Even the cold brings some warmth

© François Couillard

This morning, it was around -25 degrees Celsius. Hard to get motivated to stick your nose outside when it’s that cold. As I open the door of the house, a gust of wind hits me. Am I going to regret my skiing excursion? Once the car is started, I head for the parc national du Mont-Tremblant. There’s no turning back now, but I’m barely out of the car to put on my skis and I’m frozen stiff. A clear blue sky makes the snow dazzling. The trees, decked out with snowflakes, are dressed to the nines.

I head for the La Poète, my favourite trail. It’s a 10-km-intermediate trail with nice climbs and gentle downhills runs. And best of all, there are the icy cliffs of the Diable River valley, which are magnificent. At the beginning of my trek, though, I have trouble getting warm and the wind freezes my face. However, the climbs work my cardio and I start to warm up after the first 15 minutes. Even the wind changes to a beach breeze.

About halfway along, a small, warm hut awaits me. Best of all: a ham and Swiss cheese sandwich heated on the woodstove. Bring some hot chocolate in a thermos (although personally, I prefer hot wine) and there you are in a skier’s heaven. Mont-Tremblant National Park has an exceptional network of cross-country ski trails with numerous warm-up huts. Don’t forget that you’re skiing in a protected area, the dean of Québec parks. It’s a truly extraordinary experience.

From the legendary Lac Poisson trail – with its 2-km downhill for the most experienced – to La Renardière trail which is suitable for families, there’s something for every taste. In contemplating these magnificent landscapes, even the cold brings some warmth to the soul.

When you’re planning your outings, check snow conditions at sepaq.com/tremblant

See you on the trail!

 

More from this author by clicking on her photo bellow.

Marie-Ève Boivenu

 

Marie-Ève Boisvenu20 Posts

Gestionnaire au Parc national du Mont-Tremblant. Community relations officer.

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