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What a perfect day on the slopes! The temperature was just right, and the sun was shining. Today I visited Sommet Saint-Sauveur, a ski mountain that holds a special place in my heart. There is just something magical about every visit, and this time was no different. With an early departure at 8am from Gatineau, I arrived at the mountain at 10am. The parking was already starting to fill, despite having only opened at 9am in the morning. Gearing up at the car, and strategically parking close to the Côte 71 chairlift, I started skiing shortly before 11am. I must confess, this is my first visit back to Sommet Saint-Sauveur in around 3 years. The arrival of our child and the pandemic put a temporary pause on my skiing. Having skied at Saint-Sauveur for many, many years (feeling like a second home every weekend), I had impatiently waited for quite some time to return and see what had changed... so that was what I quickly did before heading up for my first run. No doubt, the two biggest chang...
The Sommet Express lift is the heart of Sommet Saint-Sauveur. Everything revolves around it. It is also the first chair to welcome skiers in the morning and the one that "turns" the most during the season; from November to May, 7 days a week, days and evenings, without a break. Unfortunately, on Friday, March 11, a major mechanical failure occurred at the end of the day. The lift's engine broke down entirely for the second time in 3 months. Yes, the same problem that occurred last January. Enough to irritate the most zen of us. So, for the second time this season, on Sunday, March 13th, we had to remove the engine from its anchors. Again, a long and extensive operation in order to transport the heart of the mountain to a specialized external repair firm located in Montreal to perform emergency work. The firm in question even agreed to open its workshop on a Sunday to accelerate the repair time. We thank them once again. Today is Wednesday, and the repair work is going well. The delay o...
Bromont, montagne d'experiences (BME) has just announced an investment additional $10.2 million to pursue the development of the Versant des Épinettes. Ms Isabelle Charest, Minister for Education, Minister responsible for the Status of Women and MNA for Brome-Missisquoi andMr. Patrick Guilbault, Senior Regional Director, South Shore and Montérégie of Investissement Québec were present for the occasion. Thanks to the support of the Government of Quebec, which comes in the form of a non-refundable financial contribution of $2 million and a loan adapted to the tourist sector of $4 million, the mountain will improve the experience of skiers by carrying out major improvements, including the replacement of the ski lift which will ensure fluidity for ski enthusiasts on all sides. "The financial support of the Government of Quebec for our project will make all the difference for our mountain," says Charles Désourdy, president of Bromont, montagne d'expériences. These investments will definitel...
What a fantastic day out on the slopes at Sommet Edelweiss. Horray! It is the Quebec March Break and the weather couldn't be more perfect. Bluebird skies and all slopes are open with full complete snow coverage. On this day, there were many U-12 competition teams from Quebec ski areas present at the mountain. They were doing some training and exercises at Edelweiss. This likely contributed to there being more people on the mountain than likely would have been otherwise, but with two of the three quad chairlifts running, the wait times were fairly short and reasonable. At the detachable Edelbahn Express, the wait varied from less than 1 minute to no more than 5 minutes. At the Meister 4000, it was always less than 1 minute. The Streif quad was not operating and seems to only run on the weekends when it is busiest. Conditions were fantastic, all trails were perfectly groomed. If you didn't know it had rained a week ago, you would have never known by skiing the slopes. Any effects from th...
Les Sommets management regrets to announce the death of Louis Dufour, Chairman of the Board of the company, leaving his family and thousands of employees and friends in mourning. A former member of Canada's National Ski Team, recipient of numerous awards, including the Canadian Skiers of Distinction, awarded by SKI CANADA, the Réal Boulanger Award and Personality of the Year in 2003 awarded by the Quebec Ski Areas Association, this ski pioneer was inducted into the Laurentian Ski Hall of Fame in 1994 in recognition of not only his involvement but also his passion for the sport. Known for his avant-garde nature, Louis Dufour was constantly on the lookout for innovations that would give him an edge. He implemented unique and different products and activities that interested all age groups. He brought magic to everything he touched. He was undoubtedly a pillar of the Canadian ski industry. A man of action, enthusiastic, determined and constantly listening to the clientele, all visitors co...
After last week's snowfall, and having a few days off from work, it was high time to make a return to the slopes. With the variety of trails offered, I made the choice of visiting Ski Vorlage, a mountain I always love visiting. All of the main trails are open, with the exception of Carnaval, Chien Chaud, La Chute and Headwall. The conditions at the moment are absolutely fantastic. Perfect snow coverage and a nice soft top layer of nicely groomed snow. We have definitely been fortunate with the natural snow this January, as well as the cold weather. While the morning started off being fairly cold, I arrived at 11:30 am and took advantage of the Weekday 4Hr rate of $36 + tax. Vorlage now has RFID gates installed at the chairlifts, so once you have your lift ticket reloadable card, future visits can be paid (or reloaded) from their website and you can then head directly to the lifts to start your day. Of course, I had to show vaccine proof but once that is noted down on your account...
New building at Sommet Saint-SauveurA brand new building of nearly 5,000 sq. Ft. Located at the foot of the Sommet Express ski lift is currently under construction. The inauguration of the latter is scheduled for December 2021. This building will include several services: New lockers for members: private section with restricted access. The lockers will be spacious, heated, and with a customizable configuration.The repair shop, including the 4-module Mercury maintenance robotA Demo center which will be a unique concept in QuebecA vast 1000 square feet terrace with fireplace presented by Jaguar Land Rover Laval Jaguar Land Rover Laval Heated Terrace The 27 X 45-foot terrace, located in the new building near the Sommet Express chairlift, will be heated, equipped with an outdoor natural gas fireplace, and offer take-out access to the brand new café. On October 22nd, the Jaguar Land Rover Laval team joined us for the official groundbreaking ceremony. In the picture, our president and CEO le...
Waterville Valley Resort is pleased to announce the signing of a contract for a new 6-person detachable bubble lift in partnership with MND Ropeways. The new lift will replace the 1988 White Peaks Express Quad, the first detachable high-speed quad in New Hampshire. This will be one of the largest upcoming lift projects in the Northeast and the first of its kind in the United States. This project will be installed over two construction seasons and will open for the 2022/23 ski season. "We have developed a strong partnership with MND over the last 4 years, including the installation of conveyors, a surface lift, and significant snowmaking upgrades and are excited to continue to work with them as a strategic partner for this project," said Tim Smith, President/General Manager of Waterville Valley Resort. "Replacing our White Peaks lift is the most important project in our investment plan for the existing resort footprint and will continue our work to enhance the guest experience at Waterv...
As the next major step in the Sunday River 2030 plan for enhancing the guest experience, Sunday River is scheduled to install the fastest 8-person chair in North America for the 2022-23 winter season. The Jordan 8, a new Doppelmayr D-Line chairlift that is among the most advanced in the world, features weather-blocking bubble covers and will access terrain on Jordan Bowl and beyond. The first of its kind in Maine, the Jordan 8 is the new standard in lift technology, featuring ergonomically shaped, extra-wide heated seats and the world's first bubble in signature Sunday River Red on each chair. The Jordan 8 also addresses decades-long challenges with reliability in the wind, thanks to the new lift's design and a planned reconfiguration of the top terminal. Additional safety features include an adjustable loading carpet to allow children to load the lift easily, and automatic unlock safety bars that lock into place at the start of the ride and unlock in the top terminal. "We are proud as...
After announcing the Sunday River 2030 plan for sustainable growth and development in February 2020, Sunday River Resort has many exciting capital improvements for winter 2021/22, just in time for ski season. These improvements range from on-mountain infrastructure and sustainability initiatives to new experiences and ways to save on lift tickets. Snowmaking Improvements Continuing the resort's commitment to providing the most dependable snow in New England, Sunday River installed 9.5 miles of new snowmaking pipe on White Cap, Locke Mountain, and Merrill Hill, and added two new fan guns in Barker Basin and South Ridge, and 131 new tower guns on the Road Runner, Jibe, Heats On, Cascades, Lights Out, Sensation, Cyclone, and State Fair trails. Working with Efficiency Maine, Sunday River also received grants for energy-efficient snowmaking equipment for Merrill Hill. Upgrades to increase automation in the snowmaking process are also underway, which will assist the resort's dedicated team i...
Eight-Place Design is the Fastest in North America Today, Kancamagus 8, the most technologically advanced chairlift in the eastern United States debuted at Loon Mountain Resort. "This lift offers our guests an experience unlike any other in the region—it is a huge step forward for Loon." says Jay Scambio, president and general manager of Loon Mountain Resort. Speed and Innovation Kancamagus 8 provides access to Loon's West Basin trails and can transport skiers and riders at speeds of up to 18ft per second, making it the fastest eight-place chairlift in North America. The Direct Drive, D-Line design manufactured by Doppelmayr features 205 new developments, including 31 innovations and 14 patents, making it the most modern chairlift in the world. Kancamagus 8 elevates the guest experience with its whisper-quiet operation, ergonomically shaped and heated seats, and weather-blocking bubbles. "The introduction of Kancamagus 8 is an incredible achievement and marvel of innovation and design....
Vermont's Killington Resort, the largest ski and snowboard destination in Eastern North America, and part of POWDR, will kick off the 2021-22 winter season at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 5, 2021, becoming the first Eastern resort to open for skiing and snowboarding. The first turns of the season, on Friday, November 5, will be reserved exclusively for Season Pass, Express Card, Beast 365 and Ikon pass holders. The resort will open to the general public on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. "We are excited to welcome skiers and riders back to the Green Mountains, and to kick off the longest season in the East," says Mike Solimano, president and general manager of Killington Resort and Pico Mountain. "Last year was a season of change, and while we are not out of the woods yet, we are happy to be starting the season without many of the adaptations the Covid-19 pandemic demanded this time last year." On Friday, November 5, 2021, the K-1 Express Gondola will provide uploading for el...
With the arrival of the winter solstice, the National Capital Commission (NCC) invites everyone to get outdoors and experience another exceptional #WinterCapital offering. Enjoy our expanded network of over 450 km of trails for skiing, snowshoeing, snow biking, walking or hiking; glide along the iconic Rideau Canal Skateway; take to the hills for tobogganing; warm up by fire pits; and enjoy a hot beverage and snack at an NCC Bistro. The return of the #WinterCapital interactive map makes it easy to discover and plan perfect winter outings in just a few clicks. Choose an activity, and narrow the results using filters for the duration and level of difficulty. Over the course of the season, the NCC will monitor the use of its assets, and conduct a survey of users to gather data and feedback to inform future decision making. Expanded Ottawa Winter Trail Network! In partnership with the Urban Winter Trails Alliance, and thanks to their community volunteers, the NCC is offering over 80 km of ...
Although winter doesn't officially begin until December 21, the Société du parc Jean-Drapeau (SPJD) is getting an early start to the season by announcing the main components of its winter program, which extends from December 18, 2021 to March 6, 2022. The activities are free and open to all, and they take place in a setting which is a one-of-a-kind playground in the middle of the Saint Lawrence River, a venue easily accessible by subway. Embrace your northern spirit in the heart of the river Whether you are a practitioner of such sports as sliding, cross-country skiing, cycling, climbing, hiking or simply a nature-lover, Parc Jean-Drapeau can accommodate all your interests this winter. While the help of Mother Nature will be needed to set up some of the activities, current forecasts are, fortunately, calling for a mild, snowy winter! As one of the new features this year, Espace 67 boasts an impressive Skaters' Trail, a 500-metre long layout presented by Radio Canada. The magical, ice-c...
Alterra Mountain Company announces its plans to invest $207 million in capital improvements for the upcoming year, including transformational base area and on-mountain developments at Steamboat, Deer Valley Resort, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows and Mammoth Mountain. This year's $207 million plan includes $111MM in significant resort projects, $31MM in enterprise technology systems, $65MM in resort maintenance and planning to continue to support the company's commitment to enhance the guest experience. "This past season has proven that our guests are loyal, passionate and looking forward to the many seasons ahead, and we plan to provide them with a premier guest experience as we focus on the long-term future of our mountain destinations," said Rusty Gregory, CEO, Alterra Mountain Company. "Alterra Mountain Company has exceeded our initial five-year goal to invest over half a billion dollars into our destinations, in just four years. We continue to be committed to infusing meaningful capit...
Alterra Mountain Company commits to creating a more diverse and inclusive winter sports community and has joined forces with Share Winter Foundation to support their mission to improve the lives, health, and fitness of youth through winter sports. The two industry partners will unite in their joint commitment to equitably evolving and expanding the industry. This unique, multi-year collaboration includes a donation to Share Winter of nearly $4 million in the form of cash and in-kind services, including lessons, lift tickets, equipment rentals, and meal vouchers. Through this donation, thousands of youth participating in Share Winter's partner programs will receive up to four Learn to Ski & Ride programs at 14 of Alterra Mountain Company's North American destinations throughout winter 21/22, resulting in more than 13,000 on snow visits. Graduate packages will be offered following completion of the programs to encourage long-term engagement. Share Winter Foundation is a well-establis...
New for winter 21/22, Ikon Pass introduces Ikon Pass Travel, a travel planning service that offers pass holders the ability to seamlessly explore options and book all aspects of adventure across Ikon Pass destinations. Ikon Pass Travel is a new benefit offered exclusively to Ikon Pass holders. With Ikon Pass Travel, pass holders log into their Ikon Pass account, and are then able to browse and compare airfare, hotels, and activities across Ikon Pass destinations to create a customized travel package. Create a vacation package yourself and book online or be matched with an Ikon Pass Travel specialist. The Ikon Pass Travel specialists have personal knowledge of all 47 Ikon Pass destinations across the Americas, Europe, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand and can customize the ideal adventure for any skier or rider based on the pass holder's criteria. "We are excited to offer Ikon Pass Travel exclusively to pass holders and help them easily customize the best adventure possible to their fav...
On this page, you will find point of view videos skiing down the many slopes and trails at the ski mountains. Gatineau Ski Vorlage : Look-Out, Birch Valley, Golden Trail and Cream Puff, Easy Rider and North Slope, Snow Dance and North Slope, Upper Sun Dance, Sun Dance, La Pente DouceSommet Edelweiss : Chemin des Bois, Easy Street, Rockstar Snoprk, Trou du Diable & Yodeler, Zoomer, Easter Bowl & Descente Telesiege, Streif, ShotgunLaurentiansSommet Saint-Sauveur : Red Bird, Jay, Côte 70 Est, Côte 70 Ouest, Nordique, Saint-Sauveur, Côte 71, La Plagne, Tom Barbeau, Côte 68, Dévaleuse, Pingouin
On this page, you will find point of view videos riding the many lifts at the ski mountains. Eastern Townships Bromont, montagne d'expériences : Mont Soleil #2 Quad, Versant du Village #3 Quad, Versant du Village #4 D.Quad (Retired), Versant du Lac #5 D.Quad, Versant des Epinettes #6 Quad, Versant du Midi #7 Quad, Versant de la Côte Ouest #8 DoubleMont Orford : L'Hybride Chondola, Mont Giroux Quad, Mont Giroux Est Quad Gatineau Camp Fortune : Allan's Alley Triple, Pineault Quad, Clifford Quad, Meech Quad, Skyline QuadMont Cascades : World Cup Triple, East Quad, Promenade QuadMont Ste Marie : Vanier D.Quad, Cheval Blanc D.Quad, Promenade PomaSki Vorlage : Snow Dance Double, Birch Valley Double, La Pente Douce Double, North Slope T-BarSommet Edelweiss : Edelbahn Express D.Quad, Meister 4000 Quad Laurentians Sommet Saint-Sauveur : Sommet Express D.Six, Atomic Express D.Quad (Retired), L'Etoile Quad, Côte 71 D.Quad, Flèche d'Argent D.Quad Sommet Saint-Sauveur Versant Avila...
This past Saturday, we visited Wakefield and decided to hike up and down Ski Vorlage. The mountain is part of the Wakefield Trails network (a collection of official hiking and walking trails in and around Wakefield). For the trek up Vorlage, we followed the gravel path that works its way up the mountain via North Slope and Snow Dance ski trails. The bottom section of the trail is a bit steep, same for the very final pitch near the top but the rest is fairly easy to handle without too much effort. With our little toddler in tow, or I should say, nestled safely and comfortably (although he would vocally disagree) in the Osprey backpack carrier, we started our ascent. As mentioned just above, the first pitch at the bottom while not overly steep, did present a challenge due to the added weight while climbing. Once we passed this short pitch on the slope, it went much better. Weaving back and forth along the way up, we got to see increasing views of the mountain range in the distance....
A beautiful late summer day, it was time to get out and do some exploring and hiking in nature. The valley of Wakefield is actually home to some rather fun and enjoyable hiking trails, mapped out by Wakefield Trails. For this outing, we explored the Blue and Red trails, located adjacent to the Fairbairn House, on the opposite side of the river via the famous Red Covered Bridge. Before hitting the trails, we took the time to cross the bridge and took the stairs to reach the river and rocky shorelines. Shortly after, we continued on and passed the Fairbairn House, just across the street and to the left after crossing the bridge. Following the path into the mountain, we arrived at the trailhead. A Story Walk was set up on these trails, with a short novel perfect for kids to enjoy and read as they complete the trail. Heading up, up, up into the mountain, the forest really takes hold and surrounds you. As the trail weaves its way in and out of the tree canopy, the story continues with a new...
We will begin in the next few weeks the construction of a new building for the members' lockers, the repair shop as well as the demo center of the Sommet Saint-Sauveur's Boutique. Demolition work on the existing building, which is located next to the Sommet Express lift, will begin on April 12, 2021. The new building will replace the old Customer Service building, where it is now located the 'Repair workshop. The new building will house the following services: Member's lockersRepair workshopDemo center Regarding the new members' lockers, these will be on sale from September 2021 only and for the next season. To reassure our customers, all locker holders for the 2019-20 season will have priority reservations. Please do not contact us about this matter before September 2021. No name or waiting list will be taken. We are therefore happy to offer our staff and clients a forward-looking environment by promoting innovation and attractiveness. We are proud to embark on this final phase, which...
Holiday Valley Resort announced last November plans to construct a new chairlift in 2021. The new lift is a state of the art high speed detachable quad chairlift that will replace the fixed grip Yodeler Quad that was built in 2001. The new lift has been purchased from Doppelmayr USA, based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Including installation, the cost of the new Yodeler High Speed Quad is $4 million. Many beginner skiers and snowboarders ride the Yodeler lift to return to the base area from the beginner slopes at Tannenbaum and Spruce. The chairs of the new lift will travel uphill at a much faster rate, but they detach from the cable and go slower for loading and unloading, making it much easier for skiers to get on and off the lift. Holiday Valley currently has 3 other detachable chairlifts; Mardi Gras, Tannenbaum and Morning Star. The existing lift will be in service for the rest of the 2020-2021 winter season, but preliminary site work has already begun. The Holiday Valley Mountain Crew ...
After careful consideration of the new Provincial Health Order by the government of British Columbia, Blackcomb Mountain will not reopen winter operations when the order is scheduled to lift on April 19th. Whistler Mountain was already scheduled to close on April 19th. "While the Provincial Health Order caught us all by surprise, we fully support the government's direction and we're doing our part to comply. At this time, we believe the best thing we can do to support the order is to begin winding down winter operations," said Geoff Buchheister, VP and Chief Operating Officer of Whistler Blackcomb. "We did not make this decision lightly as we know our employees and our community put so much effort into following our COVID operating guidelines so we could safely operate this season. Our full attention will now turn to getting our resort ready to safely open for summer." All lift reservations, ski school and dining bookings made during this period will be cancelled and the resort will be...