Whats new on local ski hills?
The first snowflakes have fallen on local mountains—a sure sign winter is approaching! Skiers and snowboarders will be excited at the sight of snowmakers blowing mountains of snow in the coming days. While skiers see the first snowfall as a sign that the season is approaching, the ski areas have been deploying their teams to the ski hills for several weeks to prepare for the 2019-2020 ski season. In most of Quebec’s regions, a flurry of new developments is hitting the ski areas, such as the clearing of new trails, the installation of new ski lifts and snowmaking equipment, and the building of new welcoming areas.
A Glimpse of What’s New for the 2019-2020 Season
Eastern Townships
Mont Orford has installed a new double magic carpet ski lift covered with a dome. This first in Quebec, the new lift is part of the revamping of the learning areas, which required an investment of $500,000. These initiatives will allow beginners to learn skiing and snowboarding more efficiently. The expansion of the chalet, an important upgrade for visitors, will allow skiers and snowboarders to access all services in a single area, enhancing their experience. Moreover, additions to the current snowmaking system will enable it to generate snow in greater amounts, earlier, and in more sectors of the mountain, including Mount Alfred-desrochers.
This year, Bromont, montagne d’expériences will open its new Chalet du Sommet, located near the top of the main ski lift. Offering a breathtaking view of the Eastern Townships, this investment of $16 M guarantees visitors a unique experience. At the chalet, customers will discover new food options, as well as a drink list for “après-ski”. The space will also be available for rent for private events. The Chalet du Sommet is part of Projet Altitude, consisting of investments of $101 M spread out until 2026.
At Owl’s Head, a new, fixed quadruple ski lift will be in operation for the 2019-2020 season. This investment of $3.5 M will increase the lift’s capacity to 2,200 people per hour, which will greatly improve visitor experience. The chalet underwent major renovations, including the addition of a restaurant and bar, as well as the renovation of the Mtn Haus Hotel, on the top floor of the chalet. Also, as many other ski areas, it has improved its snowmaking system, which can now cover 80% of the skiable area.
Mont SUTTON invested $1.3 M in its
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snowmaking systems and ski run maintenance equipment. “Après-ski” enthusiasts will be particularly excited to learn that improvements have been made to the Le Petit Tucker café counter and that a little restaurant was added at the foot of the mountain. The ski club will be able to count on a new run for training and for competitions.
The Mont Tremblant Resort has invested $10.3 M to improve snowmaking on Versant Soleil slopes, to purchase two new snow-grooming machines, to undertake Phase 2 of its renovations to the Grand Manitou main summit chalet, and to purchase a food truck on the mountain. New investments will be used to increase snowmaking capacity, particularly on the Algonquin trail on the Versant Soleil.
Sommet Saint-sauveur will be equipped with a new six-place ski lift with heated seats to offer its clientele unparalleled comfort. An investment of $8.6 M includes this new lift, as well as the purchase of new trail maintenance equipment and new rental equipment. Sommet Morin Heights, Sommet Olympia, and Sommet Gabriel have undergone various improvements, such as new trails and revamped areas to enhance visitor experience.
Station touristique Stoneham is adding a new glade, called the Pic-bois, with a length of 600 m and a vertical drop of 130 m. Wooded areas will now cover 30% of the skiable area. The ski area has also acquired new equipment to optimize snowmaking on the mountain.
Ski hills to open soon
The ski areas are working hard on the ground to open very soon. Most will be opening in November or December, but the first to open will be Sommet Saintsauveur in the coming days, Ski Saintbruno on November 14 and Camp Fortune on November 16. For Quebec’s ski areas’ snow conditions, visit https://maneige.ski/conditions-de-neige/.