Get Ski Passes on the Cheap With These Quebec Lift Packages

If you’re planning to hit the slopes often this season while keeping your budget in check, exploring a ski pass program can be beneficial. While you might consider purchasing a season pass at your favorite Quebec ski resort, it may limit your options to specific runs for months. However, if you seek variety and the freedom to ski different terrains, there are programs that cater to your skiing preferences.

Canada Lift Pass Program: The Mother of Ski Discounts

The Canadian Ski Council champions the benefits of alpine skiing and offers one of the most enticing ski deals available: the Canada Lift Pass Program. These passes, sold in batches of 5 to 20 tickets, allow participating ski areas to offer discounts based on the full-day lift ticket costs of the 2018/19 season, providing savings of up to 35 percent. You choose your package, pay upfront, and when ski season arrives, you can use the tickets at any resort included in your selected package. It’s a savvy way to enjoy skiing with flexible options and affordability for families and groups.

How The Package Deals Work

The Canada Ski Council presents several packages tailored to different budgets. Each package allows for the purchase of up to 20 lift tickets, redeemable at 137 ski destinations across Canada, including nearly 60 renowned Quebec ski resorts. New offerings also include a cross-country ski program. As the season progresses, discounts are made available. Notably, the pricing of passes fluctuates annually based on the actual day pass cost, so keeping an eye on the Canada Lift Pass Program website during the summer months is advisable.

Best Time to Join the Canada Lift Pass Program

To secure the best pass, timing is crucial. The Canadian Ski Council typically launches its lift ticket packages during the summer preceding the next ski season, usually around July or August. Consequently, it’s recommended that skiers and snowboarders act swiftly to purchase their desired packages early, taking advantage of early bird discounts ranging from 20 percent to 40 percent.

A Few Caveats

Before committing to a package, it’s essential to review and compare regular rates at the ski areas you intend to visit.

For instance, the $1,400 Gold package might seem appealing because it allows access to 20 lift tickets at an average of $70 each, granting entry to all listed Quebec ski hills, including premier resorts like Mont Tremblant that charges up to $89 for a single-day pass. However, consider whether you plan to frequently visit these pricier resorts like Tremblant or Le Massif, which charges $81 for entry.

If your preference leans towards Mont Tremblant’s neighboring Mont Blanc, which offers a $57 standard entry fee, then the Bronze package could provide substantial savings. While the Gold and Silver packages afford access to top resorts, the Bronze package also includes great options at a lower cost, featuring locations like Owl’s Head and Sommet Morin Heights.

Moreover, keep in mind that admission fees for children and seniors can be significantly reduced, and some resorts even provide free access, so it’s important to evaluate whether the Canada Lift Pass Program fits your age group and family needs.

Finally, if you have a favorite ski hill you frequently visit, consider that a season pass specific to that resort may yield more significant savings than the Canada Lift Pass Program. It’s wise to look for deals at select locations during the months of October and November.