Destination Snow: Stoneham Mountain Resort, Québec

Nestled in a horseshoe-shaped valley, Stoneham is a small, cozy resort yet it is just a 20-minute drive from bustling Québec City. Stoneham, then a hamlet of 70 acres, was named after a village in Glouchester County, England, in 1792. Although its early settlers were English immigrants, later immigrants brought their French heritage to Stoneham.

Four mountains make up the ski area at Stoneham. Thirty-two trails wind down their slopes with a vertical drop of 420 meters (1,380 feet). The resort is known for its excellent night skiing network, the largest in Canada. There are 16 trails lit at night covering over 15.6 kilometers (9.8 miles). Stoneham is family-friendly and has programs for the earliest beginners as well as some extreme trails for expert skiers. Trails are marked as 20 percent for beginners, 40 percent for intermediates, 23 percent for advanced skiers, and 17 percent for extreme skiers.

Stoneham is popular with snowboarders and freestylers, too. Its 418 Snowpark offers a super half-pipe with five-meter (17-foot) walls, 20 rails, 11 tabletops, a slope-style course, and a new 3D Zone that is twice the size of an NHL ice rink. Beginners can practice their skills at the Intro Zone, which was recently doubled in size.

Skiers may also want to ski at the nearby resorts of Mont-Sainte-Anne and Le Massif. At Mont-Sainte-Anne there are 450 acres of skiable terrain on 63 trails covering 68 kilometers (42 miles). The resort boasts a vertical drop of 625 meters (2,050 feet), and the largest cross-country skiing center in Canada. Le Massif is situated in the Charlevoix World Biosphere Reserve. The mountain soars above the St. Lawrence River with runs leading down to the river’s edge. Le Massif offers the highest vertical drop in Canada east of the Rockies at 770 meters (2,526 feet).

Stoneham’s Sports School offers private and group lessons in skiing and snowboarding.
Over 150 ski pros are on hand to teach skiers and boarders new skills or improve their technique. There is a program for disabled skiers using special equipment, as well. The school’s courses are well suited for families. Kidz Island has a program for children age three and up to help them learn to ski through games and activities. There’s also a daycare center for infants.

Stoneham has a friendly après-ski atmosphere. There are six restaurants at the mountain base ranging from the Feu Follet offering French cuisine to a cafeteria providing a quick meal for skiers on the go. The Le Bar 4 Foyers is a cozy place where you can enjoy a pizza by the fireplace and enjoy the mountain views. A new Arctic Spa Zone has been added on the terrace complete with outdoor hot tubs. At night the bar turns into a disco. The St. Edmond Pub offers its specialty of smoked meat and imported beer as well as a fun atmosphere to play some pool.

Québec City is just a short drive from Stoneham, making day-trips to the historic city a great opportunity to explore the area’s French culture. The city lies on the banks of the St. Lawrence River and winter views of the cold river are magnificent. When it’s too cold outside, visitors warm up in Québec City’s museums, historic homes, and art galleries.

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