it is still winter at JP. though we can never know about the weather for the coming weekend, one thing is for sure: there will be enough snow on the ground no matter what.
Not necessarily, I sometimes do 2 day-trips from MTL, sometimes just stay near JP for the night.
You have a lot of deals with JP at this time of the year. And I believe a bunch of people from Ottawa, Toronto and MTL are doing a 2-day-2-night trip for 300$ this coming wkd.
Ticket alone, if you buy the 2-day weekend tickets, there is usually a discount, if you have the J-card.
forgot to mention that the accommodation package might go really fast. but of course, there are so many cottages, motels, BBs nearby as alternatives.
some extras for the ticket: the normal price you can get is 49$, with any Canadian ski pass. so 49 is your bottom line, and I usually get various better deals.
and group rate can be attained if you have 15+. i guess it might be around 40$ each.