Mont Cascades - February 19, 2016

After a week of serious snowfall, 51cm in Ottawa, you can be sure that ski conditions were going to be among the best you will ever find. So this Friday night, I set out after work to meet up with René and Sam to ski the snowy slopes of Mont Cascades.

All the trails of the mountain were open, minus Hogan and Gratton (which are not lit for night skiing). The weather was not as cold as it has been the past few weeks making it easy to enjoy the snow without freezing. However, ice pellets were falling on and off throughout the evening. This in no way reduced the enjoyment of the evening, for the conditions were worth every moment. No ice but soft snow everywhere.

Being Friday night, the mountain is open till 11:55pm, making it the perfect place to start the weekend.

The new Doppelmayr quad chairlift adds great value to the mountain. Easily accessible, just steps from the chalet, takes an entirely new path up the mountain, revealing secret stashes of powder snow everywhere.

Halfway up the mountain, the chairlift begins to descend into a small creek to then once again begin its climb to the summit. While riding up the new Quad, looking to the left you can see the intermediate trails of Touraine and Alouette.  

The proximity of the top of the lift being very near the triple chairlift, gives Mont Cascades the feeling of a much larger mountain, where several lifts coming from different mountain sides all meet at the summit. This new lifts re-energizes the mountain and infuses it with new potential and adventure.

My buddy René and I, both agreeing that tonight was a ski outing not to be missed, for any reason.

Bottom of Promenade and the main chalet. This trail is very fun, to descend doing a slalom around the snow guns located straight down the middle.

Bottom of Promenade.

The bottom exit of the snowpark.

The Fun Run, rarely open is a natural mogul trail, with large bumps and drops. Thanks to the abundant snowfall, it's one bounce after another down the slope. Easily one of the most popular trails for those looking for a bit of adventure and excitement.

Trying to get a picture at the summit, I slipped off the packed snow and fell into the powder off to the side. Like a beached whale, I failed with every attempt to get out of the bottomless snow.

René looking off towards the World Cup side, and Exhibition trail.

Exhibition. Popular for speed and racing, it was a carvers delight last night.

Overall the ski conditions were impeccable, and it was hard to call it a night after a few hours of skiing. The mountain is in great shape and I encourage everyone to get out and enjoy the great snow we received this past week. Don't forget, Mont Cascades have several lift ticket options, including options to buy by the hour.

Have a great weekend and happy skiing!