Updated July 2026 · by John, owner
In winter, Lac-Simon offers alpine skiing at Mont-Tremblant (1 hour) and Mont-Blanc (55 minutes), cross-country and snowshoe trails, snowmobiling on the Petite-Nation network, ice fishing, and skating on the frozen lake.
Lac-Simon in winter is a different place. The lake freezes over, the trails go quiet under snow, and the region opens up an activity calendar summer doesn't allow. Here's what you'll find within two hours of the chalet.
Alpine skiing: the hills within driving distance
Two world-class ski resorts sit within an hour of the chalet — an advantage few Outaouais properties can offer. Mont-Tremblant — about 1 hour to the lifts. The largest ski resort east of the Rockies. 102 runs across two sides (north and south), a terrain park, a pedestrian village, and shuttles between sectors. The route runs through Papineauville and south via Route 321 to the Highway 117 corridor. Prices are peak-season, and lift lines build on sunny weekends — book ahead. Mont-Blanc (Saint-Faustin-Lac-Carré) — about 55 minutes. Located on Route 117, just before Tremblant. A solid option for a more relaxed ski day: 42 runs, 300 metres of vertical, consistently less crowded than Tremblant. A good pick for families or when you want to skip the weekend rush.
Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking: Lac-Simon, Montagnes Noires and Gatineau
Cross-country skiing is the most accessible winter activity from the chalet, with options at different distances. Lac-Simon trail network — 10 minutes. The local network offers 16 km of maintained trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking, and sledding. Free access from two trailheads (475 Route 321 and 105 Chemin du Parc). Trails wind through private forest land thanks to local landowner agreements — dogs welcome, snowmobiles and ATVs prohibited. Info: 819-428-3906. Parc des Montagnes Noires (Ripon) — about 25 minutes. A municipal park with 25 km of marked trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking. The dedicated XC ski network covers 13 km through pine and maple forest. The summit of Mont Grand-Pic (426 m) offers panoramic views over the region. More varied terrain than the Lac-Simon network, good for those looking for more elevation change. Parc national du Lac-Simon (SEPAQ) — 15 minutes. The park maintains its own separate cross-country ski and snowshoe trail network. Day access available at the service centre. Gatineau Park — about 1h30. The largest trail network in eastern Canada: 200 km of groomed trails, including classics like the park traverse. The Gatineau Loppet, one of Canada's biggest cross-country ski events, runs here each February. For serious skiers, a day at Gatineau Park is worth the drive.
Snowmobiling: the Outaouais trail network
The Chénéville and Lac-Simon area is crossed by trails from the Fédération des clubs de motoneigistes du Québec (FCMQ). The major regional arteries (Trans-Québec trails) pass nearby, with connections toward Papineauville, Montpellier, and Labelle. For guests arriving without a sled: rentals are available in Papineauville and surrounding municipalities. Book ahead during good snow — machines go fast on weekends. The active season typically runs January through March depending on snowfall. Trails are maintained by local clubs and daily conditions are posted on the FCMQ website.
Ice fishing on Lac-Simon
Lac-Simon freezes every winter, usually between mid-December and mid-March depending on temperatures. Once the ice reaches a safe thickness — at least 12 to 15 cm for foot traffic, 25 cm for an ATV or snowmobile — ice fishing opens up. Species present: walleye (doré), pike, perch, and smallmouth bass. Walleye is the most sought-after catch — it bites well in the evening and early night. Gear: local anglers use portable huts or insulated tents for longer outings. Augers, lines, and lures are available at hardware stores and sports shops in Papineauville or Thurso. Regulations: a Quebec sport fishing licence is required. Available online through the MRNF or at local vendors.
Skating and snowshoeing
Lake skating: when conditions cooperate — a clean freeze before the first heavy snowfall — Lac-Simon offers an unusually large natural skating surface. Neighbours sometimes clear sections of the ice. Conditions vary year to year; a calm night at -10°C right after freeze-up gives the best surface. Outdoor rink: Chénéville and nearby municipalities maintain community outdoor rinks in season. Check with the municipality for the current year's schedule. Snowshoeing: Parc du Lac-Simon (SEPAQ) has marked snowshoe trails. The forests around the lake also allow free-range outings across flat to rolling terrain. The Laurentian mixed forest in winter — bare hardwoods, snow on the conifers — is worth seeing.
The chalet in winter: after a day outside
The chalet is heated for winter with a heat pump and the wood-burning fireplace — firewood is included. After a day on the slopes or out on the ice, the games room (air hockey, foosball, ping-pong, video games) takes on a different energy when it's -15°C outside. The 2,000 sq ft terrace looks out over the frozen lake — a view summer doesn't offer. Some winter guests set up chairs and watch the sun set on the ice. Winter access: the road is maintained, but an all-wheel drive vehicle is required. Outaouais roads in January reward caution.
Frequently asked questions
Can you stay at Lac-Simon and ski Mont-Tremblant?
Yes — Mont-Tremblant is about 1 hour away and Mont-Blanc about 55 minutes, so many guests use the chalet as a ski base and day-trip to the hills. It's an hour closer to Ottawa than staying on the mountain, and you trade a hotel hallway for a private lakefront chalet with a wood fireplace and games room to come home to.
What vehicle do you need to reach the chalet in winter?
The access road is plowed and maintained, but the final approach is hilly — an AWD or 4×4 vehicle is recommended in winter. Quebec law also requires winter tires from December 1 to March 15. Allow extra time after fresh snowfall.
Can you rent skis, snowmobiles, or ice-fishing gear nearby?
Yes. Alpine ski and snowboard rentals are available at Mont-Tremblant and Mont-Blanc; snowmobiles rent in Papineauville and nearby towns (book ahead in good snow); and ice-fishing gear — augers, lines, lures — is sold at shops in Papineauville and Thurso. Cross-country trails near the lake are free, but you bring your own skis or snowshoes.
Is the lake safe for skating and ice fishing, and when?
Lac-Simon usually freezes from mid-December to mid-March. Ice needs at least 12–15 cm for walking and 25 cm for a snowmobile or ATV, and conditions vary year to year — always check local ice reports before heading out. The best natural skating comes from a clean freeze before the first heavy snowfall.
Is the chalet warm enough in winter?
Yes. It's heated with a heat pump and a wood-burning fireplace, and firewood is included. Guests have stayed comfortably through −30°C cold snaps — the layout lets everyone gather by the fire or spread out, and the games room is a draw when it's too cold to be outside.