Outdoor Travel Adventures

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING IN QUEBEC
February 29  -  March 6, 2004
$400
Mollie Kane, Leader

Spend the first week in March skiing with fellow ADK members in picturesque Val David in Quebec. There is an extensive network of groomed trails for all levels and most are accessible from the front door of Chalet Beaumont, where we are staying. The skiing possibilities include short loops, an all-day trip with a packed lunch, back-country skiing with a guide,  skiing to interesting spots for lunch or hot chocolate, and maybe a trip to Mont Tremblant to try the trails there. With all the miles and miles of trails, it won't be possible to ski them all in one week but it's a great challenge to try!

Chalet Beaumont is a modest inn and hostel outside the village of Val David, nestled in the middle of the Laurentian Mountains about 50 miles north of Montreal. The building might remind you of a larger version of the ADK Loj.  As with the Loj, we will be sharing the Chalet with other families and skiers. Our own group's days begin with hearty breakfasts served in the dining room.  Apres ski, we usually gather for cozy chats by the fireplace. Wine and beer can be purchased at the Chalet.  The dinner hour, with very tasty family-style food, is a delightful time to share the events of the day. The Chalet also offers a game room, meeting room and sauna; and a horse-drawn sleigh ride one evening is also included.

The number of rooms with private bath is limited. The price quoted is for double occupancy in one of them.  Double occupancy rooms with bath down the hall are available and would be $20 (Canadian) less. A triple or single can be accommodated with a price adjustment.

Arrival time is Sunday afternoon, February 29th, after 4 p.m. Although most folks come by car, one can make arrangements for bus or train transportation from Montreal. Dinner on Sunday night is served at 6:30 p.m. and will be followed by introductions to the staff, guides, and other participants as well as a general orientation to the week.  Monday morning the guides will help us divide into subgroups based on ability and interest. Then, each day, participants will ski as much or as little as suits each individual. One can even ski into the village and enjoy the bistros and shops or visit the excellent market for lunch supplies, snacks and French bread!  Skiing on Friday morning is a possibility as checkout time isn't until 1 p.m.

Although snow conditions cannot be guaranteed, experience indicates that one can expect adequate to excellent conditions. However, it is a good idea to bring hiking boots just in case. It is also a good idea to be prepared for very cold temperatures.

This is a reasonably priced trip which has been very popular. The cost per person for the 5 days, beginning with dinner Sunday evening, is $400 ($75 non-refundable), which includes 5 nights' lodging in double room with private bath, breakfast and dinner, ski guide, sauna, trail pass, horse-drawn sleigh ride, and ADK registration.  Additional personal costs (besides lunches) might include wine, beer, snacks, tips for the staff and side excursions you plan on your own.

Come and ski with us!

Mollie Kane, 702 Five Mile Line Road, Webster, NY 14580. 585-787-2842. E-mail mkane@rochester.rr.com.