Quebec ski areas offer free introductory sessions to snow sports.

Throughout the winter season, the Quebec Ski Areas Association (ASSQ) is multiplying its initiatives to allow young people to try snow sports for free. By meeting with families in schools and urban areas, the organization shares its passion for the mountains and highlights the diverse experiences offered at Quebec's 73 ski resorts.

For over 40 years, the ASSQ has been working to represent and support Quebec ski resorts in developing best business practices. A non-profit organization, the ASSQ promotes snow sports, enhances the customer experience, and supports resort performance to ensure their long-term viability. Through initiatives like Ski Passe-Partout, which fund the Association's activities, more than 40,000 young people are introduced to skiing and snowboarding, as well as healthy lifestyle habits, free of charge each year.

In the context of climate change, the ASSQ is expanding its mission by supporting the industry and the public in the evolution of ski resorts and mountain activities. It is committed to fostering a sustainable environment for skiing and snowboarding and supporting its members' adaptation to the new realities of the ski industry.

In schools, the Iniski and Inisurf programs provide 24 school service centres, spread across 14 regions of Quebec, with free ski and snowboard equipment. Also in elementary schools, the Snowboard Tour offers introductory sessions directly at the school, led by specialized instructors.

In urban areas, the ASSQ is once again partnering with Gatineau's Winterlude and Gamelin Slides to provide young people and families with accessible and memorable winter experiences.

Gatineau Winterlude

Until February 16, families in the greater Gatineau and Ottawa region are invited to discover skiing and snowboarding at the heart of Gatineau Winterlude festivities thanks to the Experience Maneige initiative. A miniature ski slope is set up to allow children aged 5 to 8 to try skiing and snowboarding for free, with full equipment and guidance from specialized instructors. It's a turnkey first experience that is fun, accessible, and safe, for the enjoyment of both children and parents. Each winter, Experience Maneige introduces an average of 7,000 children to snow sports.

Gamelin Slides at Place Émilie-Gamelin

In the heart of downtown Montreal, the mountain comes to the urban environment. Following a successful first edition, the ASSQ, with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, is renewing its partnership with Glissades Gamelin and the Quartier des Spectacles. Every weekend until March 8, families are invited to try out snow sports on specially prepared slopes, with free equipment rentals, including sleds, snowskates, and snow scooters. The ASSQ is enhancing the experience with the addition of a fleet of snowboards for children 12 and under.

The experience continues in an immersive and festive space, where real-time snow conditions from Quebec ski resorts are displayed on a giant screen. Ambassadors are also on hand to chat with the public about the joys of winter and best practices in the mountains.

From Gatineau to Montreal, these initiatives demonstrate the ASSQ's commitment to making snow sports accessible to as many people as possible and to inspiring a new generation of skiers and snowboarders, by promoting positive, inclusive and sustainable experiences.

For more details on the activities, visit https://maneige.ski/initiation-gratuite-pour-les-5-a-8-ans/