Massif du Sud
Massif du Sud is located near the community of St Philemon about an hour and a half drive Southeast of Quebec City, or 3 and a half hours from Montreal, in the Chaudière-Appalaches region of Quebec. Here you will find 33 trails and glades with a vertical drop of 1312 feet, served by a fixed grip Quad Chair and a Pomalift. There are 6 Easy, 2 Intermediate, 9 Single Black Diamond, and 2 Double Black Diamond trails. Of the 14 glades, there is 1 Intermediate, 5 Single Black Diamond, and 8 Double Black Diamond descents to choose from. There are 2 snow parks available with a variety of modules with different degrees of difficulty. If you are looking for some bumps, they have 3 mogul trails. There is also 20kms of snowshoe trails, 2 of which are accessible from the summit. They have a full boutique along with rental shop on the ground level with the ticket desk and lockers. Main level you will find the cafeteria with ample space to sit and to have a bite to eat. The bar is also on the main level. There is seating on the upper level as well. If you are looking for lessons, there are qualified ski instructors to help you hone your skills, or to help get you started for the first time. There is lodging available at the mountain or nearby for an overnight stay.
The Mountain and the Ski Trails
The mountain is in such a geographic location where they receive an abundant amount of natural snow where the average annual snowfall is about 600 centimetres. They do have snowmaking to get the season started, with 4 cannons and 12 perch snow guns. The mountain is known for its deep powder in the glades. There are 99 acres of glades available along with 127 acres of ski trails. All but 1 of the glades at Massif du Sud are classified as difficult to extreme. The ski trails have plenty of room to turn. They do have some narrower trails as well. The Familiale, the Villageois, and the Mistrale are the nice easy cruisers. The Promenade is the intermediate cruiser. If you are looking for a little more difficulty, the Olympique, the Panoramique, and Grande Allee just to name a few, are excellent choices. Those looking for some extreme steeps and bumps, the Suprenante, and La Cloche are for you. There is an excellent variety of difficult glades to choose from as well. The Bipolaire glade is one of those glade runs. There is a beginner's area served by a Pomalift that is available for those wanting to practice their skills without having to worry about being in the way of the more experienced skier.
Unique Features
One of the main features here at Massif du Sud is the glades. With their geographic position and weather patterns that dump on average of 600 centimeters of snow annually, this allows them to stay open and accessible a little longer during the season than at some other areas. After a dump of snow, the glades are some of the best to be had. The views from the mountain are some of the most beautiful around. On a clear day, you will be able to see the trails of Mont Ste-Anne and the St. Lawrence River off in the distance.
Why visit Massif du Sud?
Even though the ratio of trails at Massif du Sud tends to lean towards the more experienced skier, they do have beginner trails, and even a sector with a dedicated lift to enjoy. If you are looking for some challenging terrain and glades, Massif du Sud has what you are looking for. After a snowstorm, this is the place to go to in search of those early morning powder runs.
