Thursday, January 12, 2017
Employee favourites
Québec City’s 4 nearby ski hills are all blessed with seriously good snow. And as every skier and snowboarder knows, no day on the slopes is truly complete without a bit of well-earned après-ski. Québec City natives are known for being lively, down to earth, and great at customer service. Little wonder, then, that their love of outdoor sports is rivalled only by their mastery of the art of après-ski. Below, you’ll find my favourite spots for a drink after a day spent shredding on the hill.
Après-Ski at Stoneham Mountain Resort
A big hit with the 18–35 crowd, Stoneham Mountain Resort has the best après‑ski going midweek. Bar Quatre-Foyers offers an amazing view of the mountain as it lights up for night skiing. And for those who love chills with their thrills, there are hot tubs on the patio. Weekends, the bar is family‑friendly, and the dancefloor gets lit up by mid‑afternoon.
Marie Julie loves: The great bands that play there on weekends and the legendary shooter ski.
Find out more about Stoneham Mountain Resort
Après-Ski at Mont-Sainte-Anne
Credit: Mont-Sainte-Anne
Located just 40 minutes from downtown Québec City, Mont‑Saint‑Anne boasts impressive terrain (skiable on 3 sides!) and an elevation of 625 meters. Slopeside bar Chouette resto-bar has a chill, laid‑back atmosphere that’s perfect for sharing your best ski stories over a pint or two. Being the last local mountain to close for the season, Mont‑Sainte‑Anne’s après‑ski is legendary for the crush of die‑hards converging to compare goggle tans and the rotation of bands and DJs that play on the outdoor stage all day come spring. When it gets up to 15 degrees Celsius (that’s 59 degrees Fahrenheit), the hill turns into one giant party.
Marie Julie loves: Spring skiing or snowboarding in a T‑shirt and kicking back for a sun‑soaked happy hour outside.
Find out more about Mont-Sainte-Anne
Après-Ski at Massif de Charlevoix
Credit: Massif de Charlevoix
Welcome to Massif de Charlevoix, where the mountain is one giant playground known for its backcountry elevation and spectacular views of the St. Lawrence River. After a day on the slopes, skiers meet up at the Grand Duc Pub, where you’ll find wall‑to‑wall windows with a partial river view, and a crowd that’s always happy to be there. Party on! The live musical acts on Saturday nights have earned the bar a reputation that extends across the U.S. border. The bar is often packed, especially in March and April when spring creeps into the air.
Marie Julie loves: In the spring, seeing people in their boots and snowsuits dancing for hours in the bar after an unforgettable day of skiing and having a beer outside on one of the hay bales at the base of the mountain or at the summit.
Find out more about Massif de Charlevoix
Après-Ski at Le Relais
Located 2 minutes by car from Le Relais ski hill, Archibald is one of Québec City’s most popular microbreweries. After a big day of skiing or snowboarding, there’s no better spot to kick back and relax. You’ll see plenty of locals rolling in after last chair to savour one of the many fine pints brewed onsite. Plus, it has a friendly, laid-back atmosphere and live musical acts throughout the year.
Marie Julie loves: Archibald’s “Nuit Blanche” beer, the wood interior that makes it feel like a chalet, and the nights that end with everyone on the dance floor.
Find out more about Le Relais or about Archibald microbrasserie.
Après-Ski in Downtown Québec City
Le Bureau de Poste looks like a ski cabin all year round, which is probably why it’s a favourite with skiers and snowboarders who live in town. With loud music, loud talking, and every item on the menu at $5, this place is all about having some laid‑back fun. It also has screens so you can watch the big hockey games and sporting events, no matter the season. Always a no‑frills good time!
Marie Julie loves: The eclectic, laid‑back style of the multigenerational crowd and… the Mac ’n Cheese!
Find out more about Le Bureau de Poste
Ski Trip Savings!
From January 9 to February 16, 2017, book a ski trip for 3 nights and 3 days and get the third day and the third night free with a great package called In the Heart of Winter. Plus, you’ll have 3 mountains to choose from: Mont-Sainte-Anne, Le Massif, or Stoneham.
About Marie Julie C.
Skier and snowboarder Marie Julie has been lucky enough to hit the slopes on many a mountain across Canada and the U.S. and a few in the Alps
Subscribe to our newsletter