Camp Fortune - December 13, 2015

Exactly two weeks after my first visit this season to Camp Fortune, I found myself back on its slopes. Having loaded my gear into the car the night before, there was no excuse not to arrive early. The mountain opened at 9am, but I left home at 8am, being sure to be among the first to enjoy the snow. As I only live 12 minutes away, you can imagine I arrived quite early. Luckily the chairlifts were already spinning by the time I was all set to go and was treated to an earlier start than anticipated. 

This weekend, the mountain had two trails open, Pineault (beginner) and Paradis (intermediate), offering skiing on two sides of the resort.

Paradis is the longest trail at Camp Fortune, and one I very much enjoy. It has long straight sections with several turns and consistent slopes. Conditions were firm with a good base, great for carving and enjoying some speed. 

Conditions on Pineault were also very good. The park that was previously setup is absent on this visit, due to the receding snow.

The mountain was filled with life, as some lessons and initiation for the mountain's instructors have begun. This helped the ambiance feel more like winter.

Riding up the Meech chairlift, you are quickly brought back to reality, as your ride in the sky takes you over a late fall environment, devoid of any snow. The snow is holding on, despite all odds thrown at it by mother nature. Luckily, the long range forecasts point to dropping temperatures so snowmaking should resume and the landscape will then quickly transform to white. 

Upper section of Paradis

Lower section of Paradis. Notice the contrast of two seasons when they meet.

Bottom of Pineault

In the end, another great weekend skiing. While the weather has created a delay in what we usually expect this time of December, what is being offered is excellent. Deep down and what matters most, I am just overjoyed to be on skis and enjoying the snow. 

Happy skiing!

The Day's Statistics

Trails: 2 out of 24 (Pineault and Paradis).

Lifts: 2 out of 8 (Pineault Quad and Meech Quad).

Weather: -1 with sun turning to clouds.

Snow: Groomed granular on a firm base.

Crowds: Low, mainly group lessons.