It's the final day of 2018 and wanting to end it in true skiing style, a ski double-header was on the menu. Mont Ste Marie in the morning and Camp Fortune in the afternoon. (Be sure to check out the other report here). Arriving at Mont Ste Marie just before opening at 9am, I was quick to get ready and start the day. Heading up Vanier Mountain, the first trail was Serenade. This intermediate trail definitely has a big mountain feel to it. It really weaves its way down the mountain and you feel yourself being transported to another place. Serenade is surely a Mont Ste Marie classic. Next up was Bellevue, another big mountain type trail. I'm going to stop and clarify for a moment what I mean by big mountain. Mont Ste Marie is the largest ski mountain in the Ottawa-Gatineau region, with generally double the vertical drop of...

What an amazing day out on the slopes at Sommet Edelweiss this Christmas Eve. 7 trails were open, which included Easy Street, Chemin des Bois, Rockstar SnoPrk and Zoomer, as well as the Edelbahn Express quad detachable. After reading yesterday's report from Gordo, I knew that despite the rain, the conditions were very good, but it still didn't completely prepare me for the reality. Phenomenal ski conditions were the special of the day. No ice anywhere, and perfectly groomed slopes. There was a light snowfall in the morning so the trails had a fresh dusting of snow on top. Add to this some heavy snowmaking taking place on Zoomer and very few people out on the slopes (thank you to all those last minute shoppers) and you have a winning combination. Edelweiss offering the highest vertical drop of the main 4 mountains nearest Ottawa/Gatineau, the trails are long and varied in...

Mount Snow, is pleased to announce a brand-new lineup of events at Carinthia Parks for the 2018/2019 winter season. In honor of the 10th anniversary of Carinthia becoming an all-terrain-park mountain face, these new events will highlight many of the aspects that have helped Carinthia rise to the rank of #1 Terrain Park in The East, as named by both Transworld Snowboarding and Newschoolers.com. Along with this lineup, comes the opening of the new $22M, 42,000 sq.ft. Carinthia Base Lodge, which for the first time brings après to the Carinthia Base Area, with three restaurants, two bars, and a large outdoor deck that is designed with event-viewing and afterparties in mind. "In honor of our 10-year celebration, we thought it was the perfect time to add in some new events and concepts that we've been dreaming of," said Ben McGinnis, terrain park manager at Mount Snow. "We've gone back to the drawing board on our events and builds this year, and are really excited to see the reactions to the...

What an exceptional start to the season this year at Camp Fortune. Thanks to an abundant supply of natural snow over the past couple weeks and very cold weather that allowed heavy snowmaking to occur, Camp Fortune launched its season this past Friday. Already on to Day 2, conditions are perfect, and you would be forgiven to think it was mid-February skiing because of how good it really is. Two trails are open, Pineault and Allen's Alley, served by the Pineault Quad lift. Snow coverage is complete and full width, with no ice, firm base, and plenty of white snow to carve up and enjoy. A small snowpark is also set up, complete with some rails, boxes, and modules. Camp Fortune isn't standing still, with snowmaking continuing across the mountain, you can see huge piles of snow on Clifford, Slalom, by the magic carpets, and down towards the Meech side of...

Mont-Sainte-Anne, located about 40 minutes from Quebec City, is a world apart from the rest. The mountain, the views of the St. Lawrence river, the facilities, and the challenge offered by the ski trails are truly ahead of the competition. The mountain features 71 trails, with 20 trails open for the highest vertical (2050 feet) night skiing in Canada. Signature trails like La Crete offer breathtaking experiences, with views unlike anywhere else. The lifts to are unique, including one of the two bubble quad chairlifts in all of Quebec (the other found at Stoneham). The base of the mountain is well laid out, with the basics, the main lodge and cafeteria, restaurants and bars, and lodging. The Chateau Mont-Sainte-Anne hotel is located immediately at the base of the main gondola, giving true ski-in and ski-out luxury.  The Mountain and the Ski Trails Mont-Sainte-Anne has a north and south side, as well as a small side dedicated to natural skiing (not groomed). The south side is the ma...

Mont Tremblant is located in Québec's Laurentian region and is commonly referred to as the Disney World of Skiing. The ski resort is most known for its large and expansive pedestrian village located at the base of the mountain, featuring hotels, restaurants, shops and entertainment. The mountain itself offers 102 trails, spread over 4 sides of the mountain, making it the largest ski mountain in Quebec. Tremblant also has the second-highest vertical drop for skiing in Québec, allowing for long descents, with all levels of trails offered, including plenty of glades. The mountain has 14 lifts, that include 7 high-speed detachable quads, and 2 gondolas, giving a quick and efficient ride back up the mountain. The Grand Manitou, the large summit chalet, offers meals and great views while taking a break.  The Mountain and the Ski Trails The South Side is the main side of Tremblant and the first side you will typically see when approaching the mountain. Here you will find the pedestr...

Bromont, montagne d'expériences, is a very unique ski resort, located in the Eastern Townships of Quebec, only an hour away from downtown Montreal. Bromont offers over a hundred trails on 7 sides of the mountain. The sheer number of trails, and possibilities to descend the mountain are overwhelming. Bromont also offers the largest night skiing domain in North America, with 7 sides illuminated on certain nights for skiing under the stars, occasionally well past midnight.  The Mountain and the Ski Trails Once the skiing starts, even beginners will feel safe and welcome. Bromont has a unique beginner mountain called Mont Soleil, separate from the main mountain. A magic carpet and a quad chairlift welcome the novice skiers on its easy and intermediate trails. There are even beginner glades to try and enjoy. These trails are also surrounded by many mountainside homes and condos. Moving beyond Mont Soleil, you are next met by the Versant du Village, the main side of Mont Brome, whi...

Peak Resorts, Inc., a leading owner and operator of high-quality, individually branded U.S. ski resorts, announced today that construction on its projects at Mount Snow in Vermont and Hunter Mountain in New York is progressing on schedule ahead of the 2018/19 skiing and riding season. These projects, which combined represent approximately $32 million in upgrades across the two properties, have set a number of milestones for the Company, including its largest-ever base lodge and the Eastern United States' largest ski area expansion in over 15 years. Jesse Boyd, Vice President of Operations at Peak Resorts, commented, "The Hunter North project at Hunter Mountain and the new Carinthia Base Lodge project at Mount Snow each represent a significant undertaking and our ability to accomplish both in one summer is a great testament to the dedicated teams we have in place at our resorts. It's been amazing to watch these two projects evolve and we can't wait for our Peak Pass holders and guests t...

It had been 3 years since we last explored these trails. With another hot and summery day upon us, it was time to stay cool by hitting the trails during the heatwave. It's truly amazing how nature and the trees can help regulate the heat. You really do not feel as hot when under the tree canopy. Arriving shortly after 11am (as the Gatineau Parkway roads are closed till 11 for the Sunday Bikedays), we parked at the lot by the Waterfall Trail. A short little slope down and to the left we find the tunnel, which passes under the parkway. After emerging on the other side, a fairly short hike brings us right to the Bridal Veil Falls. Heading back up and now to the Lauriault Trail, the long trek begins. The terrain is relatively easy to cross, although there are some mild hills along the way to go up and over. Eventually, you arrive at a clearing and lookout point, perfect to see the surrounding region from up above. Heading back into the forest, the path takes us up one more hill and th...

This family-friendly mountain is widely known as one of the premier institutions of learning how to ski and snowboard in the province of Ontario. "It All Starts Here" is Mount Pakenham's motto, and it quickly becomes clear why. Thanks to many lifts and trail choices, as well as a fantastic ski school, all ideally suited for beginners, Mount Pakenham has everything to ensure a beginner's experience on snow is the first of many to come. The Mountain and the Ski Trails The mountain has 10 trails (9 marked glades), for all skill levels, and a terrain park. The mountain is laid out in such a way as to ensure everything is available to have a proper progression while you learn, from a first-time beginner to an advanced skier. From magic carpets and a rope tow at the base of the mountain to the summit chairlifts, everything is made simple, accessible and comfortable. The main trails have plenty of smaller trails crisscrossing throughout, in other words, each trail has different paths you can ...

Mont Cascades is located in the Gatineau mountains, about 25 minutes from downtown Ottawa. While its main vocation is a ski resort in the winter, in the summer the mountain transforms into the region's Mountain Waterpark, featuring some of the exciting lineup of Ottawa based Proslide. The mountain offers trails and terrain ranging from beginner slopes in a dedicated ski area with it's own lifts, to advanced and race level slopes. The Mountain and the Ski Trails Mont Cascades is made up of 2 mountain faces, each having a different orientation to the sun. The beginner trails and intermediates are found on the main side, served by 4 lifts (Quad, 2 doubles and a magic carpet). The more expert terrain is on the other side of the mountain, served by a triple chair. All the trails have a constant slope to them, meaning you won't find yourself on a trail that has a flat section. Several of the intermediate trails, most notably Promenade and Facade have rolls and knolls in the slope, making it ...

Calabogie Peaks is the highest vertical drop for a public ski resort in the province of Ontario. The mountain is located approximately an hour from Ottawa and offers 24 trails, 30% beginner, 45% intermediate and 25% advanced/expert, served by 2 quad chairlifts, and a magic carpet for beginners. The resort is also the only mountain in Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais that has ski-in/ski-out lodging, located right in the base area. The Mountain and the Ski Trails The mountain is split into two distinct sections. To the right, is the Solar Express, serving mainly the beginner and intermediate terrain. Many of these trails have multiple ways to enter, as well as when you leave. At Calabogie, the options are there, making for an interesting mountain to explore, as you can create your own descents in many cases by combining different trails. To the left is the Lakeview chair, showcasing the best views from the mountain, and offering more of the advanced and expert trails. From this summit, ...

Mont Ste Marie is a true skier's mountain. Offering double the vertical drop of any ski area in the Outaouais region with over 1200 feet. Bob Sudermann, owner of Mont Ste Marie, often says to "Make it a goal to ski the vertical of Mount Everest in one day at Mont Ste Marie... 28 runs". Thanks to the two high speed detachable quads, you definitely can accomplish this feat. Lift lines are virtually non existent. Mont Ste Marie offers some of the best expert terrain in the region, with trails such as Betsy and Formidable, both double diamond walls. They are equally impressive to see as they are to ski. Most trails afford great views and vistas of the surrounding region, even allowing a glimpse on a clear day of Mont Tremblant off in the far distance. The Mountain and the Ski Trails The resort is comprised of two mountains, Vanier and Cheval Blanc. They are connected by ski trails, as well as a small tram that goes from the base of Vanier to near the base of Cheval Blanc. Vanier mountain o...

Ski Vorlage is located in beautiful Wakefield, Quebec, about 30 minutes away from downtown Ottawa. This ski resort is one of the most family-friendly ski areas in the Gatineau mountains. Just visit the mountain and you will see the difference. You will find plenty of young families, kids, and adults, who want to enjoy the sport of skiing. Ski Vorlage also pays special attention to grooming, ensuring a nice corduroy white carpet on which to learn, carve and ski. Ski Vorlage has a vertical drop of 140 metres, spread over 18 trails, with 13 open at night. The mountain has 3 double chairlifts, a t-bar and a magic carpet. The Mountain and the Ski Trails You will find a great variety of trails, from beginner to expert. The trails all have a constant incline to them, so you won't find any flat sections. For the absolute novice, La Pente Douce is the easiest trail in the beginner's area, and definitely the best choice to do your first turns and learn the basics. The trail is very gently pitche...

The Pink Lake trail is definitely an emerald jewel in Gatineau Park. From its sparkling green water to the many lookout and observation points, this trail has it all.Easily accessible from the Gatineau Parkway, you are able to park at either the Pink Lake lookout or the Pink Lake trail parking lots. From here, the fun starts, and as the trail is a loop that circles the entire lake along its border, you have the choice to go clockwise or counterclockwise. We chose the former for this visit. Exploring in this direction takes you to the best lookout points right from the start.Pink Lake is very unique. Due to its sheltered location, provided by the surrounding trees and hills, the water is protected from most of the wind. This has the result of greatly limiting the movement of the water, and in fact, the water below 15m depth is void of any oxygen, a phenomenon that started over 10,000 years ago. The water receives its characteristic green hue due to the high algae content. The following ...

The Sugarbush Trail is the perfect trail for those looking for an easy hike through the forest. Absent are any steep hills or natural obstacles, just pure fresh air and nature at its best! This trail is located just next to the Gatineau Park Visitor's Centre in Chelsea. The Sugarbush Trail starts with a short crossing over a river and brings you into a dense forest of tall slender trees. Under the tree canopy, the shade and pure air are very refreshing. As you continue along the path, the tree canopy occasionally gives way to more open areas. I highly recommend the Sugarbush trail for those unsure of where to start their hiking in Gatineau Park. It is easy and can be enjoyed by people with reduced mobility as there are no steep hills or obstacles such as rocks or tree roots. The trail has a length of approximately 2km and can be done in about 35 minutes. It is very easy to find with ample parking available. Of course, with the Gatineau Park Visitor's Centre nearby, it's perfect to plan...

Finally, the heatwave is over, and we can once again enjoy nature and the outdoors without working up a terrible sweat. Heading out around 10am, we forgot that it was Sunday Bike Day, meaning the parkways in Gatineau Park are closed to vehicle traffic. Our original destination would have been the Pink Lake trail, but not currently being accessible by car, we decided to go to the Discovery Trail instead, located along Meech Lake. This trail can be accessed from the O'Brien's Beach parking lot (just minutes past Camp Fortune). This trail starts off with some long hilly, but smooth terrain, before arriving at a small bridge crossing a stream off of Meech Lake. You can also catch a glimpse of the Lake and Kayakers in the distance... that was us just a few weeks earlier. Continuing on, you will arrive at a signpost, at which you can head left and visit the Carbide Willson Ruins. Overall, this is a relatively easy trail to enjoy. There are some climbs to do, but the terrain is all smooth and...

After having experienced the Mount Royal Park two winters ago with a snowshoeing adventure, it was high time to re-discover it again in the summer. Gone are the many cross-country skiers, the snow-covered toboggan sliding hills, and the snowshoe packed trails... now we are treated to a pristine park, located in the middle of Canada's second largest city. The area is very picturesque, with the Beaver Lake located in the middle, now frequented by leisure rowboats, and hundreds of people enjoying the fresh air and nature. The park is easily accessible with public transit by metro and bus, or by parking lots nearby. The trails and paths circle around the summit of the mountain, and also head off in numerous directions, taking you to various destinations. There is also a pathway that does the perimeter of the lake. At one end, there is a nice stone waterfall that runs off into the lake. Walking the trails, you can catch glimpses of the Montreal skyline and the sprawling city. A great visit ...

Having visited this trail network in the late winter to snowshoe, we were curious to experience it in the summer without snow. Located in the Stony Swamp area of the Ottawa Greenbelt, the Beaver trail goes into a swampy marsh area, with a short walkway built over top. I love trails with features like this: This area is only a 15-minute drive from Bayshore Shopping Centre and is a relatively easy trail to discover, with nothing difficult or presenting much challenge to overcome. While it is not long, there are several ways to go, so you can make the trip longer if you zig and zag your way through the forest. There is a trail connection that according to the map appears to go quite far off into the distance, no doubt connecting to other trails and areas. Overall, the Beaver trail is a nice place to visit if you don't want to go far or are in the mood for a shorter hike through nature. Here are some more pictures from the visit.

Finally some real spring skiing. With the sun out and blue skies in abundance, I set out to end my ski season in style at the one and only Sommet Saint-Sauveur, known for being the first to open and last to close in Quebec. Sommet Saint-Sauveur and Killington down in Vermont are the only two mountains still operating lift-serviced skiing, so the experience is without a doubt special and unforgettable.  After nearly a month of not seeing any snow in the city, it is definitely refreshing to arrive at the ski mountain and see plenty of white gold remaining on the slopes. Two trails were open today, the legendary 70 Ouest and the Nordique trails. 70 Ouest was open full width, top to bottom, while Nordique was open until the final pitch at the bottom, where you then had to cross over to 70 Ouest to finish.  Arriving for shortly after...

The Spring Season began exactly one month ago, and yet today was the first day of skiing for me that actually felt very much like spring. While people may be disappointed with the late start, it has also permitted ski mountains to stretch their season even longer than average. Camp Fortune is usually first to open and last to close in the Ottawa-Gatineau region, but this year all the main trails on Skyline are open, with full snow coverage. The biggest contrast I can make to past years is that by now they would have already been closed, so very exciting turn of events indeed. Being an early bird and personally preferring firmer snow conditions, I arrived to ski for opening at 9am. The parking already had more cars than I was expecting at that time... I guess the great news that spring skiing had arrived was heard loud and clear. Ski...

Being already mid-April, it is quite amazing that Sommet Saint-Sauveur has virtually the entire mountain still open for skiing. Even more impressive, very little to no ice all over, and no bare spots. Add to this, the main SnoPrk on versant Avila is open one last time this weekend. The ski conditions were a mix of mostly hard base but as the day progressed and the trails were skied, a light layer of shaved snow presented itself. I know alot of people prefer the soft mushy snow, famous for its bumps, but with the continuing cold weather, those days are still to come. Luckily the mountain is well groomed and the surface quality is consistent from top to bottom, something I quite prefer. My day started when I arrived for 8:30am. Quickly getting ready, I hit the slopes by riding the Atomic Express. From here I immediately headed over to versant Avila. This area has an...

It is now the second weekend into April and thanks to recent snowfalls, the mountain couldn't have been in better shape this time of year. There is plenty of snow everywhere and the conditions are sublime. No ice, no bare patches, nothing that could ruin the experience, it was just another perfect day out on the slopes.  There are 4 lifts and 13 runs open. All except two trails were open in the Valley and Skyline (Swan Dive and Duffy are closed). This weekend marks the end of the ski season in the Valley at Camp Fortune... as of next weekend the skiing moves to Skyline.  For those lovers of the snowpark, you will be happy to know that it is in great shape with plenty of jumps, boxes and rails ready to jib. Tomorrow at Camp Fortune there are two events not to miss: the 24th Annual Fortune Cup Dual...

Another perfect day for spring skiing, today at Mont Cascades. The weather was once again cool but without the strong winds from yesterday. I arrived ready to hit the slopes at 11am and already the snow had begun to soften. Nearly all trails were open with a few exceptions (Gratton and two of the cross-over trails between the East Quad and the main side). It honestly felt more like skiing in the winter than the spring. Standout trails this visit were Hogan (which I chose to enjoy over and over), as well as Alouette and Interlude. With no lines at the lifts, it was refreshing to run lap after lap, enjoying the fantastic snow. After lunch, there was actually a few snow flurries that were falling, a little sign that one last snow storm may still be on the way, let's hope it won't be too late.  Mont Cascades has seen several improvements over...

It's the first day of April and the real start of spring skiing for me. Today's destination was Ski Vorlage, located in the picturesque village of Wakefield. Easter usually signifies the conclusion of the ski season for many ski areas, and at Vorlage, today was the penultimate day. The mountain was very quiet during my morning visit as there couldn't have been more than two dozen people skiing. Either it was the Easter holiday or the complete lack of snow in the city that stopped people from coming... their loss, as the skiing was great. The base in the morning was hard and firm but well groomed (typical of early morning spring skiing). As the morning progressed, the sun did its work softening out the snow into a creamy surface. The weather was hovering around 0'c but felt somewhat colder due to a fairly strong wind all morning. The beginner areas of La...