If you’ve ever stood in the parking lot at Stoneham Mountain Resort on a Tuesday night in February, you know the vibe isn't like the high-gloss, mega-resorts of the Rockies. It’s different. It’s colder, for one. But there’s a specific kind of energy here—a mix of high-speed adrenaline and "apres-ski is a lifestyle, not an event"—that defines the Quebec ski scene.
Most people heading to Quebec City think they have to trek all the way to Mont-Sainte-Anne or Le Massif to get the "real" experience. They’re kinda wrong. Honestly, Stoneham is the heartbeat of the local community. It’s where the high school kids go to hit the jib line after class and where the office workers from the city head for night skiing because, let's face it, the lighting here is probably the best in the province.
The Layout: Three Peaks and a Whole Lot of Vert
Stoneham isn’t just one hill. It’s spread across three distinct peaks. You’ve got a vertical drop of 345 meters (about 1,132 feet), which might sound modest compared to Whistler, but don't let the numbers fool you. Because the resort is shaped like a horseshoe, it’s protected from those brutal winds that often shut down the lifts at the coastal mountains.
Peak 1 is the hub. That’s where you find the base lodge, the main lifts, and the legendary terrain park. Peak 2 and 3 are where the terrain gets a bit more serious. If you find yourself on La Kamikaze or La Rock, you’ll realize quickly that "small mountain" doesn't mean "easy slopes." These runs are steep. They're often icy. They demand respect.
The variety is actually pretty impressive for a resort that sits just 20 minutes from downtown Quebec City. You can spend the morning cruising the long, winding blues of Peak 2 and the afternoon testing your knees in the moguls on the back side.
Night Skiing is the Real Draw
You haven't really experienced Stoneham Mountain Resort until you’ve skied it under the lights. It’s one of the largest night skiing networks in Canada. We’re talking 19 illuminated trails.
There is something surreal about carving down La 40 while the lights of Quebec City shimmer in the distance. The snow gets a bit crisper, the air gets sharper, and the crowd gets a whole lot more fun. It’s less about "performance" at night and more about the social aspect. You see people in retro gear, groups of friends laughing on the quad, and a general sense that the workday is finally over.
The Terrain Park: Where the Pros Actually Play
If you follow the competitive freestyle scene, you know Stoneham has a history. It’s hosted the FIS World Cup. This isn't just a couple of plastic pipes and a small kicker in the corner of a beginner hill. The terrain park here is a legitimate beast.
They have an Olympic-sized halfpipe that usually opens mid-season, depending on the snowmaking conditions. Even if you aren't brave enough to drop into a 22-foot wall of ice, watching the local talent is a spectator sport in itself. The park crew at Stoneham is notoriously meticulous. They reshape the rails and jumps constantly to keep things fresh. It's basically a lab for progression.
- The XL Park: This is for the experts. Big air, technical rails, no room for error.
- The Intermediate Line: Perfect for learning your first 360 or getting comfortable on boxes.
- The Halfpipe: A rare find in Eastern Canada, maintained to world-class standards.
The Olympic caliber of the park has bred a generation of elite riders. It’s not uncommon to be sitting on the lift and watch a kid who looks no older than twelve pull a double cork like it’s nothing. That’s just Tuesday in Stoneham.
The Weather Reality: Keeping it Real
Let's be honest: it’s cold. Like, "my eyelashes are freezing together" cold.
Stoneham is located in a valley, which helps with the wind, but the humidity in Quebec means the cold sinks into your bones. You need layers. Real layers. None of that fashionable thin stuff you see in California. You need a shell, a heavy mid-layer, and probably a neck warmer that you can breathe through.
The snow quality is typically "hardpack." That’s a polite way of saying it’s firm. However, Stoneham has an incredible snowmaking system. Even in years when the natural snowfall is lagging, they manage to coat the mountain in a reliable base. When they do get a "powder day"—which usually means about 15-20cm of fresh Quebec fluff—the mountain transforms. The glades, specifically those tucked away on Peak 3, become a playground.
Where to Eat and Drink
Forget the overpriced cafeteria burgers for a second. The real magic happens at Le Quatre-Foyers. It’s the bar at the base, and it is the definition of a classic ski pub. Huge central fireplace, local beers on tap (shoutout to the microbreweries in the region), and a terrace that gets packed the second the sun comes out in March.
The poutine here is, as you’d expect in Quebec, the real deal. Don't go looking for "artisanal" toppings. Get the classic. Squeaky cheese curds, brown gravy, and fries that have been through the ringer. It’s the fuel you need to get through another two hours of night skiing.
Planning the Logistics
Getting to Stoneham Mountain Resort is ridiculously easy if you’re staying in Quebec City. Most people just drive up Route 175. It’s a straight shot north.
If you don't have a car, there are shuttle services (Skibus) that run from various points in the city. It’s a lifesaver for tourists who don't want to navigate winter driving in a rental car.
- Parking: It can get tight on weekends. If you aren't there by 9:00 AM, expect a bit of a walk from the lower lots.
- Rentals: The rental shop is efficient, but again, weekends are busy. Pro tip: rent your gear in the city the night before if you want to be first on the lift.
- Tickets: Buy them online. The "on-mountain" price is always higher, and they often have "Flash Sales" for night skiing if you check their website mid-week.
Accommodation Options
You can stay right at the base at the Hotel Stoneham. It’s "ski-in/ski-out," which is a luxury in this part of the world. It’s not a five-star luxury hotel, but it’s clean, comfortable, and has outdoor hot tubs that are glorious when the snow is falling.
If you want something more modern, there are dozens of condos and chalets for rent in the immediate "Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury" area. Many of these are within walking distance of the lifts and offer full kitchens, which is great if you're traveling with a family and don't want to eat every meal at the lodge.
Why Stoneham Over the Others?
People always ask: "Should I go to Stoneham or Mont-Sainte-Anne?"
It depends on what you want. Mont-Sainte-Anne has a bigger vertical and a view of the St. Lawrence River that will take your breath away. But Stoneham has the vibe. It feels more intimate. The trails are more sheltered. And if you’re into freestyle or night skiing, Stoneham wins every single time.
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There’s a lack of pretension here. You’ll see hardcore skiers in duct-taped pants and families teaching their toddlers on the bunny hill side-by-side. It’s a community mountain that just happens to have world-class facilities.
Common Misconceptions
People think Stoneham is just a "training hill." That’s a mistake. While it is great for training, the expert terrain on the higher peaks provides plenty of challenge for seasoned skiers. Another myth is that it’s "too crowded." While the base area can feel frantic at noon on a Saturday, the horseshoe layout of the mountain does a great job of spreading people out once they get off the main lifts.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
To make the most of your time at Stoneham Mountain Resort, don't just show up and wing it.
- Check the Wind Forecast: Even though Stoneham is sheltered, if the winds are gusting over 60km/h, some of the higher chairs might go on standby.
- Target the "Half-Day" Afternoon/Evening Ticket: This is the best value. You get the end of the daylight hours and the full night skiing experience for a fraction of the full-day price.
- Explore the Glades: If there’s been fresh snow in the last 48 hours, head to the glades on Peak 3 (like La Casimir). They hold snow much better than the groomed runs.
- Eat Off-Mountain: If you have a car, drive five minutes into the village of Stoneham. There are local bakeries and small restaurants that are cheaper and often better than the resort food.
- Download the App: The resort uses an app for real-time lift status and trail grooming reports. In a Quebec winter, things change fast. Knowing which trails were groomed that morning can save you from a day of skiing "boilerplate" ice.
The mountain is open, the lights are on, and the poutine is hot. Stoneham isn't trying to be the Alps or the Rockies. It’s trying to be the best version of Quebec skiing—rugged, social, and incredibly fun.