Ski Montagne Coupee is located in Saint-Jean-de-Matha about 1h15 from Montreal. The centre is specialized in winter sports; cross country ski (traditional and skating – 72.3km trails) and snowshoeing (19.5km trails). The center is situated near the Abbaye Val-Notre Dame, a monastery opened in 2009. The trails take you through a pine forest, a valley, hills, and an impressive cliff.
For snowshoeing and cross country ski, there are 3 levels to choose from. During our visit, we hiked an intermediate level loop trail, R3, a 3km snowshoeing trail (labeled as blue on the map). The trail is marked R3 along the path, with pink ribbons on the trees.
The condition of the trails was very good and nicely groomed during our visit.
Address: 220 Ch. Montagne Coupée, Saint-Jean-de-Matha, J0K 2S0, QC
Region: Lanaudiere
Drive: north for about 1h15 from downtown Montreal
Daily ticket (2020) – snowshoeing: adult 13+ years $10, 12 years and under $6.5. Cross Country ski: Adult $19, age 15-18 $12, kids (5-14) $6.5, family option (2 adults and 3 kids under 12 years old) $45.
Gear rental shop: available
note: Snowshoes is a must for every hiker on the trail
Bistro: yes
Cross Country lessons available on site
Abbaye Val-Notre Dame – The church is open to all, from 4am to 8pm.
The monks sell their products in a large store at this centre. The shop is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm; Sunday from 10am to 5pm.
The main centre with ticket office, bistro, rental shop, food store, and toilets:
Entrance to the snowshoeing trails:
The first part of the snowshoeing trails is inside a pine forest:
Trail R3 goes towards the cliff of Montagne Coupee:
The view of Auberge Montagne Coupee from the valley:
Quebec Family Hikes 