Camp Fortune - January 17, 2024

It was a cold day, especially in the morning. With temperatures at -20'c and a "feels like" several degrees colder, the app on the phone made it seem worse than it was. Of course, it was cold, but nothing that couldn't be handled by dressing properly for the occasion. Arriving for opening and parking on Skyline, I got ready quickly inside the cozy chalet and headed to the slopes. The conditions were fantastic, very nicely groomed, with no ice, a firm base and a soft surface. It was perfect. 

The real purpose of the visit was to ski on the elusive Meech side of the mountain, which is only open Wednesday to Sunday (closed Monday and Tuesday), as well as only open 9:30 am to 4:00 pm. For many people, it is a part of the mountain they rarely if ever visit, but the trails are so worth experiencing. They make up the longest descents on the mountain, with Paradis at nearly a mile in length. The views and scenery from the Meech quad on the ride back up are equally enjoyable. Halfway up on the right side is a nice glade, which according to the trail map is called "La Cache". Not quite sure where the entrance is located but the website indicates all the glades are closed. Something to check out when they are open. Bit of a disclaimer, I've only ever done the glade alongside Marshall at Camp Fortune, so eager to check out more as the mountain historically had little to no official glades in the past.

Back to Meech, both Paradis and North American were left ungroomed, so yes the base was groomed but the surface had a nice few inches of fresh snow on top. It was First Tracks for nearly the first 2 hours. Fluffy snow how we love you!

As the day progressed, the skies opened up to a nice blue hue, even though the clouds remained. Temperatures warmed up ever-so-slightly, but the enjoyment remained all the way through.

I can agree with what has been reported in recent ski reports, the new chalet renovations really change things for the better. With a new exterior look (bye-bye Blue paint), and a new layout beyond the main floor with new spaces to rest, it is great. Well done Camp Fortune!

Eager to come back for the next visit when the glades are open and the few groomers left to open are available to ski. The storms from the past week were well worth it and gave the mountain the boost it needed. We are now in full winter and I'm loving it!