March Break deals in Quebec
March; this month is synonymous with sun, warmth, longer days, and everyone's favourite, March break! March break is a popular time for families or friends to go skiing, whether it be as part of their regular winter routine, or as the only time in the season they hit the slopes. And for good reason! Usually temperatures are warmer than in January and February, there is enough snow to have all terrain open, and the longer days mean the sun is still shining brightly at 4:00 pm and the drive home isn't in the pitch dark. Everyone likes a deal, so whether you're looking for a change from your regular hill, or choosing a destination for your annual ski day, look no further! For the Ottawa-Gatineau, Laurentians, and Eastern Townships regions, we've highlighted the best March break deals, making your choice easier.
Ottawa-Gatineau Region
Sommet Edelweiss
Available now, Sommet Edelweiss is selling their spring pass for 59$, which allows for unlimited skiing until the end of the season. Considering there is probably another 4-6 weeks left of the season, this is a great deal! You only have to ski twice to justify the purchase, and this pass is in fact valid during the school break. The learning hill is also free for children aged 6 and under, which is perfect for kids just learning to ski who won't stay out for long.
Sommet Edelweiss is located in Wakefield, Quebec, about 40 minutes from Ottawa. It's vertical drop of 656 feet is one of the largest in the region, and 3 quad chairlifts ensure you'll never wait much in line. There are 20 trails on a single mountain side, which makes it easy to reunite with family or friends if people choose to ski down different trails. There is also a tubing center, which is perfect for children or as an another activity after a bit of skiing.
Camp Fortune
For the month of March, Camp Fortune is offering a special online deal on packs of 3 tickets. For 79$ for adults, you can buy a pack of 3 day tickets that can be used ANYTIME in March. For students the price is 59$, while for children it costs 39$. This represents a savings of 30-35% compared to regular prices, as long as you use all 3 tickets by the end of March. On the other hand, it's a motivator to get out and ski! As a great option for families, there is a pack of one-day tickets for 2 adults and 2 children, available for 100$.
Situated in Chelsea, Quebec, Camp Fortune is only 15 minutes from downtown Ottawa, making it ideal for a short trip, night skiing after a day or work, or if you simply don't feel like a long drive. With 7 lifts and 4 distinct sides, the ski area is vast and feels large, even though the maximum vertical drop is 590 feet. The variety offered on the different mountain sides ensures that everyone will find something that suits their abilities and preferences.
Laurentians
Ski Chantecler
Do you like a great deal? Even better, how about something free? For the weekdays during March break at Ski Chantecler, a child ticket is free upon purchase of an adult ticket. This represents a savings of 32$! There are also exciting events such as a campfire and marshmallows every day, and bouncy castles from March 2-6. If you're looking to try night skiing, it's 12$ every night for every age category, from now until March 5.
Located in Sainte-Adele, 50 minutes from Montreal, Ski Chantecler's mountain has 656 feet of vertical drop, and features 22 trails ranging in difficulty from easy to expert. 2 quad chairlifts ensure waiting is kept to a minimum, and a huge learning area with magic carpet ensures those first days on the slopes are safe and productive. Ski Chantecler is a great option in the Saint-Sauveur valley if you prefer something a little more quiet and laid-back.
Vallee Bleue
During March break weeks, Vallee Bleue maintains their weekday ticket prices, which are significantly cheaper than their weekend rates. Unlike normal weeks though, they operate both chairlifts giving access to all trails, which is great added value for customers. Adults pay 20$ tax incl. instead of 37$, and children cost 16$ instead of 27$.
Situated in Val-David, an hour north of Montreal, Vallee Bleue is a perfect destination for those with young kids or who are learning to ski. Featuring 3 lifts, 20 trails, 365 vertical feet, the family-run mountain feels less commercial than other ski hills in the Laurentians. It offers a unique cachet due to their narrow and sinuous trails, which weave through a dense evergreen forest.
Ski Belle Neige
For both weeks of Quebec March break, Belle Neige is offering a different promotion every day of the week. On Mondays, ski tickets cost only 20$ (compared to 28-42$), while on Tuesdays and Thursdays, free tickets are given to the first 50 children. Wednesdays are 2 for 1, while on Fridays, season's pass holders from other ski hills receive 50% off.
Also located in Val David, Belle Neige offers just over 500 vertical feet, 4 lifts, and 20 trails. It's renowned ski school and family atmosphere make learning safe and fun, and it's southern exposure allows skiers to take full advantage of the warm spring sunshine. The "Sentiers des Toutous", renowned for the thousands of teddy bears strung from the trees, is a huge hit among children.
Eastern Townships
Owl's Head
All season long, skiing at Owl's Head on Tuesdays and Wednesdays is only 25$ for adults and 20$ for children and students, tax included. Many hills have similar weekday offers, but unlike most, Owl's Head doesn't cancel this offer during Spring Break weeks!
This deal is probably the best you'll find anywhere in Quebec in terms of price and size of the mountain. With over 1,700 vertical feet, 52 trails, 8 lifts including 3 high-speed quads, and beautiful views of Lake Memphramagog, you won't easily get bored here. Located in Mansonville, Owl's Head is roughly 1.5 hours away from Montreal. While installations are not the most up-to-date, it feels a lot less commercial than other ski hills in the region. If this is what you're looking for, you'll enjoy the laid-back ambiance and unpretentious feeling.
Ski Bromont
For the rest of the season, Ski Bromont is offering tickets for 40$ for adults, and 18$ for kids. This marks a significant savings compared to regular prices, which are 68$ and 37$, respectively. The only catch? These tickets are only valid as of 12 pm. Let's be real though: kids love sleeping in on March break, and since the hill has night skiing, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy yourself on the slopes. During March break, there will also be fun and free activities for kids like face-painting, night time movie screenings next to the fire, and bouncy castles.
Situated an hour outside of Montreal in the Eastern Townships, Ski Bromont has 7 mountain sides, making your possibilities almost endless. They have one of the largest and most advanced snowmaking systems in Quebec, and their strategy of grooming trails many times each day ensures that groomed-trail conditions are always at their best. This strategy holds a significant advantage this year, as temperatures will drop below freezing after a long spell of warm weather and rain.
-----------------
And lastly, some general tips:
- If you have a season's pass at any ski hill in Quebec, you receive 25-50% off when you visit almost any other hill. This benefit isn't advertised widely, and is easy to miss. If you have a pass elsewhere, be sure to show it to the ticket seller and get your discount.
- If you're thinking of getting a season's pass for next season, many hills already have them for sale. You'll save anywhere from 20 to 40% compared to regular price, and as an added bonus, you can usually ski the rest of the remaining season for free! That means if you buy it now, you ski the next 4-6 weeks for FREE!