Skiing in Shawinigan

When is the next snowfall? And preferably powder!

By France St-Amant

Know that there is not 1 but 2 ski stations allowing you to go downhill skiing, but also snowboarding, in Shawinigan.

Vallée du Parc is a must during the coldest months of the year with its 33 downhill ski slopes of all levels, including 2 family runs, 8 glades and 2 snow parks, as well as an alpine sled run. In 2020, alpine hiking was added to the range of activities offered. To learn more about the slope conditions, click here. Equipment rental is available.

In Shawinigan, you can easily leave work downtown at 4:30 p.m. to hit the slopes 20 minutes later and finish with an après-ski in the warm atmosphere of the Resto-Bar 360.

We like: the Panache restaurant food, comfortably settled on the mountain to enjoy the view of the Saint-Maurice River. Their grilled cheeses are delicious! There is also the Shack, located at the foot of the slopes, that you can reserve for groups.

Station de plein-air Val-Mauricie, known for its trails made entirely of natural snow, is a small hidden mountain waiting to be discovered. Its slopes are of relatively easy levels, ideal for the family! There is a snow park which is a delight for somersault’s lovers. It’s also possible to go downhill on tubes on the same site with 4 sliding lanes. Thrills guaranteed! Pssst! Some activities are vailable on weekends and some holidays as soon as the weather conditions are good.

Friendly advice: pick up a good lunch at the public market, at Tous les jours Dimanche or at Pâtisserie le Palais to treat yourself at the chalet.

Pssst! It’s also possible to go mountain skiing in powder snow on the outskirts of Shawinigan, at Mont SM.