Sommet Saint-Sauveur - January 1, 2021

Leslie McLaughlin

Finally, 2021 has arrived! After having spent NYE enjoying a three-course fondue and celebratory drinks, I spent most of the day relaxing at home with plans to catch the last few runs of the day. We enjoyed a late afternoon brunch (or perhaps it was more of a "linner") of mimosas, eggs benedict, bacon, fresh fruit and yogurt to get the evening started out right, and then I got ready to head to the mountain.

I knew I'd only have time for a few short runs, which was fine by me after having spent December intentionally staying home as much as possible. I planned to ease gently into the new year, and drove in through Piedmont, passing by all the lifts from Avila to the Sommet Express to scope out the crowds. The lines seemed steady, but not at all busy. The Sommet Express had the longest line of all, and there were only about ten chairs worth of people leading up to the gate if that.

After getting ready in the car, I arrived in the practically empty lift line, to be greeted by the SQ! It seems that either an inspection was going on, or that the SQ presence is there to support the measures of masking, distancing, and riding only with your household. It appeared they had taken over the usual snow patrol role of managing the line, although by the time I had arrived it seems like there was not much for them to do.

It's still just warm enough to wear the blue medical mask!

I ended up doing only two runs: one farewell to 2020, and one welcome to 2021. Conditions were absolutely perfect - no ice, and the snowpack was almost of the cold weather creaky variety. I almost made it for a third run but took my time coming down and just missed the cut. That was ok though - this was just a warmup for the 2021 skison.

During the last two runs of the day, I had the mountain mostly to myself! Riding the Sommet Express overlooking 70 Est.

I arrived home to a surprise après-ski snack: my partner had found a place that delivered Montreal steamies, so that I could properly celebrate the first après-ski of the year!