Ski Family Hotel for the Festive Season
Why Club Med Québec Charlevoix is a lively and busy Christmas and New Year escape
If you are wondering where to spend the upcoming festive season with children, Club Med Québec Charlevoix deserves a place high on the list. We visited over New Year and found the combination of snow, family activities, food and celebrations genuinely special. For us, it is one of the best family hotels for a Christmas or New Year escape.
Set in the mountains above the St Lawrence River, just over an hour from Québec City, this is Club Med’s first North American mountain resort. In winter, it becomes an all-inclusive ski holiday with direct access to Le Massif de Charlevoix. Snowy scenery supplies the festive atmosphere, while lessons, childcare, meals and entertainment remove much of the work that normally comes with organising a family ski trip.
For families, its appeal is simple: accommodation, meals, many activities and children’s clubs can be organised within one stay. Parents can ski or hike while the children join their own programme, then everyone can meet again for lunch, a swim or an evening together.
The mountains were covered in snow during our New Year visit, the celebrations added a real sense of occasion, and there was always something for the girls to look forward to. Their favourite parts were the private ski lessons, the circus lessons and, perhaps inevitably, the chocolate fountains. It was the sort of holiday where the activities were memorable, but the small moments in between were just as much fun.
Why it is one of our best family hotels
A great family hotel needs to work for children and adults at the same time. Club Med Québec Charlevoix does this through a mix of age-specific clubs, mountain activities, family-friendly dining and spaces where everyone can relax together.
For us, the strongest reasons to consider it are:
A snowy setting that makes Christmas and New Year feel properly festive.
Ski-in, ski-out convenience with lift passes and group lessons built into eligible winter packages.
Children’s clubs for ages four to 17, with younger childcare available separately on selected dates.
Enough non-ski activities for mixed-interest and multigenerational families.
Meals, snacks and many drinks included, reducing the daily planning.
Evening entertainment and seasonal celebrations within the resort.
The option to add private ski lessons when children would benefit from individual attention.
This is not a quiet boutique hotel and not for families who enjoy a quiet holidays. It is very loud and the staff is not the most professional, but that is to be expected from most Club Med properties. It is an active, sociable resort, and that is part of its appeal during the holidays. Families can fill their days without arranging transport to every activity, while the festive programme brings everyone together.
What the festive season felt like for our family
New Year at Club Med gave the girls a mixture of independence and family time. They could try activities created for children, then return excited to tell us what they had done. We could enjoy the mountain knowing that the practical parts of the day were already organised.
The private ski lessons gave them confidence on the snow. Circus lessons brought a completely different kind of challenge, and the chocolate fountains supplied the pure festive joy. These details made the resort feel celebratory without requiring us to create the celebration ourselves.
Festive programmes change each year. Christmas meals, New Year entertainment, fireworks or special events should never be assumed until Club Med confirms the schedule for your dates. Book for the strength of the resort’s core family offer, then treat the seasonal programme as an additional pleasure.
Why Club Med Québec Charlevoix works for families
The pleasure of an all-inclusive mountain holiday is not having to plan every hour from scratch. Club Med advertises 26 included activities at Québec Charlevoix, alongside family facilities and age-specific childcare. Exactly what is running will depend on the season, weather, age group and length of stay, but there is enough choice for active children, outdoorsy parents and anyone who would rather watch the mountains from somewhere warm.
The resort has 302 rooms, two restaurants and bars, with views that stretch across the St Lawrence River. It is designed as a year-round base rather than a hotel you simply sleep in. Explore Club Med Québec Charlevoix.
What makes it particularly useful for a mixed-ability family is that everyone does not need to choose the same activity. One parent can ski, another can book time at the spa, and children can join their club or lesson. The best moments may still be the ones you share: breakfast before the slopes, hot chocolate afterwards and dinner when everyone has a story to tell. This is definitely not a resort for adults looking for a quiet romantic getaway as you will have children and teenagers running around and screaming most of the time.
What is included in the all inclusive stay
Club Med’s package model is a large part of the attraction. Depending on the season and the rate booked, a stay generally brings together:
Accommodation.
Meals, snacks and a selection of drinks.
A programme of sports and fitness activities.
Evening entertainment.
Children’s clubs from ages four to 17.
In winter, ski lift passes and group ski or snowboard lessons for eligible ages and levels.
The words “all inclusive” do not mean every service on the property is included. Spa treatments, premium wines, some childcare for children under four, ski or snowboard equipment hire, private lessons, excursions and transfers may cost extra. Always read the inclusions attached to your exact room and rate before paying.
All the activities families can choose from
The exact timetable changes with the snow, weather and season. On its current resort page, Club Med groups the activity offer into 26 included activities, alongside paid services and excursions. Across the year, the full choice can include:
Downhill skiing and snowboarding in winter.
Group ski and snowboard lessons for eligible ages and levels.
Snowshoeing and Nordic walking.
Guided hiking and nature walks.
Mountain biking and trail running.
Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
Yoga and meditation sessions.
Fitness classes, weight training and cardio facilities.
Team sports and family games.
Swimming.
Trapeze and circus activities.
Golf and horseback riding options.
Children’s club sports, games and creative workshops.
Live entertainment, shows and evening activities.
Seasonal expert workshops.
Off-site excursions around Québec City and Charlevoix.
Spa treatments and wellness experiences.
This is the complete range of activity categories currently promoted by the resort, rather than a promise that every item will run during one stay. Skiing and snowshoeing are winter activities; kayaking, paddleboarding, mountain biking, golf and horseback riding belong to the warmer-season offer or excursion programme. Some require advance booking, minimum ages or additional payment. Check the current activity programme.
Children’s clubs and childcare
For many parents, the children’s programme is the feature that changes the shape of the holiday. Children can gain confidence with their own age group while parents have time for an activity or an uninterrupted lunch.
Babies and toddlers
The resort presents services for children from baby age, but the youngest programmes should be treated as bookable extras rather than assumed inclusions. Baby Club Med and Petit Club Med availability, opening dates, capacity and charges can vary. Petit Club Med is designed for ages two to three, with games, creative activities and age-appropriate movement.
If travelling with a baby or toddler, ask specifically about:
The club offered for your child’s exact age and whether it is open on your dates.
The additional cost and advance-booking requirements.
Cots, baby baths, highchairs and other equipment.
Nap arrangements, nappies and what parents must supply.
Whether meals are included during the childcare session.
Spaces can be limited, so this is something to organise when booking rather than after arrival.
Mini Club Med and teens
Club Med’s core childcare offer at Québec Charlevoix covers ages four to 17, divided into age-appropriate groups. Mini Club Med+ is aimed at younger school-age children, while older children and teenagers have programmes designed around independence, sport and time with others their age.
In winter, the club day can be structured around ski or snowboard lessons. During the warmer seasons, activities may include outdoor games, creative sessions, walking and sport. Circus and trapeze activities can also feature in the programme. Our girls especially enjoyed their circus lessons: they had the excitement of trying something completely different in a supportive setting, and it became one of the parts of the holiday they remembered most. The timetable changes, so use the Club Med app or the programme provided at the resort to decide which sessions suit your family.
Do not assume that every age group runs all day, every day. Confirm registration times, collection procedures and what clothing or equipment children need.
The festive family ski experience
From roughly December to April, Québec Charlevoix becomes an all-inclusive ski resort. Club Med’s winter package advertises lift passes, group ski and snowboard lessons, meals, drinks, childcare from four to 17, fitness activities and entertainment as part of the stay. That makes the Christmas and New Year period much easier to manage than a self-catered ski trip. See the winter experience.
Le Massif has 54 runs across approximately 40 kilometres of slopes, with terrain for beginners through to expert skiers. The mountain’s position above the St Lawrence makes the scenery part of the experience.
Ski lessons for children
Included group tuition can remove one of the largest pieces of planning from a family ski holiday. Children learn with others at a similar stage, while parents can join their own group or head onto the mountain independently.
We chose private ski lessons for the girls, and they were a highlight of our New Year stay. The individual attention meant the instructor could work at their pace, build their confidence and focus on exactly what they needed. For our family, this was a luxury worth considering. Private tuition is separate from the group lessons included in the standard package, so ask for the current price and reserve it early for peak dates such as New Year.
Ask before booking which minimum age applies to ski and snowboard instruction, how levels are assessed and whether lessons run on arrival and departure days. Equipment rental is normally separate from the accommodation package, so compare the resort’s rental option with bringing your own kit.
For a smoother first morning, confirm where equipment is collected, when children meet their instructor and whether helmets are included in the rental. Pack warm layers, waterproof gloves and spare socks in hand luggage if you are flying.
Winter activities beyond skiing
The winter programme also promotes guided snowshoeing, Nordic walking, yoga and fitness classes. These make the resort a realistic option for families in which not everyone wants to ski every day.
There is also value in leaving time unplanned. An indoor pool session, a relaxed lunch and watching the snow from the resort can be as welcome as another run on the mountain. Spa treatments and some Nordic style wellness facilities may be paid services or subject to age restrictions, so check before promising them to the whole family.
What the hotel offers outside the festive season
Although this guide focuses on Christmas and New Year, the hotel also works as a spring, summer or autumn family escape. When the snow disappears, the mountains become the playground. Club Med’s warm-season package highlights guided hiking, trail activities, open-air yoga, fitness and a broader programme of workshops and encounters. Individual activities and guest experts change. Discover the current summer programme.
Hiking as a family
Guided walks are a gentle way to experience the landscape without having to research every route yourself. Choose according to the youngest walker rather than the keenest adult, and ask about distance, elevation and whether the trail is suitable for a child carrier.
The most enjoyable family hike is often not the longest. Leave time to look at the forest, stop for snacks and enjoy the river views. Proper shoes, water, sun protection and an extra layer are useful even on a bright day in the mountains.
Sport and time outdoors
The activity programme can include fitness sessions, trail running and seasonal outdoor experiences. Some activities will have minimum ages, height requirements or limited places. Mountain biking and specialist sessions may require extra equipment or charges, so confirm the current programme instead of assuming they are part of the standard package.
For younger children, the kids’ clubs provide a more manageable rhythm of games, creative activities and time outside. For teenagers, being able to join activities without staying beside their parents all day can make the holiday feel like theirs too.
Autumn colour
Autumn is an appealing time for families who prefer walking to skiing. The Charlevoix landscape changes dramatically as the leaves turn, and the cooler weather can make outdoor days more comfortable. The seasonal programme is smaller than at peak dates, so verify which clubs, restaurants and activities will operate during your stay.
Rooms for families
The best room is the one that works after everyone is tired. When comparing accommodation, look beyond the view and check the sleeping layout, number of proper beds, bathroom arrangement and distance from the children’s clubs or ski facilities.
Club Med offers different room categories, including family configurations and an Exclusive Collection space. Before booking, ask whether bedrooms are separated by a door, whether the room is connecting or simply adjacent, and how many adults and children it is officially permitted to accommodate.
Families with babies should request a cot and any essential equipment in advance. If you are skiing, consider how much space you will need for winter clothing even when equipment storage is provided elsewhere.
The Exclusive Collection option may appeal to families looking for more space and additional services while keeping access to the wider resort. Compare the exact benefits against the price difference rather than relying on the category name alone.
Eating at Club Med Québec Charlevoix
Food is part of the all-inclusive experience, which removes the daily search for a child-friendly restaurant.
Le Marché is the main restaurant, designed like a market hall and divided into dining areas with different atmospheres. Its buffet format is useful for families because children can see the options and choose small portions before going back for more.
Le Chalet has a more intimate feel and views over the St Lawrence River. The current warm-season programme lists late breakfast, late lunch and afternoon snacks, followed by a sharing-style Québec-inspired dinner. Service times and whether reservations are needed can change by season.
For our girls, the chocolate fountains were the undisputed stars of the dining experience. It was a small detail compared with the mountain views and ski days, but exactly the kind of treat that makes an all-inclusive family holiday feel special. Food displays change, so I would treat the fountains as a memory from our New Year stay rather than something guaranteed on every date.
Tell the resort about allergies before arrival, then speak with the restaurant team on site. An all-inclusive buffet should never be assumed to be allergen-free simply because it offers many choices. Parents of babies should also check what purées, milk or warming facilities are available.
Premium bottles and the La Cave wine experience are not necessarily included in the standard drinks package.
Wellness and time for parents
A good family resort should make room for adults too. While children are happily occupied, parents can join a fitness class, go for a walk, ski together or book a treatment.
The spa is an extra-cost service, and access to saunas, steam rooms or other facilities may be restricted by age. Reserve popular treatment times early, especially during school holidays.
The resort’s bars and evening entertainment give families somewhere to spend time without organising another journey. Check whether a pyjama club, evening childcare or babysitting is available on your dates if you hope to plan an adults-only dinner.
How to get to Club Med Québec Charlevoix
The usual international gateway is Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport. Club Med describes the resort as just over an hour from Québec City, but mountain roads, weather and stops can extend the journey.
Private or shared transfer
Ask Club Med to quote for its available transfer when making the reservation, including the pickup point, journey time, child-seat arrangements and baggage allowance. A separately booked private transfer can be easier with small children or ski luggage.
Hiring a car
A car gives you flexibility to combine the resort with Québec City or explore the Charlevoix region. In winter, make sure the vehicle is equipped appropriately for Québec conditions and that the driver is comfortable on snowy roads. Confirm parking with the resort and request child seats when reserving the car.
Flight times and transfers can affect the value of an all-inclusive day. Check the official room access times, baggage storage and whether meals and activities are available before check-in or after check-out.
Family excursions beyond the resort
You could spend the whole stay on site, but the wider region gives families more to explore. Ask the excursion desk about current guided outings, what is included and the minimum ages.
Possibilities to research include:
A day or overnight stop in historic Québec City.
Baie-Saint-Paul, known for galleries, local food and its small-town atmosphere.
Seasonal nature excursions in the Charlevoix region.
Whale-watching trips when operating, noting the long travel time and suitability for young children.
Local food and cultural experiences.
Excursions are generally separate from the standard all-inclusive package. Compare Club Med’s organised option with an independent tour, paying attention to transport, cancellation terms, meals and car seats.
Browse family tours in Québec and Charlevoix →
Christmas or New Year
Christmas and New Year both suit families looking for snow and a ready-made celebration. Christmas may feel more intimate, with the anticipation of the day itself; New Year brings a particularly lively atmosphere and was the period we experienced.
The trade-off is demand. Festive dates are likely to be among the most popular and expensive of the winter, with greater pressure on rooms, childcare, private lessons, rentals, transfers and spa appointments. Compare the exact dates and minimum-stay rules, then reserve the elements that matter most as early as possible.
If the peak festive week is outside your budget, consider arriving just before Christmas or travelling in early January. You can still enjoy the winter setting and included ski offer, although the celebration programme will differ.
How to plan the upcoming festive season
For a smoother Christmas or New Year stay:
Confirm the festive entertainment and dining programme for your exact dates.
Reserve the correct family room configuration before flights.
Register children for the appropriate club and verify any under-four charges.
Book private ski lessons early if individual tuition matters to you.
Arrange equipment hire and provide every skier’s sizing information.
Reserve airport transfers with space for winter luggage and child seats.
Ask what the hotel provides on Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve and whether supplements apply.
Pack essential snow clothing in hand luggage in case checked bags are delayed.
Check Christmas and New Year availability →
How long to stay
Four nights can work for a first look, particularly outside ski season. For a winter trip, a week gives children time to settle into lessons and allows the family to enjoy the resort without trying to extract value from every minute.
If travelling from the UK, consider combining the stay with two or three nights in Québec City. The journey is substantial, and a city-and-mountain itinerary creates two very different experiences in one holiday.
Is Club Med Québec Charlevoix one of the best family hotels for Christmas and New Year
Club Med Québec Charlevoix is most compelling for families who will use what the winter package includes. Lift passes, group lessons, meals, drinks, childcare and activities can turn a complicated festive ski holiday into one reservation.
It may offer less value if your family prefers to eat away from the hotel, explore independently every day or use very few organised activities. Before booking, price the complete holiday rather than comparing only the room rate with a conventional hotel.
For an active family, however, the freedom is the luxury: children have adventures designed for them, parents get time to enjoy the mountains, and everyone comes back together without someone having spent the day managing logistics.
Our New Year stay gave us snowy scenery, time together and activities the girls genuinely loved. The private ski lessons, circus sessions and chocolate fountains are still the details that make us smile. That is why Club Med Québec Charlevoix is not simply a ski resort we would list for families; it is one of our ideas for where to spend the upcoming festive season.