The Quebec Blog

Mont Alta Randonnée: Attitude and Altitude

Posted on by ml242

In an age of international consolidation, mega-resorts, paid parking, expensive burgers, and an arms race for snow guns and fast lifts, Mont Alta stands apart.

mont alta randonnée

Years ago the lifts were plucked from its slopes. Now, what remains is a reborn ski area dedicated to uphill skiing and natural snow conditions.

Vail probably isn’t shaking in their Bogner’s yet. Mont Alta caps its season pass sales at 300, each priced at about $50, and you can’t buy a burger anywhere on premises. Not to mention that calling it 600 feet of vertical could be a bit generous.

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Tagged: Quebec8 Comments

Mount Royal: The Art of Skiing in Town

Posted on by ml242

New York’s Central Park is a quintessential city experience, delighting tourists and locals alike. I’ll never forget my forays with friends; playing pickup soccer on the great lawn, my near misses on the bike path, and most recently bouldering all within sight of the gleaming rooftops, and ancient obelisks.

rooftop

Much like the vaunted reservoir system, the foresight of city planners setting aside resources for future generations and developing them properly had unimaginable value.

While I still consider the crown jewel of New York’s park system to be without peer, Frederick Olmstead, co-architect with Calvert Vaux, also made his mark planning Montreal’s eponymous parc. At nearly the same size and about 20 years younger, Mont Royal presents year round activities and views, some of which exceed the possibilities in Manhattan. Fortunately, one thing I can say about both, is that neither is taken for granted.

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Tagged: Nordic Skiing, Quebec2 Comments

Big Dreams at Belle Neige

Posted on by ml242

Seeking new mountains to make turns is a noble goal, and as a new resident of Quebec I don’t think I’ll be running out of options soon.

belle neige sign

1994 Gold Medalist Jean-Luc Brassard told the CBC that Quebecers are good at skiing because 80% of them live less than an hour from a ski centre.

After spending a year here, I think that he is lowballing it. Quebec skiers are very strong and I can’t seem to find a town that doesn’t have a lift running somewhere.

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Tagged: Quebec4 Comments