sounds like too much, relax in the plethora of intimate Inns, welcoming B & Bs and award-winning spas you’ll find here. www.easterntownships.org

Charlevoix: C’est Magnifique!

One hour East of Québec City is where painters find their inspiration, skiers their delight, and connoisseurs of fine food and drink their Mecca. Charlevoix is where colossal mountains plunge into the Saint-Lawrence River. It’s where farmers raise and chefs craft the makings of memorably  sensual feasts. It’s where tiny villages nestle in deep valleys and coastal coves, their narrow winding streets teeming with lively bars, heavenly restaurants, quaint inns and fine art galleries. And it’s where skiers get away from it all to wallow in the bottomless white powder snow of Grand Fonds. Or, join future Olympians and seriously test their mettle on the seemingly never-ending slopes of the truly massive le Massif.  www.charlevoixtourism.com/en 

Win A Dream Destination Ski Trip

Enter the Quebec Destination Ski Passion! Contest and you could win one of four dream destination ski trips to the Laurentians, Charlevoix, Québec City & Area or the Eastern Townships. Prizes, which include accommodations, lift passes and some meals, are valued up to CDN $4,000! For more details, visit www.bonjourquebec.com/ski

Photo: Le Massif / Jean-Luc Brassard