| � |
 |
| � |
Rising
Sun |
Many locations in
Quebec are ideal for skiing. The mountains are some of the oldest in the world,
and present some of the most varied terrain imaginable. There are many world
class ski
and snowboard resorts in La Belle Province, and all of them make for
a great time for individuals and families alike. The nightlife
is as varied as the slopes, and caters to all tastes. All things considered,
Quebec has a lot to keep visitors entertained, both on and off the slopes.
All About Quebec Skiing:
Quebec is known
to skiers and snowboarders as one of Canada's
Alpine regions. The mountains are old and picturesque, but not as high as some
ranges around North America. Never the less, Quebec ranks highly among the mountain
provinces, occasionally even beating out British
Columbia's popular Whistler
Mountain for competitions. Fortunately for snow enthusiasts in the area,
the resorts are less known world wide, making them one of Canada's best kept
winter secrets. Another blessing is the high number of bilingual staff. The
predominantly French Canadian province has made a name for catering to world
markets, so language rarely becomes a concern.
Around the alpine
resorts, there are many world class events, including the Canadian Alpine Masters
Series, which opens the season at Mont
Tremblant, and the popular Jacques Villeneuve Grand Prix 24 Hours of
Tremblant, an annual event that raises hundreds of thousands of dollars for
charity. All of the attention Quebec enjoys has even led to an unusual idea:
a joint proposal between Quebec and New
York State to co-host the first cross border, multi-nation hosted Olympic
Games in history.
With all that goes
on here, Quebec has become a training ground for international competitors,
and even draws the attention and support of world class sponsors like Louis
Garneau, sponsor of Alpine Canada's racing team. With that in mind, it makes
sense that the area is also a centre for industry research and product testing.
In fact, Le
Massif, overlooking the St. Lawrence River, has won awards for its efforts
to promote and develop the industry. This member of United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Biosphere Reserve may be
one of the most peaceful places to test new gear. The lifts have been designed
to blend in, almost hidden among the trees. Le Massif is also the country's
training site for downhill and Super G competitions. While on the slopes, visitors
should keep an eye out for Le Massif's mascot, the owl known as Le Grand Duc,
whose flight is a herald of a good snowfall.
 |
� |
| Snowboarding
Competition |
� |
North of Montreal
lie the
Laurentian Mountains, one of Quebec's favourite playgrounds. The four
mountains that make up the Stoneham
Resort are found here, and may be the best eastern resort next to Mont
Tremblant, also in the Laurentians. A short drive north of
Quebec City, Stoneham can get very crowded. Still, it is one of the
most extensive resort systems in the province, so there is always plenty of
fun on the many mountain faces that comprise the resort to go around.
Mont Tremblant is perhaps Quebec's favourite winter playground. Jacques Villeneuve
brings his Grand Prix 24 Heures de Tremblant to the hill every year. The annual
event was designed and inspired by Villeneuve's other annual marathon in Villars-sur-Ollon,
Switzerland. Though the race at Tremblant is their only North American fundraiser.
The Grand Prix is a relay race that takes place over a period of 24 hours, and
includes teams of between four and six people. Hundreds of riders race to cover as
many kilometres as possible on specific trails. Professional and leisure skiers
compete for top honours in the relay, which raises hundreds of thousands of
dollars for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation annually.
There is also a
wealth of cross
country opportunity in Quebec, with more than 4,000 kilometres (more
than 2,500 miles) or trail to be explored. Most are networked together, and
many cross through one or more of the provincial parks. For those who like to
get away from it all, there are many trails not connected to resorts. The Chic-Choc
mountain range is popular with more extreme cross country skiers, and there
are many close to the larger cities, like Parc des Champs-de-Bataille just outside
of Quebec City.
Places to Go:
The Laurentians:
Among the many hills
in the area, the Mont
Tremblant Resort is probably the best known. Tremblant is the highest
peak in the Laurentians, generally considered to be the oldest mountain range
on earth. The largest ski resort east of the Canadian
Rockies is known for superior ski conditions (and the best snow making
around), a fantastic snowboard park, and 90 kilometres (55 miles) of picturesque cross-country
ski trails. Tremblant also plays host to many world-class ski and snowboard
events throughout the season, many of which are attended by celebrities. Of
course, its proximity to the old village bearing its name, with its first class
accommodations and a vibrant nightlife,
add to the appeal. But these take a back seat to the fabulous skiing Mont Tremblant
offers. The scenery is amazing, and Tremblant is considered by many to be the
most beautiful winter sport location in the province.
The Laurentian Mountains also include a few smaller resorts.
Mont
Blanc is one of those "best kept secrets", with many groomed
runs, glades and moguls, exciting runs, and an excellent snowboard park. With
excellent night skiing, a first rate ski and snowboard school and lots of cross
country, Saint-Sauveur Valley makes an ideal vacation spot for serious
skiers and families alike. But perhaps the best family resort is the Gray Rocks.
The crowds are small, the runs are varied, and the resort even maintains a day-care
for those with children too young to ski themselves.
The Laurentians are a short drive north of the city of Montreal,
an excellent visit for dining
and nightlife,
shopping
and Canadian history.
The Eastern
Townships:
| � |
 |
| � |
The
Eastern Townships |
The south-eastern corner of Quebec is known as the Eastern
Townships. This is perfect vacation hideaway, offering great conditions
and the added bonus of being very close to both Montreal and the Canada/ U.S.A. border for shopping and sightseeing in the northern states like Vermont
and New
Hampshire. Mont Orford, for example, is only 20 minutes from Vermont,
and provides great conditions all season long.
Sutton,
due east of Montreal, may be the best location for tree skiing, and is home
to one of the best ski and snowboard schools around, with programs and instructors
certified by the Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance. Sutton also provides a daycare.
The Charlevoix
Region:
Northwest of Montreal,
around the city of Quebec, is the Charlevoix region, known for friendly locals
and a romantic atmosphere. Another draw is the proximity to Quebec City centre,
with its nightlife, dining and shopping. Of course, Quebec City is a great place
for accommodation, and a mere 30 minutes from the ski hills.
Mont
Sainte Anne, winner of Conde Nast Traveller magazine's "Top Ten
Best Winter Destinations" award, is an impressive resort to visit, for
a week or for one day. Boasting one of the longest seasons in North America,
Mont Saint Anne always has great conditions. This is in part due to quality
snow making and excellent natural snow. Add to that their highly respected ski
and snowboard school and the largest cross country network (224 kilometres,
or 140 miles of trails), and there is never a dull moment on the slopes.
Stoneham encompasses
four peaks, for some of the most varied terrain in the Charlevoix region, and
the snowboard park consistently ranks as one of the best in the country.
Charlevoix is also
home to the highest skiable peak east of the Rockies, Le Massif, at 770 metres
or 2,525 feet. Le Massif is the training ground for the National Alpine Ski Training
Centre, and provides some of the best alpine skiing in the country.
The Backcountry
Experience:
As with the Canadian
Rockies, the Quebec backcountry presents many pleasures, and many dangers.
Many of the backcountry centres have smaller huts, so booking
in advance becomes essential during heavy snowfall to ensure travellers get
beds when they want to adventure. Those found near alpine resorts have the added
bonus of being close to amenities like hotels and restaurants for the end of
the day. With these areas, riders can pack less food, but should not scrimp
on safety gear. The wilds are unpredictable, and should not be taken lightly.
Even at the resorts it is very easy to turn down a ski run that is more advanced
than expected, so much more so in the backcountry. Guides become as essential
as avalanche gear. That said, if snow is what visitors crave, there is a wealth
of pristine powder for even the largest of groups.
Cross Country:
 |
� |
| Cross
Country Around Montreal |
� |
Cross country is popular in the province, and there are many
opportunities around the more than 130 cross country areas. The sites vary considerably,
and offer different activities, from snowshoeing to the occasional dog sled
ride. Among the many networks, the most popular is also the largest trail network
in the province. With 185 kilometres (115 miles) of trails, Gatineau
Park is a must for avid or novice cross country and telemark skiers.
Trails are well marked, and easy to follow.
Tremblant also maintains a cross country network, on both its
east and west divisions. Not nearly as overwhelming as the much larger Gatineau
Park, the folks at Tremblant have seen fit to add a day lodge in addition to
the customary warming huts.
There are many major competitions here, such as the Keskinada
Worldloppet (the international federation of cross-country skiing marathons)
and the Canadian Ski Marathon, the biggest and most demanding cross country
event in North America. More than 160 kilometres (almost 100 miles) of varied
terrain test the skill and endurance of athletes from across the continent during
the annual two day event. Competitors are welcome to ski as many or as few legs
as they choose, and can take heart in the fact that the race donates proceeds
from the race (as well as the sale of race merchandise) to the Canadian Paralympic
Committee. Win or not, the Canadian Ski Marathon is a good time for a good
cause.
Safety:
Safety is always
a concern, whether on groomed runs or in the wilds. There is useful information
in the
safety section of the Canadian Backcountry Skiing article, which
is well worth a read.
Ski hills also present many obstacles to be aware of. The
greatest being the many riders of varying skill levels spread out across every
run. It is considerate to watch speed, but it is also helpful to watch where
others fall. Riders further down hill often find patches of ice and rock that
can't be seen from higher up. It is also the responsibility of riders further
up the slope to watch out for riders further down. That said, it is not safe
to assume everyone knows this, or follows that rule. Glancing up hill is a lot
like looking over a shoulder while driving a car. It is worthwhile when changing
course or making dramatic turns or jumps.
