Holiday Valley Resort announced last November plans to construct a new chairlift in 2021. The new lift is a state of the art high speed detachable quad chairlift that will replace the fixed grip Yodeler Quad that was built in 2001. The new lift has been purchased from Doppelmayr USA, based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Including installation, the cost of the new Yodeler High Speed Quad is $4 million. Many beginner skiers and snowboarders ride the Yodeler lift to return to the base area from the beginner slopes at Tannenbaum and Spruce. The chairs of the new lift will travel uphill at a much faster rate, but they detach from the cable and go slower for loading and unloading, making it much easier for skiers to get on and off the lift. Holiday Valley currently has 3 other detachable chairlifts; Mardi Gras, Tannenbaum and Morning Star. The existing lift will be in service for the rest of the 2020-2021 winter season, but preliminary site work has already begun. The Holiday Valley Mountain Crew ...

After careful consideration of the new Provincial Health Order by the government of British Columbia, Blackcomb Mountain will not reopen winter operations when the order is scheduled to lift on April 19th. Whistler Mountain was already scheduled to close on April 19th. "While the Provincial Health Order caught us all by surprise, we fully support the government's direction and we're doing our part to comply. At this time, we believe the best thing we can do to support the order is to begin winding down winter operations," said Geoff Buchheister, VP and Chief Operating Officer of Whistler Blackcomb. "We did not make this decision lightly as we know our employees and our community put so much effort into following our COVID operating guidelines so we could safely operate this season. Our full attention will now turn to getting our resort ready to safely open for summer." All lift reservations, ski school and dining bookings made during this period will be cancelled and the resort will be...

Vail Resorts, the world's leading ski resort company, today announced a bold price reset of its Epic Pass products to continue to deliver on its commitment of Epic for Everyone and to honor the loyalty of its pass holders. Already regarded as the best value in skiing and riding, the Company's pass prices have been reduced by 20 percent across the board – making it easier for everyone to purchase a pass and, once again, changing everything about how guests access skiing and riding. The price reduction applies to the entire portfolio of the Company's North American pass lineup, including Epic Pass, Epic Local Pass and Epic Day Pass; Whistler Blackcomb Unlimited, Whistler Blackcomb Day Pass and EDGE Cards; Summit Value Pass, Tahoe Local and Value Pass, and Northeast Value and Midweek Pass; Military Epic Pass and Adaptive Pass; and many more. Epic Pass products are now available to purchase at EpicPass.com for the 2021/22 winter season. "The ski industry, our Company and skiers and riders ...

Mont SUTTON announces a second important phase of investments in order to diversify and develop a four season offer while consolidating and improving the skiing product as well. By the end of this phase, more than $10M will have been invested in improvement and development efforts at the mountain, an undertaking by the new ownership since the purchase of Mont SUTTON in 2016. The launch of these new investments has been accelerated thanks to the allocation of nearly $1.8M in financial assistance by the Gouvernement du Québec. This assistance will enable new investments of $5M by 2023 in line with the strategic development plan, in addition to the $5M already invested. All these projects will allow Mont SUTTON to enrich and increase its offer of new distinctive outdoor activities as well as to develop, improve and upgrade some outdoor infrastructures and existing equipment. Increase the tourism offer and stimulate the economy The announcement of the governmental assistance was made today...

Sommet Saint-Sauveur is located 45 minutes north of Montreal and is easily accessed from Autoroute 15. Sommet Saint-Sauveur is often seen as an innovator in the ski industry, with new concepts, new developments and early adoption of new technologies. The mountain has a storied history from the early 1930s when it first opened and is regularly the first mountain to open and the last to close in the Province of Quebec, and on occasion in the east of North America. With 40 trails, fast lifts, several base chalets and additional on-mountain activities, not counting on the legendary night skiing, Sommet Saint-Sauveur hits the mark in many areas. The Mountain and the Ski Trails  The mountain features over 40 trails for all skill levels, served by 8 lifts, which include a detachable six-pack heated chairlift, 3 detachable quad chairlifts, 2 fixed-grip quads (one with loading carpet), a beginner double chair and a magic carpet. The mountain is connected to the Versant Avila, providing add...

Loon Mountain Resort today announced the installation of an eight-place, high-speed bubble chairlift-the first anywhere in the eastern United States and only the second in North America, for the 2020/21 ski season. The Doppelmayr lift will showcase the manufacturer's new D-Line technology, making it the most technologically advanced lift ever installed in the East and one that will provide unrivaled speed and comfort for skiers. "The Kancamagus 8 chairlift will be a leap into the future of skiing for our guests," said Jay Scambio, president and general manager of Loon Mountain Resort. "We are committed to bringing the latest advancements to our guests-this lift is the next example of that, following our first-in-the-world dual-frequency RFID installation." The chairlift project was unveiled to local and regional stakeholders and members of the media as part of the resort's 10-year plan, presented by Scambio earlier today at a community meeting. The state-of-the-art, eight-place chairli...

Given the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, safety concerns for all personnel, the hazards of remaining equipment left on the slopes, and the desire to inform visitors as quickly as possible, the Quebec Ski Areas Association (ASSQ) confirms that, barring exceptional circumstances, winter activities at Quebec ski areas will not resume this season."Recent developments preclude any resumption of our winter activities. All ski area owners and operators have been significantly affected by the current situation. Not only is the industry suffering financial losses and layoffs resulting from crisis, but now, all communities are impacted" declared Jean-Michel Ryan, president and CEO of Mont Sutton and ASSQ's chairman of the board."Since the crisis began, we have been in constant communication with representatives of the Direction de la santé publique du Québec, Tourism Quebec, the Quebec Tourism Industry Alliance (AITQ), and the crisis managemen...

Quebec Premier Francois Legault has requested that all ski areas suspend their operations, for an indefinite period, as of 4pm today. ---- Having heard the call of Quebec Premier François Legault, Quebec ski areas announce that they are suspending their winter activities—skiing, snowboarding, tubing, fatbiking, skitouring, and others—indefinitely starting at 4 pm today."We fully understand the situation. Our industry wants to help to manage this crisis, and we believe that the priority must be public health. We are aware that this decision will weaken the industry's financial performance and will have a major impact on the33,000 people who work in our sector. We are confident that the government will provide the necessary support to the many families and business owners affected by this decision,"declared Yves Juneau, president and CEO of the Quebec Ski Area Association (ASSQ).The ASSQ remains in constant communication with representatives of the Direction de la Santé publique du ...

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). I arrived at Camp Fortune around 1pm on the Valley Side. Saddling up my ski boots once for the second time today, I was off to the trails. Betting big, I decided I would just focus on the Meech sector of the mountain this visit. It did not disappoint the slightest. Wow, Paradis and North American are in excellent shape. Other than my final run out through Allen's Alley, the rest of the time was spent on these two trails. Paradis is the longest trail at Camp Fortune at approximately a mile in length. All along the way, you can catch glimpses of Meech Lake in the distance...

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...

What an amazing day out on the slopes at Sommet Edelweiss this Christmas Eve. 7 trails were open, which included Easy Street, Chemin des Bois, Rockstar SnoPrk and Zoomer, as well as the Edelbahn Express quad detachable. After reading yesterday's report from Gordo, I knew that despite the rain, the conditions were very good, but it still didn't completely prepare me for the reality. Phenomenal ski conditions were the special of the day. No ice anywhere, and perfectly groomed slopes. There was a light snowfall in the morning so the trails had a fresh dusting of snow on top. Add to this some heavy snowmaking taking place on Zoomer and very few people out on the slopes (thank you to all those last minute shoppers) and you have a winning combination. Edelweiss offering the highest vertical drop of the main 4 mountains nearest Ottawa/Gatineau, the trails are long and varied in...

Mount Snow, is pleased to announce a brand-new lineup of events at Carinthia Parks for the 2018/2019 winter season. In honor of the 10th anniversary of Carinthia becoming an all-terrain-park mountain face, these new events will highlight many of the aspects that have helped Carinthia rise to the rank of #1 Terrain Park in The East, as named by both Transworld Snowboarding and Newschoolers.com. Along with this lineup, comes the opening of the new $22M, 42,000 sq.ft. Carinthia Base Lodge, which for the first time brings après to the Carinthia Base Area, with three restaurants, two bars, and a large outdoor deck that is designed with event-viewing and afterparties in mind. "In honor of our 10-year celebration, we thought it was the perfect time to add in some new events and concepts that we've been dreaming of," said Ben McGinnis, terrain park manager at Mount Snow. "We've gone back to the drawing board on our events and builds this year, and are really excited to see the reactions to the...

What an exceptional start to the season this year at Camp Fortune. Thanks to an abundant supply of natural snow over the past couple weeks and very cold weather that allowed heavy snowmaking to occur, Camp Fortune launched its season this past Friday. Already on to Day 2, conditions are perfect, and you would be forgiven to think it was mid-February skiing because of how good it really is. Two trails are open, Pineault and Allen's Alley, served by the Pineault Quad lift. Snow coverage is complete and full width, with no ice, firm base, and plenty of white snow to carve up and enjoy. A small snowpark is also set up, complete with some rails, boxes, and modules. Camp Fortune isn't standing still, with snowmaking continuing across the mountain, you can see huge piles of snow on Clifford, Slalom, by the magic carpets, and down towards the Meech side of...

Mont-Sainte-Anne, located about 40 minutes from Quebec City, is a world apart from the rest. The mountain, the views of the St. Lawrence river, the facilities, and the challenge offered by the ski trails are truly ahead of the competition. The mountain features 71 trails, with 20 trails open for the highest vertical (2050 feet) night skiing in Canada. Signature trails like La Crete offer breathtaking experiences, with views unlike anywhere else. The lifts to are unique, including one of the two bubble quad chairlifts in all of Quebec (the other found at Stoneham). The base of the mountain is well laid out, with the basics, the main lodge and cafeteria, restaurants and bars, and lodging. The Chateau Mont-Sainte-Anne hotel is located immediately at the base of the main gondola, giving true ski-in and ski-out luxury.  The Mountain and the Ski Trails Mont-Sainte-Anne has a north and south side, as well as a small side dedicated to natural skiing (not groomed). The south side is the ma...

Mont Tremblant is located in Québec's Laurentian region and is commonly referred to as the Disney World of Skiing. The ski resort is most known for its large and expansive pedestrian village located at the base of the mountain, featuring hotels, restaurants, shops and entertainment. The mountain itself offers 102 trails, spread over 4 sides of the mountain, making it the largest ski mountain in Quebec. Tremblant also has the second-highest vertical drop for skiing in Québec, allowing for long descents, with all levels of trails offered, including plenty of glades. The mountain has 14 lifts, that include 7 high-speed detachable quads, and 2 gondolas, giving a quick and efficient ride back up the mountain. The Grand Manitou, the large summit chalet, offers meals and great views while taking a break.  The Mountain and the Ski Trails The South Side is the main side of Tremblant and the first side you will typically see when approaching the mountain. Here you will find the pedestr...

Bromont, montagne d'éxperiences, is a very unique ski resort, located in the Eastern Townships of Quebec, only an hour away from downtown Montreal. Bromont offers over a hundred trails on 7 sides of the mountain. The sheer number of trails, and possibilities to descend the mountain are overwhelming. Bromont also offers the largest night skiing domain in North America, with 7 sides illuminated on certain nights for skiing under the stars, occasionally well past midnight.  The Mountain and the Ski Trails Once the skiing starts, even beginners will feel safe and welcome. Bromont has a unique beginner mountain called Mont Soleil, separate from the main mountain. A magic carpet and a quad chairlift welcome the novice skiers on its easy and intermediate trails. There are even beginner glades to try and enjoy. These trails are also surrounded by many mountainside homes and condos. Moving beyond Mont Soleil, you are next met by the Versant du Village, the main side of Mont Brome, whi...

Peak Resorts, Inc., a leading owner and operator of high-quality, individually branded U.S. ski resorts, announced today that construction on its projects at Mount Snow in Vermont and Hunter Mountain in New York is progressing on schedule ahead of the 2018/19 skiing and riding season. These projects, which combined represent approximately $32 million in upgrades across the two properties, have set a number of milestones for the Company, including its largest-ever base lodge and the Eastern United States' largest ski area expansion in over 15 years. Jesse Boyd, Vice President of Operations at Peak Resorts, commented, "The Hunter North project at Hunter Mountain and the new Carinthia Base Lodge project at Mount Snow each represent a significant undertaking and our ability to accomplish both in one summer is a great testament to the dedicated teams we have in place at our resorts. It's been amazing to watch these two projects evolve and we can't wait for our Peak Pass holders and guests t...

It had been 3 years since we last explored these trails. With another hot and summery day upon us, it was time to stay cool by hitting the trails during the heatwave. It's truly amazing how nature and the trees can help regulate the heat. You really do not feel as hot when under the tree canopy. Arriving shortly after 11am (as the Gatineau Parkway roads are closed till 11 for the Sunday Bikedays), we parked at the lot by the Waterfall Trail. A short little slope down and to the left we find the tunnel, which passes under the parkway. After emerging on the other side, a fairly short hike brings us right to the Bridal Veil Falls. Heading back up and now to the Lauriault Trail, the long trek begins. The terrain is relatively easy to cross, although there are some mild hills along the way to go up and over. Eventually, you arrive at a clearing and lookout point, perfect to see the surrounding region from up above. Heading back into the forest, the path takes us up one more hill and th...

It was a beautiful Sunday morning. Wanting to change things up a bit from our usual weekend routine of kayaking or hiking, we decided to go cycling. As we live in the Plateau sector of Gatineau, it is unbelievably easy to bike in minutes to Gatineau Park. Entering Gatineau Park from the pathway entrance just across from Tim Horton's on St. Raymond, we headed towards the Pioneers trail and the Gatineau Park Welcome Centre, located at P3. From here, heading East we continued on Sentier du Parc de la Gatineau, which runs near the road and has some short hills and plenty of turns and curves through the trees. A quick right turn at an intersection and we are brought down another path that travels underneath Boulevard des Allumetieres to cross to the other side. From here, the trail eventually rejoins and follows along closely to Allumetieres until you exit on St. Raymond. A little detour through a residential area and we are back on the path, this time the Pioneers Pathway. Featuring a few ...

This family-friendly mountain is widely known as one of the premier institutions of learning how to ski and snowboard in the province of Ontario. "It All Starts Here" is Mount Pakenham's motto, and it quickly becomes clear why. Thanks to many lifts and trail choices, as well as a fantastic ski school, all ideally suited for beginners, Mount Pakenham has everything to ensure a beginner's experience on snow is the first of many to come. The Mountain and the Ski Trails The mountain has 10 trails, for all skill levels, including some glades, and a terrain park. The mountain is laid out in such a way to ensure everything is available to have a proper progression while you learn, from a first time beginner to an advanced skier. From magic carpets and a rope tow at the base of the mountain to the summit chairlifts, everything is made simple, accessible and comfortable. The main trails have plenty of smaller trails crisscrossing throughout, in other words, each trail has different paths you ca...

Mont Cascades is located in the Gatineau mountains, about 25 minutes from downtown Ottawa. While its main vocation is a ski resort in the winter, in the summer the mountain transforms into the region's Mountain Waterpark, featuring some of the exciting lineup of Ottawa based Proslide. The mountain offers trails and terrain ranging from beginner slopes in a dedicated ski area with it's own lifts, to advanced and race level slopes. The Mountain and the Ski Trails Mont Cascades is made up of 2 mountain faces, each having a different orientation to the sun. The beginner trails and intermediates are found on the main side, served by 4 lifts (Quad, 2 doubles and a magic carpet). The more expert terrain is on the other side of the mountain, served by a triple chair. All the trails have a constant slope to them, meaning you won't find yourself on a trail that has a flat section. Several of the intermediate trails, most notably Promenade and Facade have rolls and knolls in the slope, making it ...

Calabogie Peaks is the highest vertical drop for a public ski resort in the province of Ontario. The mountain is located approximately an hour from Ottawa and offers 24 trails, 30% beginner, 45% intermediate and 25% advanced/expert, served by 2 quad chairlifts, and a magic carpet for beginners. The resort is also the only mountain in Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais that has ski-in/ski-out lodging, located right in the base area. The Mountain and the Ski Trails The mountain is split into two distinct sections. To the right, is the Solar Express, serving mainly the beginner and intermediate terrain. Many of these trails have multiple ways to enter, as well as when you leave. At Calabogie, the options are there, making for an interesting mountain to explore, as you can create your own descents in many cases by combining different trails. To the left is the Lakeview chair, showcasing the best views from the mountain, and offering more of the advanced and expert trails. From this summit, ...

Mont Ste Marie is a true skier's mountain. Offering double the vertical drop of any ski area in the Outaouais region with over 1200 feet. Bob Sudermann, owner of Mont Ste Marie, often says to "Make it a goal to ski the vertical of Mount Everest in one day at Mont Ste Marie... 28 runs". Thanks to the two high speed detachable quads, you definitely can accomplish this feat. Lift lines are virtually non existent. Mont Ste Marie offers some of the best expert terrain in the region, with trails such as Betsy and Formidable, both double diamond walls. They are equally impressive to see as they are to ski. Most trails afford great views and vistas of the surrounding region, even allowing a glimpse on a clear day of Mont Tremblant off in the far distance. The Mountain and the Ski Trails The resort is comprised of two mountains, Vanier and Cheval Blanc. They are connected by ski trails, as well as a small tram that goes from the base of Vanier to near the base of Cheval Blanc. Vanier mountain o...

Ski Vorlage is located in beautiful Wakefield, Quebec, about 30 minutes away from downtown Ottawa. This ski resort is one of the most family-friendly ski areas in the Gatineau mountains. Just visit the mountain and you will see the difference. You will find plenty of young families, kids, and adults, who want to enjoy the sport of skiing. Ski Vorlage also pays special attention to grooming, ensuring a nice corduroy white carpet on which to learn, carve and ski. Ski Vorlage has a vertical drop of 140 metres, spread over 18 trails, with 13 open at night. The mountain has 3 double chairlifts, a t-bar and a magic carpet. The Mountain and the Ski Trails You will find a great variety of trails, from beginner to expert. The trails all have a constant incline to them, so you won't find any flat sections. For the absolute novice, La Pente Douce is the easiest trail in the beginner's area, and definitely the best choice to do your first turns and learn the basics. The trail is very gently pitche...

In this video, Peter Kunstadt and Matt Polson of Kunstadt Sports, will guide you through the process of selecting a hybrid bike, ensuring maximum performance and comfort. How To Choose the Right Mountain Bike for you In this video, Peter Kunstadt and Matt Polson of Kunstadt Sports, will guide you through the process of selecting a mountain bike, ensuring maximum action and performance. How To Choose the Right Hybrid Bike for you In this video, Peter Kunstadt and Matt Polson of Kunstadt Sports, will guide you through the process of selecting a hybrid bike, ensuring maximum performance and comfort. https://www.slopeedge.ca/content/how-to-choose-the-right-hybrid-bike-for-you How To Choose the Right Road Bike for you In this video, Peter Kunstadt and Matt Polson of Kunstadt Sports, will guide you through the process of selecting a road bike, ensuring maximum performance. https://www.slopeedge.ca/content/how-to-choose-the-right-road-bike-for-you How To Fix a Flat Tire on a Bike In...