Club Med Quebec Charlevoix: North America’s Only All Inclusive Ski In Ski Out Resort
/Earlier this ski season I was grateful to visit Club Med’s new property in Quebec, Canada— the only true all-inclusive ski-in/ski-out resort in North America. I had first become acquainted with Club Med’s All-Inclusive Ski-In/Ski-Out concept at Club Med Valmorel in 2022, and until my visit to Club Med Quebec Charlevoix this season, had never experienced something so special anywhere else. The concept of having every detail of your ski holiday already taken care of— while being located directly on the slopes— is impossible to beat when it comes to both luxury and convenience.
Guests of Club Med Quebec Charlevoix have their accommodations, all meals, drinks, activities, entertainment, ski passes, and group ski lessons included for the duration of their stay, and optional extras that are also available include spa treatments, equipment rentals, and private ski lessons. Though it’s easily accessible from major airports in North America and Europe, Club Med Quebec Charlevoix is a hidden gem in a winter paradise that offers world-class skiing without the crowds.
Overlooking the main gondola at Le Massif ski resort from an Exclusive Collection suite at Club Med Quebec Charlevoix
Situated on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, Club Med Quebec Charlevoix is located at the base of Le Massif de Charlevoix ski resort which features the highest vertical drop east of the Rocky Mountains. Though the region and resort are a playground for all winter activities including sledding, ice skating, backcountry touring, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, I was most looking forward to downhill skiing during my visit. My stay at Club Med Quebec Charlevoix was the perfect combination of relaxation and high-intensity sport, in a setting where all my expectations where exceeded.
Accommodations at Club Med Quebec Charlevoix
A select number of Club Med properties around the world feature their Exclusive Collection concept, and Club Med Quebec Charlevoix is one of them. The experience includes upgraded accommodations, dedicated concierge service, access to private lounges and areas, room service, and private transfers among other amenities. At Club Med Quebec Charlevoix, Exclusive Collection suites are located on the highest floors of the main building of the resort, providing the most convenient access to everything the property has to offer.
Exclusive Collection Family Suite at Club Med Quebec Charlevoix
In-room breakfast is premium experience provided for Exclusive Collective guests at Club Med Quebec Charlevoix
My flight into the Quebec City airport landed at night, so I arrived to Club Med quite late. My first impression of the resort was that of the warmest welcome, with Erica from the Exclusive Collection concierge personally greeting me, escorting me to my suite, letting me know they had placed a small meal and snacks in my fridge, and showing me a few of the in-room amenities like a tablet where I could reach out if there was anything I needed, before kindly suggesting to me that we can handle the arrival registration the following morning after I’ve had a full night of sleep.
The attention to detail and the foresight into ensuring I had a comfortable arrival after my journey was much appreciated, and I immediately felt as though I had been welcomed among family— and I’ve come to realize this feeling is something all of my visits to Club Med properties have in common.
I was already immediately impressed upon my arrival at Club Med Quebec Charlevoix, but upon first entering my Exclusive Collection Family Suite, I was truly blown away. The design of the space was inviting, the finishes were brand new, and the floor plan was considerably spacious with ample storage and areas to lounge and relax. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom suite can fit a family of five, and features a large living room, a spacious balcony, and a “mudroom” where guests can hang up coats and have a seat to take off their boots.
A definite highlight of staying in an Exclusive Collection suite is the ability to request your breakfast to be served in-room. As if waking up in a Club Med wasn’t relaxing enough, having your breakfast in the comfort of your own suite makes the experience even more effortless. Simply indicate your desired service time, make your selections on the menu provided, and turn them in to concierge the evening before. Another obvious highlight of the Exclusive Collection suites at Club Med Quebec Charlevoix are the views, with each balcony opening up to the St. Lawrence River and allowing guests to gaze upon the slopes and be first to monitor the lift activity while getting ready for their day. There is no better way to check the snow report before a day of skiing than to have a look at the mountain and the conditions with your own eyes. The list of added benefits of staying in an Exclusive Collection suite continues beyond your accommodation, and include access to other private spaces within the resort— which I’ll describe in more detail later in this article.
Skiing at Club Med Quebec Charlevoix: Le Massif
Views while skiing at Le Massif de Charlevoix
Le Massif features 53 ski runs (70% of which are groomed) ranging from easy to more challenging. On top of great skiing, many of the runs on Le Massif offer sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River and surrounding landscape. I skied a total of four days during my stay, and as I turned each corner the views continually left me in awe as the sunlight would change, the cloud formations would shift, and the forests would become increasingly blanketed in fresh snow.
Even though I visited on an American holiday weekend (MLK Jr Day), Le Massif had virtually no crowds and no lift lines, and some runs were so empty I caught myself wondering if I had somehow gone off-piste on an unmarked trail (ha!). But note— That would have never happened because the Le Massif ski area is beautifully maintained and features clear signage indicating boundaries, difficulty, and directions to the various lifts and gondolas, making it easy to navigate.
Club Med Quebec Charlevoix is located at the base of the Le Massif ski area, with direct access to its main gondola. The property’s ski-in/ski-out experience is exceptional because it is the only resort located at Le Massif de Charlevoix. As an avid skier, I’ve come to realize it truly is a luxury to wake up on the slopes and be able to hop on and off the mountain at your own leisure, as opposed to having to drive yourself and beat the rush for a prime parking spot, or have to shuttle to a ski area from a neighboring town. You can take your time at breakfast and fuel up before a full day of skiing, or if you’re like me— hop out of bed and pop onto the slopes in a matter of minutes.
For beginners, there is a learning area just beside Club Med Quebec Charlevoix, making it both an easy and convenient place to start getting a feel for the slopes. Group ski lessons are also included for Club Med guests, and can be scheduled directly at the resort at the desk near the entrance of the ski locker room.
Exclusive Collection Ski Locker Room at Club Med Quebec Charlevoix
Guests of Exclusive Collection accommodations at Club Med Quebec Charlevoix have access to a private, spacious locker room (located beside the main locker room) to store their ski equipment and hang up their gear on the in-locker drying racks. If you choose to rent your equipment through Club Med’s Easy Arrival service, you can simply indicate your sizes, ability, and preferences ahead of time and your rentals will be ready and waiting for you when you arrive. I chose to bring my own gear which I easily dropped off and stored in my private locker, but I was able to rest assured knowing that if I had forgotten anything, I could have conveniently rented from the on-site shop which offers top-of-the-line skis, boots, poles, helmets, goggles, and more. The staff at the rental shop can also service, tune, and wax your skis if your gear is in need during your stay. And for those that need or simply feel like shopping winter or ski apparel, the Club Med boutique will have you covered, and offers the latest in functional and fashionable skiwear.
An additional convenience provided in the Exclusive Collection ski locker room was a station with refreshments, tea, coffee, and pastries, which I felt was the ultimate amenity. I personally prefer a light breakfast before a morning of skiing, and if I didn’t feel like loading up on room service or feasting on the endless options at the market-buffet, I could simply have a cup of espresso prepared while I put on my ski gear, and could be out the door and on the snow as soon as I was ready.
Resort Highlights at Club Med Quebec Charlevoix
Club Med knows how to holiday. Of all of the resorts that I’ve visited (now seven!), there is always a perfect balance of activities to keep you and your family entertained, and beautiful places to sit back and relax if your plan is to do nothing at all.
The indoor pool at Club Med Quebec Charlevoix
The pool at Club Med Quebec Charlevoix features a stunning view through its floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing guests to take in the natural surroundings from the comfort of a heated interior. Just beside the main pool is the kid’s pool making the space very family friendly, and on a terrace adjacent to the indoor pool is a heated outdoor whirlpool. The property is also outfitted with a well-equipped and spacious gym for guests to work out at their own pace, as well as a fitness center that offers a range of scheduled exercise and yoga classes.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, other outdoor activities included with your stay at Club Med Quebec Charlevoix are sledding, ice-skating, hiking, snow-shoeing, and nordic walking. Various excursions can also be arranged at the resort to explore the region of Quebec and its highlights. For guests that choose to brave the winter cold for any outdoor activity, they can look forward to a warm welcome back at the resort with a visit to the spa, the pool, or the heated whirlpool.
The Club Med Spa by Sothys offers a full menu of treatments and services, and is a true sanctuary for relaxation. Guests who have reserved spa treatments can access a main indoor relaxation room that opens to an outdoor terrace overlooking the St. Lawrence River, where you’ll find both a heated bath and a cold plunge bath. There’s also a mixed-gender hammam and sauna located within the spa, to be enjoyed either before or after a scheduled treatment or service. I opted to head down to the spa about an hour before my massage appointment, and while I was able to enjoy each of the calming spaces, I found that the relaxation room and the sauna were my favorites. I truly felt transported during my perfectly-relaxing evening massage that started just as the sun was setting— over the course of the 60-minute treatment, the sky had fallen dark and when the massage was over I looked outside to see snow falling from the night sky, inspiring both feelings of calm and of excitement for what would be a perfect morning of skiing the following day.
The relaxation room at the Club Med Spa by Sothys at Quebec Charlevoix
Exclusive Collection Amenities at Club Med Quebec Charlevoix
While the premium suites and private locker room are exceptional amenities, Exclusive Collection guests at Club Med Quebec Charlevoix are also granted access to a dedicated concierge service, available by phone or in-room tablet, or in-person at the concierge desk in the private Exclusive Collection lounge located on the top floor in the main building of the resort. The indoor area of the lounge has plentiful seating beside a cozy fireplace and a full bar where guests can enjoy drinks, cocktails, and snacks with a view.
The outdoor area of the Exclusive Collection lounge features a terrace and viewing platform, and two heated whirlpool tubs that can be privatized by reservation. My hot tub reservation perfectly coincided with the most beautiful sunset I saw during my 5-night stay at the resort, and I thoroughly enjoyed it with a glass of red wine.
Though I had already visited six other Club Med properties, Quebec Charlevoix was the first time I experienced an Exclusive Collection stay. The personalized service, friendly and accommodating staff, and attention to detail were of the highest standards and truly made an unforgettable experience that much more memorable.
Exclusive Collection guests at Club Med Quebec Charlevoix have access to a private lounge with a terrace and outdoor heated whirlpool spas
Dining at Club Med Quebec Charlevoix
The dining options at any of Club Med’s resorts have always been a highlight for me, and Quebec Charlevoix is no different. No matter your tastes, preferences, or the size of your appetite, there is always a perfect option that will satisfy your cravings. Dishes are served beautifully in a buffet-style marketplace, and are to be enjoyed while seated in a lively and thoughtfully decorated dining space. The options seem endless, and are always influenced by local cuisines and classic favorites. In line with Club Med’s sustainability efforts and focus on a connection to the surroundings, a majority (80%) of food products served at Quebec Charlevoix are sourced from Canada.
Outside of regular dining hours at Le Marché, snacks and drinks can be found at any of the property’s bars or at Le Chalet restaurant-lounge. With so many options available throughout Club Med Quebec Charlevoix, one can go about their day at a relaxed pace without worrying about making a plan for their next meal and can simply go with the flow.
a sunrise view overlooking the ski slopes from an exclusive collection suite at Club Med Quebec Charlevoix
How to Get to Club Med Quebec Charlevoix
Club Med Quebec Charlevoix is located about a 1 hour and 20 minute (111km) drive from Quebec City Airport (YQB), following the St. Lawrence River northeast. The easiest way to reach the resort from the airport is by scheduling your transfer directly with Club Med. You can also drive yourself if you opt to rent a car or if you are local to the area, but I would imagine you would rarely leave considering you will have everything you need at the resort.
Booking your stay directly with Club Med is easy via their website or by speaking to an advisor at their toll-free number. Guests can also opt to have their flights arranged and packaged with their accommodations, and for your travel dates to fit your needs you can take advantage of the resort’s flexible scheduling and availability. To view rates and availability during Club Med Quebec Charlevoix’s winter season, click here.
It’s always a bittersweet moment when it comes time to depart a Club Med property after a relaxing yet rejuvenating holiday, but at Club Med Quebec Charlevoix your experience doesn’t have to end when you leave the resort— The Quebec City Airport (YQB) has a Club Med Lounge which is included for Exclusive Collection guests or available as an additional option for standard guests. The lounge offers a peaceful setting to relax before your flight, with self-service snacks and drinks that can be enjoyed while overlooking a view of the airport’s runway. It’s also the perfect place to contemplate your next Club Med holiday, following a wonderful stay at Quebec Charlevoix!
To learn more about Club Med’s All-Inclusive Ski Vacations and their destinations in the Canada, the Alpes, and beyond, you can click here or visit their website at https://www.clubmed.us/l/all-inclusive-ski-vacations. Club Med Quebec Charlevoix is a unique experience in North America, as it is the only All-Inclusive Ski-In/Ski-Out resort in the US and Canada— a title it will continue to hold until Club Med’s Snowbasin Utah resort opens, slated for 2024. The experience is truly exceptional, and whether you are new to Club Med’s concept or are already a big fan, you’ll find that Quebec Charlevoix is a great destination for a ski holiday.
About the author
Meet Carina Otero, avid skier and the creator of She is Not Lost, an online community for celebrating female travelers and a blog providing helpful tips, useful information, and inspiration for your future travels. Carina’s passion for skiing and love of writing and photography have inspired a new blog to share her experiences and personal favorites relating to the sport:
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