Mont Ste Marie - December 31, 2018
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 anywhere else. Add to this its location being even more out in nature and the surrounding mountains and you have a ski mountain that really does feel like a mini-Tremblant, of course minus the lift lines, the high prices, and the sometimes intimidating atmosphere. So a big mountain trail to me means it creates the same feeling and excitement on the slopes you'd get on one of those at a mega resort. Luckily, Mont Ste Marie has an ample supply of those to keep you going happy all day long.
Changing things up, it was time to head over to the Cheval Blanc mountain to experience the more advanced and expert terrain. On this side, only Frank Pouliotte, Outaouais and Dustin Cook were open.
Outaouais and Dustin Cook are the signature trails of Mont Ste Marie, with the later being FIS homologated. Starting from Outaouais, you have a relatively tame trail, taking you down while following the chairlift line and tossing you some spectacular views of Lac Sainte Marie below. Things quickly change as soon as the trail turns to the left and become Dustin Cook. Named after the Canadian World Cup alpine ski racer, this trail has it all, steeps, plenty of zones to carve at high speeds, drops and more.... enough to get your heart pumping with adrenaline and excitement.
During my visit, there was grooming taking place on some of the closed trails, and Mont Ste Marie announced on Facebook in the afternoon that indeed several more trails will open tomorrow, including Chanson, Carousel, Betsy, among others. Perfect for the large snowfall expected overnight and in the morning.
Overall, the snow conditions were great all over the mountain. With the coming new snow, the mountain will be in excellent shape to finish off the holidays.
Happy New Year to all and Happy Skiing!
Here are some photos from today's visit
The chalet at the base of Vanier Mountain.
The base of Vanier Mountain, with Caroline Calvé on the right and Exhibition on the left.
Top of Serenade.
Bottom of Serenade leading into Caroline Calvé.
Top of Vanier Mountain, heading towards Bellevue and Chanson.
Bellevue.
Exhibition.
Heading up Cheval Blanc, with Dustin Cook trail seen to the right.
Passing over Outaouais.
The summit observation point at the top of Cheval Blanc. You can see Vanier Mountain, so far away, yet so close.
Some more pics of Outaouais.
Dustin Cook.
Our friends at Kunstadt Sports holding a ski demo day at the base.
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