Some mountains not only bring skiers to different regions of Quebec, but also offer them the opportunity to practice their favorite sport in all its forms. Here are three complete ski areas!
• Also read: When grip and glide come together
• Also read: For a successful entry into alpine skiing
Mont Grand Fund
Photo courtesy of Mont Grand-Fonds
The exceptional gliding conditions of the Mont Grand-Fonds in La Malbaie benefit alpine skiers, cross-country skiers as well as off-piste and alpine hikers. Accessible by car, the road crosses the landscapes of the Charlevoix hinterland and gives a taste of skiers who want to descend in the middle of nature. The mountain offers more than 20 downhill runs for athletes of all levels and rewards their efforts with fabulous views of Charlevoix and the river. Covering eight acres of undergrowth and clearings in their natural state, the Versant du Lynx satisfies off-piste enthusiasts. For the ascent up the mountain, skiers have the choice of using the ski lifts or choosing one of the two ascent routes (climb with skins) according to their condition. With its 140 km of cross-country trails, Mont Grand-Fonds is also a paradise for cross-country skiers, who can take a break in one of the four heated relays.
► Montgrandfonds.com
The Valinouet
Photo provided by Le Valinouët
The Valinouët playground in Saguenay is located in the northwest sector of the Monts Valin massif and is 100% covered with natural snow. Alpine ski enthusiasts can ski down 33 runs ranging from easy to extremely difficult. Classified as a double diamond with its three rocky notches, La Machette gets the adrenaline pumping for extreme skiers. In addition to the ski lifts, two via ferratas start at the foot of the mountain and lead to its summit. They are very popular with high-road skiers who venture there and then descend over the alpine ski slopes. Cross-country skiers can start on three moderately difficult trails (a total of 8 km) that are accessible free of charge. During their journey, skiers could observe the spectacle of snow-covered trees, as in the famous Valley of the Spirits in Monts-Valin.
Photo provided by Le Valinouët
► Valinouet.qc.ca
Mont Comi Park
Photo courtesy of Parc du Mont-Comi
The Parc du Mont-Comi rises in Saint-Donat-de-Rimouski and is the largest ski area in Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie and Côte-Nord. The abundance of natural snow and the quality of its gliding conditions attract both the beginners of skiing (four school slopes accessible free of charge) and the most experienced who face the steepest slope called “Le Mur” whose gradient is 35 degrees. With 30 pistes, six clearings, an ascent track and equipped with four ski lifts, the Mont-Comi ski area also inspires telemark fans. Cross-country skiers can sneak into nature by following the 6.7 km of trails. This mountain is the best vantage point in the region to admire the river, forests and farmland of La Mitis. It is said that on a clear day one can admire the Chic Choc mountains as well as 11 bell towers of the surrounding churches.
Photo courtesy of Parc du Mont-Comi
► Mont-comi.ca