GO SLEDDING DOWN THE AMAZING SLOPES OF LE MASSIF, CANADA

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This getaway is mostly for winter-loving families, with kids aged two years and up. We are heading to Le Massif, a family-friendly ski resort located about one hour north of Quebec City, famous for its ski slopes directly overlooking Saint Lawrence River.

This is where Florence Dujoux – our Contributor in Canada – spent her winter break last year. She experienced the authenticity of Le Massif and fell in love with the Charlevoix area. Here is her story.

“Upon our arrival, we are stunned by the beauty of the Charlevoix region; a UNESCO world biosphere reserve nestled between the mountains and the river.

Le Massif is known to offer the highest vertical drop east of the Rockies and a large variety of slopes designed for expert skiers. It’s also a kid-friendly ski hill, providing families with a one-of-a-kind ski school. Our boys ride down the stunning beginner slopes while their baby sister plays in the daycare center. It is windy and freezing (this is the first time I have had to put Vaseline on my kids’ faces to prevent frostbite), but we take regular and well-deserved breaks at the state-of-the-art cafeteria that serves local, healthy and delicious food (nothing fried!). There is tons of powdery snow and we make memories for life.

My husband and I get to try a unique attraction in North America, a 7.5 km sled run that winds down Mont Liguori. Sitting on our handmade toboggans, we glide down the curves, taking tight turns and trying to avoid falling into the nets. The busy ski slopes feel a million miles away so we really get to enjoy the silence of the forest and the breathtaking scenery. What a ride! We hope to be back with our eldest when he turns 10.

Time to go back to the chic and rustic Hotel Germain. We chose to drive so that we could be flexible with our hours, but there is also a train going directly from the ski hill to the hotel. Once back in our little nest, the boys still find the energy to chase each other with their skates on the outdoor ring. I’m more tempted by the thermotherapy circuit at the Spa du Verger where I can experience hot and cold baths in a pastoral ambiance. To end this fabulous day, we share a delicious pizza at the laid back restaurant, Le Bercail, before getting to enjoy the snugness of our beds. Night night everyone!”

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  • How to go?

Le Massif is located about an hour from Quebec airport and 4 hours from Montreal airport. Nice stop to explore Charlevoix.

  • Where to stay?

At Le Germain Hotel, a charming country hotel with an urban feel, offering chic rooms with rustic, contemporary furnishings. Book a family suite with bunk beds that the children will love. http://www.legermainhotels.com/en/charlevoix/

  • Where to eat?

There are two very nice restaurants at Le Germain hotel, namely Les Labours, a formal and renowned restaurant upstairs, and Le Bercail, that offers a smaller menu in a more relaxed atmosphere downstairs.

  • How to book your sledding experience?

Book online here: http://www.lemassif.com/en/sledding. From Christmas to mid-April, weather permitting.

  • Good to know

Le Germain is the ideal place to explore the city of Baie Saint Paul, renowned for its modern art museum (www.macbsp.com), local producers (think regional beer brewed at the Microbrasserie Charlevoix, www.microbrasserie.com), and typical shops such as Charlevoix Pure laine, that makes cute accessories from sheep’s wool (www.charlevoixpurelaine.ca).

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IN NORTH AMERICA, TRAVEL EXPERIENCESCanada