March 18-19, 2017

This week: snow, snow and more snow! That's all there is to report. The above seasonal weather we experienced for much of February left a lot of skiers wringing their hands - is winter already over? Is this what our future winters hold in store for us? If the arctic temperatures of last weekend didn't convince you that winter is still here, then Tuesday and Wednesday's snow storm certainly eliminated lingering doubts! This week's blizzard was one of the biggest we've had in many years, has been compared to the famous snowstorm of 1971, and will be remembered in the years to come. In Montreal, hundreds of people were stuck all night on Highway 13, and institutions like McGill University were closed, which hasn't happened in almost 20 years.

Total snowfall in Montreal reached 45 cm, and in the South Shore, between 60 and 70 cm fell. Snowfall was even higher in the Eastern Townships at places like Mont Sutton, which received well over 100 cm of snow! Incredible! The Laurentians received a bit less snowfall, around 25 to 30 cm, and in the Ottawa region, 20 to 25 cm. Needless to say, there will be plenty of fresh snow no matter where you choose to ski this weekend.

Temperatures have remained well below freezing, so the snow will still be soft and fresh, with great conditions on both groomed and natural-snow trails. With sunny skies and temperatures near 0 for both Saturday and Sunday, this weekend is shaping up to be one of the best of the season. You won't quite get to experience spring skiing in the next few days, but the abundance of fresh snow and March sun will make for a great few days. Many ski schools' lessons are still in session and hills will be busy, so make sure to arrive early, and don't forget the sunscreen! The sun is strong at this time of year, and reflections off the snow can give you serious sunburn.

Are you looking for an interesting activity to complement your ski day? Or maybe you'd like to increase your knowledge of ski history? Most people don't know, but there is a ski museum in Saint-Sauveur. Despite being around since the 1980s, the museum only opened their first permanent exhibition in 2012. Visitors learn about how skiing evolved from being a mode of transportation to a recreational and competitive sport, and its effects on the economic, social, and political development of the Laurentians. Open 7 days a week and located right in the village of Saint-Sauveur, admission is free although a small donation is recommended. There is also a ski museum at Mont Sainte-Anne near Quebec City, at the base of the mountain in the pedestrian village. The museum features tons of old skis displayed by time period, so you're able to see how skis evolved from solid wood and straight edges, to fibreglass and parabolic edges like we know today. There is also many old photos and documentation, allowing you to immerse yourself in the history of the mountain. Entry is free, and since it's right at the bottom of the hill, you don't even need to plan a separate outing.

In conclusion, this weekend should be a great one, both in terms of snow and weather: 30+ cm of new snow, blue skies, temperatures near zero - what more could you want? The weather looks good for the foreseeable future as well: no new snow, but temperatures will remain below zero for the most part, and nights will be cold. The snow will last for awhile!