When winter covers the Laurentians with fresh snow, Val-David becomes one of the most beautiful playgrounds in Quebec for outdoor enthusiasts. With its snow-covered forests, its mountainous landscapes and its kilometers of carefully designed trails, Val-David brings together all the conditions for practicing cross-country skiing, whether you are a beginner, an intermediate level or a long-distance enthusiast.

This authentic corner of the Laurentians is particularly appreciated for the quality of its slopes, the diversity of its routes and the friendly atmosphere that reigns there. From the Val-David–Val-Morin Regional Park to the famous P’tit Train du Nord, there is no shortage of options for enjoying a day — or a stay — in nature. Here, we ski to the rhythm of the forest, we advance to the muffled sound of the snow under our skis, and we often end the outing in a village café or around a good meal.

In this guide, you will discover the best sectors, difficulty levels, and practical advice for a memorable cross-country skiing experience in Val-David.

Why Val-David is an essential place for cross-country skiing

Cross-country skiing plays a central role in Val-David’s winter identity. Thanks to its natural relief, its generous snow cover and the exceptional quality of its trails, the village attracts sports enthusiasts as well as active families and visitors who wish to discover the outdoors in a different way. Located in the heart of the Laurentians, Val-David perfectly combines accessibility, authenticity and variety. It is an environment where you can learn Nordic skiing as well as enjoy long training outings on perfectly groomed slopes.

Unlike other regions where the courses are limited or too technical, Val-David offers a rare balance: accessible slopes for beginners, more demanding sections for intermediates, and long distances for endurance enthusiasts. No matter your level, you will find a route adapted to your pace and your objectives… while enjoying a magnificent winter setting.


A Nordic playground in the heart of the Laurentians

Val-David stands out above all for the beauty and diversity of its landscapes. Rocky massifs, dense forests, snow-covered valleys, frozen waterways: nature takes on an immersive dimension here that makes each outing unique. When cross-country skiing, you can fully feel this Nordic atmosphere.
 The trails extend for several kilometers through protected areas, offering a complete change of scenery from the first few meters. The pure air, the panoramas that reveal themselves along the route and the calm of the forest create a soothing and stimulating experience at the same time.

This is also what makes Val-David so attractive for urban athletes: in less than two hours from Montreal, you find yourself propelled into an environment that seems a thousand miles from the city. And for those looking to improve their technique or simply have a good time in nature, the conditions are ideal throughout the season.


For beginners, intermediates and athletes: courses for everyone

One of the great assets of Val-David is the diversity of its routes. Here, we don't just find linear or monotonous trails: the trails vary in elevation, width, difficulty and style.
 Beginners will appreciate the flatter and more regular areas, perfect for learning to slide or enjoying a relaxing outing with the family. Intermediate athletes will find what they are looking for in the slightly hilly slopes, ideal for working on technique and rhythm. As for experienced skiers or cardio enthusiasts, they can let off steam on longer, more sustained and sometimes more technical loops, particularly in certain portions of the Regional Park.
 This variety makes Val-David a perfect place for groups of friends where everyone can practice at their own level, while sharing the same destination.

The main cross-country skiing areas in Val-David

Val-David has two major areas for cross-country skiing: the Val-David–Val-Morin Regional Park and the famous P’tit Train du Nord. Together, they offer an ideal combination for alternating between forest trails, gentle long distances and more technical routes. It’s this duo that makes Val-David a particularly rich and versatile destination: you can do an introductory outing there as well as a complete endurance workout, or even a great day out with the family.
Each sector has its own personality, strengths and distinct landscapes. Understanding these differences allows you to better choose your course according to your level, the time available and the experience sought.

The Val-David–Val-Morin Regional Park: 50+ km of marked trails

The Regional Park is the heart of cross-country skiing in Val-David. With more than 50 kilometers of maintained, marked and groomed trails throughout the winter, it is the perfect place for those who love skiing amid spectacular landscapes.

Here's what really sets the park apart:

  • A wide variety of levels : easy slopes for beginners, intermediate courses to challenge yourself and a few technical segments for more experienced skiers.
  • Nature trails : the trails wind through mature forests, follow rocky ridges and sometimes offer superb views of the snow-covered valleys.
  • The skating step : certain sections are specially designed for skate skiing, ideal for working on your cardio or for a more sporty outing.
  • Heated relays : perfect for taking a break, warming up, drinking hot chocolate or simply enjoying the calm of the forest in winter.

It is a dream destination for skiers who want a complete, sporty and immersive experience. The trails are varied, well marked and very well maintained, which guarantees safe practice throughout the season.


Le P’tit Train du Nord: long distances and gentle training

The P’tit Train du Nord is an emblematic multifunction trail in the Laurentians, perfect for a more linear and constant practice of cross-country skiing. Unlike the Regional Park, here the profile is softer and more regular, which is perfect:

  • to beginners who wish to gain confidence,
  • to intermediaries who want to slide for a long time without great difficulty,
  • to sportsmen who are looking for a great cardio outing, with constant effort.

One of the great advantages of the P'tit Train du Nord is its atmosphere: you literally ski from village to village, passing near heritage stations, small local shops and sometimes even cafes accessible nearby.

The difference in altitude is low, the slopes are wide, and the landscapes pass gently to the rhythm of the skiing. It is an ideal route to work on endurance or to plan a longer outing with friends. And even if the route is simple, the magic happens: the snow, the silence, the long straight lines and the snow-covered conifers create a perfectly relaxing atmosphere.

Practical advice for a day (or stay) of cross-country skiing in Val-David

To fully enjoy cross-country skiing in Val-David, it is not enough to choose a trail: a few good practices can transform a simple outing into a memorable experience. Whether for a sports day, a family introduction or a complete stay with friends, preparing your visit well will make all the difference. Val-David being a very popular destination in winter, knowing the access points, recommended equipment, snow conditions and good addresses allows you to save time and avoid unforeseen events. Here are some simple but essential tips to get the most out of your experience.

What type of course should you choose according to your level and style of skiing?

Even though Val-David offers a wide variety of slopes, each sector corresponds to a type of skier, and knowing how to choose is the key to making the most of the outing:

For beginners:

  • The P’tit Train du Nord is ideal.
  • Its route is gentler, linear and almost without difference in altitude.
  • Perfect for learning to ride, master braking and familiarize yourself with the basics without pressure.

For intermediaries:

  • The Regional Park offers many slightly undulating trails.
  • They allow you to work on technique, up/down transitions and weight transfer.
  • Ideal for one to two hour outings.

For athletes and cardio enthusiasts:

  • The sections dedicated to no skate in the Regional Park are an excellent choice.
  • You can also combine several loops to create a long, varied course.
  • The P’tit Train du Nord is perfect for long distances at a constant pace.

For groups of friends:

  • Alternating Regional Park and P’tit Train du Nord is often the best formula.
  • Everyone can adapt their route according to their level, while benefiting from the same starting point.

Equipment, access and small addresses to know before/after the outing

To fully enjoy cross-country skiing in Val-David, here are the essentials to know:

Recommended equipment:

  • Skis adapted to your level (classic or skate).
  • Proper waxing depending on the temperature — essential to avoid unnecessary slipping or “sticking” skis.
  • Breathable base layer, insulating layer, light coat, and accessories (gloves, hat, glasses).
  • Light bag with water, snack, simple crampons if you walk between two sectors.

Access and ticketing:

  • The Regional Park requires a daily ticket or season pass.
  • The P’tit Train du Nord is generally accessible free of charge.
  • Arrive early to avoid full parking lots, especially on sunny weekends.

Little useful addresses:

  • Village cafes and restaurants ideal for post-sport: hot chocolates, brunches, local cafes.
  • Heated relays in the Regional Park for mid-course breaks.
  • Several chalets in Val-David provide quick access to trails, perfect for stays with friends or family.

These few tips guarantee a smooth, pleasant and safe outing — and above all allow you to fully enjoy the winter magic of Val-David.


Enjoy cross-country skiing in Val-David during the winter

Cross-country skiing in Val-David represents much more than a simple winter activity: it is a way of living and fully enjoying the Quebec winter. Thanks to its northern landscapes, its impeccably maintained trails and its warm atmosphere, Val-David stands out as one of the best places in the Laurentians to slide, train, surpass yourself... or simply escape into nature. Whether you are a beginner, an athlete or a fan of long distances, the varied routes of the Parc régional and the P’tit Train du Nord offer exactly what you need for a memorable outing.

After the effort, the village itself adds to the experience: comforting cafes, welcoming restaurants, local boutiques, cozy chalets... Everything combines to make Val-David a complete winter destination, where the moments spent on skis are prolonged into shared memories.

Whether you're looking for a sporting day, a family introduction or a stay in nature, Val-David will always make you want to come back. Prepare your equipment, choose your route, and let yourself be carried away by the magic of winter in the Laurentians.