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It was a beautiful Monday in the region. Blue skies and a nice cool temperature made it a perfect day to go skiing. It had been a few years since I last skied at Mont Ste Marie so I set that as my skiing destination for the day.

Mont Ste Marie is located approximately 1h15 from downtown Ottawa, or an additional 40 minutes past Wakefield, Quebec. Due to its distance, there are rarely any lineups at the lifts or any crowding on the slopes.

Mont Ste Marie is actually two mountains, Vanier mountain and Cheval Blanc. They present a vertical drop of 380 metres, making it about double that of any other ski area in Gatineau.The mountains are served by two quad detachable chairlifts. The main chalet is modern and spacious.

You will find more beginner and intermediate trails on the main Vanier mountain, while the more expert terrain is on Cheval Blanc. Betsy, a double diamond, has been rated as one of the best steeps in the East, can be found on Cheval Blanc.

Conditions were quite good with little to no ice on Vanier, however, there was a noticable amount of ice present on Cheval Blanc, especially Bas Outaouais.

Mont Ste Marie, is a nice ski mountain, with long runs and a good vertical drop. The slopes present good challenge and enjoyment. The only real negative point is the linkage between Vanier and Cheval Blanc, which require some cross country skiing. The real question for most families and people thinking of skiing at Mont Ste Marie is the fact that for an additional 30 minutes drive, you can reach some of the ski resorts in the Laurentians. However, what does make Mont Ste Marie advantageous is the lack of people and lineups, as well as the more affordable lift ticket prices. In addition, it presents a vertical drop that is higher than all but Tremblant in the Laurentians! Nice scenery as you descend many of the trails, giving you views of Lac Ste-Marie and the surrounding mountains. If you live in the region or are looking to try something new, Mont Ste Marie is definitely one place you should have on your list.

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An unforgettable day and experience.

Skiing today had a late start. High winds and gusts of up to 70kph were being experienced all across the ski resorts in the Eastern Townships and as a result, Owl's Head was only able to open the Little Quad as well as the Black Chair in the morning.



I occupied myself on the beginner trails, which despite not requiring too much skill, still provide lots of enjoyment, thanks to the great views, while descending towards the lake.



Come noon, things became much more interesting when the winds died down enough to open the balance of the lifts and the skiable terrain. Personal favourites such as Lilly's Leap and The Peak were calling to me.



For those of you that don't know, the views at Owl's Head are second to none. Amazing, no matter which way you choose to come down.



Lilly's Leap is hands down the best view from a single trail in the province of Quebec. Every turn, corner, straightaway, and pitch provides endless views of Lac Memphremagog. But of course, seeing is believing, and that is why today's Ski Report Video (found above), is longer than usual. Enjoy a point of view ride down Lilly's Leap on the upper part of the mountain. Naturally, once you've watched the video, you must experience it for yourself. It truly is quite the experience.



The Peak, is your classic intermediate trail, with a twist. Slightly narrower than your standard groomed boulevard, but lined with snow covered trees on both sides, framing another perfect view of the lake and region.



Of course, the view of Lac Memphremagog never changes, and always inspires you to keep skiing, till day's end to enjoy it.



Conditions today were fantastic. A firm base, with a bit of loose snow on top, providing a very nice surface throughout the mountain.



Don't forget to bring your digital camera, to take pictures while skiing on the lower mountain, always carrying the illusion that you will ski into the lake at the bottom, or from the summit on Lilly's Leap, where you can take in the most phenomenal views of the region and the lake.

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A beautiful departure in the coach with Express Ski, direction: Le Massif de Charlevoix. The departure is done very early the morning, at 5h30, so you have to arrive early to get a good place on the bus.

Once the 3h30-3h45 trip is finished, the excitement has reached the roof. The excitement is palpable and everybody wishes only one thing, as fast as possible, to leave the bus and finally go descend this mountain whose reputation is well known.

The temperature is perfect, under a beautiful blue sky, without clouds, the mercury is not too cold and without any wind. We descend this mountain where we are already accustomed skiing, but each time, the landscape is breathtaking and we must stop during the descent to enjoy these great visual landscapes. At the time of our visit, there was a “plate” of clouds lower than the top of the mountain. Splendid!

The conditions of snow were excellent, no waiting at the ski-lifts and the new gondola. We benefited from its protection from the wind in the afternoon, to heat us up somewhat. A good hot meal inside of the country cottage where the chefs prepare good healthy meals (no poutine or hot dogs...)

We continue our descents by testing new tracks. I met only one small patch of ice all day. The wind rose around 14h-14h30, and we had to leave at 15h30.

A very beautiful day, once again, at this mountain!

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