Explore the hiking trails and whiz down the slopes of the Chaudière-Appalaches tourist region, which brings together several ski resorts to discover this winter. Here are six that will make you want to play outside!
The southern massif
With its 32 slopes, including 16 that lead through the undergrowth with its trees disguised as snow ghosts, its four high-altitude ski slopes (uphill) and its snow park, the Massif du Sud in Saint-Philémon promises “pleasant days in powder snow”.
Lovers of off-piste skiing can enjoy the newly created area called “5. Explore “Dimension”.
At the top of the mountain, a shelter awaits athletes who want to take a break near the wood stove before descending and admire the beautiful surrounding landscape.
And to ensure they're the first on the slopes, adventurers have multiple accommodations available: condos, studios, chalets, and a new space for “van living.”
►For information: massifdusud.net
Photo provided by Massif du Sud
The Appalachian Sports Club
For almost 50 years, the Club Sportif Appalaches de L'Islet has brought cross-country skiers together on its routes that cross two sectors, the mountains and the Piedmont, each of which also has a marked snowshoe route. This almost 60 km long, single-track ski network (classic and skate) also offers an 800 meter long, floodlit practice track that allows evening skiing. With their cross-country skis, the athletes cross maple groves, pine forests, fir forests and a natural habitat for deer and can then set off for the lake in the resort of Trois-Saumons. The reception pavilion as well as the five shelters renovated over the last five years offer all the necessary services for a wonderful day outdoors.
►The information: clubsportifappalaches.com
Appalaches Sports Club photo provided by Daniel Thibault
Mount Adstock
The ski season at Mount Adstock was inaugurated with the inauguration of a brand new multi-service reception chalet, which cost $7 million to build. It provides a pleasant escape for skiers of all kinds, snowboarders, snowmobilers and hikers and enjoys magnificent 360° panoramic views of the mountain.
Photo provided by Mount Adstock
In addition, this season Mont Adstock has installed access card collection terminals to avoid queues at the checkout. The small mountain appeals to families who can also enjoy tubing and snowshoeing. The large mountain with its 335 meter difference in altitude and 712 meters in altitude attracts several experts who are also enthusiastic about its off-piste area.
►The information: skiadstock.com
Mont Adstock Photo provided by Jérémie Perreault
Mont Original
Less than an hour from Quebec, the Mont-Orignal ski area (300 meters altitude) is a meeting point for winter sports enthusiasts, whether alpine skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing (45 km), cross-country skiing (15 km) or alpine hiking. A detachable six-person chairlift and a Poma lift take skiers to the summit and ensure maximum descents on the 24 snow-covered slopes.
The glades, snow parks and international level boardercross attract the most adventurous. Founded in 1974, Mont-Orignal in Lac-Etchemin is celebrating its 50th anniversary and remains a ski resort where, according to customers, we “feel at home”.
►The information: montorignal.com
Photo provided by Mont-Orignal
Thetford Cross Country Club
The Thetford Cross-Country Ski Club offers access to 30km of dual track trails from the town centre, including 3.6km of skating trails.
Most routes range from easy to difficult and take cross-country skiers of all ages through the forest.
Two shelters, one of which is heated, welcome those who want to recharge their batteries. With city lights and a headlamp, it is possible to experience the pleasure of evening skiing.
The free access and rental program for people under 17 is very popular. To make cross-country skiing accessible to everyone, day tickets and season tickets are also cheap.
►The information: skifondthetford.com
Photo provided by Thetford Cross-Country Ski Club
The hiking trails The walk
In the heart of the town of Lévis lies the Parc de La Rivière-Etchemin, a multi-sports center run by Les Sentiers La Balade where winter sports are popular.
Cross-country skiing (skate and classic) takes place in the forest and along the magnificent Etchemin river.
To access this 32 km network of trails, you must go to the reception building in Saint-Jean-Chrysostome or Saint-Romuald, which has a four-sided fireplace and offers a free slide activity. Bring your sleigh!
And if you're still full of energy after eating in the reception pavilions, you can end the day with a great bike ride, snowshoe trail or hike.
►The information: readtierslabalade.com