Ski Travels
by R. Adamowicz
I always find that in March I feel at my best, yet the snow lies in patches and is thinning daily. I need a good final ski before putting the storage wax on my skis. That’s when it’s time to head north to Quebec, which is what I did on Friday. We started off in Burlington in the pouring rain, which lasted all the way up to Quebec City. In just 4 ½ hrs we were up in Stoneham, the perfect point for setting up “camp.” Stoneham has an array of lodging (Airbnb, hotel, chalets and condos to rent), a great micro-Brasserie called Le Souche, and a mouth-watering bakery called Pascal Le Boulanger.
On Saturday we then traveled just 20 minutes up the road to Camp Mercier. A ski center with 50 km of classic tracks, 20km of skate tracks – running separately or side by side through beautiful fir and spruce forests – and all for just 11 CAD. Due to large amounts of fresh powder and strong winds, only their green trails were groomed, but we still were able to ski a 14 km loop.
On Sunday, we drove a little further up the highway to the Foret Montmorency – known for its early season snow. This research forest offers skiing (16.50 CAD) of 41km classic trails, 16km skate trails and 22km off trail skiing. This area is so unique and so incredibly beautiful. The groomers had been busy after receiving 44 cm of fresh powder in just the last 48 hours…this on top of over 130 cm of snow pack! The skiing here is heavenly, along wide forest roads that are groomed beautifully for skate and classic – running through snow laden trees along a river or up onto a beautiful mountain with spectacular views.
I cannot adequately describe how beautiful these ski areas are. I just hope some of you may be able to go there as well and see for yourselves! I would be happy to share more photos or information!
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