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SNOWMOBILE NEWS FEBRUARY 2012
www.slednews.com Fly, Ride, Eat and Enjoy: An Ultimate Snowmobile Experience Near Mt Tremblant, Quebec BY SCOTT A. SUMNER
NW Ontario Snowmobile News The sport of snowmobiling has an exciting new destination coming on board this year near Mt Tremblant, Quebec. Mt Tremblant has long been known as a world-class ski and golf destination with over 4000 beds available in a full range of accommodations including 5 stars. Local entrepreneurs, Isabel and Serge Proulx who own the Mt Tremblant airport have
provide the sleds and then several excellent lodges came on board to complete the package and offer the snowmobiler a great experience. The lodges are 4 stars and offer very nice quality accommodations in either a hotel type room setting or your own cabin with several bathrooms. There are also jacuzzis, fireplaces and other feature snowmobiler’s love. They offer gas on site and are right on the trail system.
jam packed fun trip to Mt Tremblant.”
been instrumental in bringing more air service to the region with Porter Airlines. Now with such excellent connections to Tremblant the dynamic couple came up with the idea of arriving at the airport, changing into your snowmobile gear and hopping on a brand new Ski Doo sled to begin a beautiful adventure into some of the prettiest country you will find anywhere on the planet. The local Ski Doo dealer, Constantineau Mont Laurier can
Alain Dufour is in charge of the development for the Laurentian region and specifically the airport operations. The best example of his work has been with Porter now offering direct flights from Toronto and New York to Tremblant, as well as all the connections including Thunder Bay, Timmins, Sault Ste Marie and so on. “ For us those are all big markets. Isabel and Serge Proulx of the Mt Tremblant Airport are very involved in the development of tourism in the large community of Tremblant. We meet with airlines and try to interest the airlines to come here,” said Alain Dufour. “ Serge had the idea to develop the company, www.northernescape.ca to use the terminal as the main hub for airlines and for all adventure. We are the backcountry of Mt Tremblant. Snowmobiling is a good adventure example for us. We start with a route from the airport going to the lodges and Constantineau Mont Laurier to rent the machines.”
My snowmobile adventure would begin with a great ride beginning shortly after our flight arrival at 12 noon with the beautiful Rabaska Lodge as our first destination. My sled would be a 2012 Ski Doo Renegade 600 ETEC, which was a fun snowmobile to ride. It was cool day but the snow conditions were great and early into the evening we arrived at Rabaska after about a 150 km ride. The cool conditions that day caused us to change two of our sleds to the 2012 Ski Doo Grand Touring 600 ETEC at Constantineau Mont Laurier which was easily accommodated on the route we had taken. “ We have a good trail system and just love this new package for snowmobilers because it is unique in the world. You can just land and jump on the snowmobile. When you market something that hasn't existed before it is very exciting. We are deep in the woods but offer good service, good food and lodging,” said Martin Gamache, owner of Rabaska along with his wife Dominique. “ We are sure we will interest many people to try it. You can be a good snowmobiler already or a beginner and have fun here. We can get you a guide if you want. You can choose a big sled or smaller one, ride on groomed trail or off trail, we are ready for that. I think we have a totally complete package.” Rabaska is a 4 star resort with very nice
cabins where each bedroom has it’s own bathroom. The food was very high quality and delicious. Martin and Dominique owners of Rabaska are snowmobilers themselves and know people want when they do a trip like this- good food, a good bed as well as smiles from the staff. Continued Next Page
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“ People arrive here and 1/2 hour later are already on their brand new Ski Doo sled of their choice ready for an adventure. You land, get your bags change into your suit in the terminal and the sleds are ready right at the front of the terminal building. You just complete the rental form for the sled, are given a demonstration of the snowmobile and then are ready to go,” states Alain Dufour. “ According to the availability of the lodging the Northern Escapes organization can arrange a tour of 2, 3 or 4 days or more. Also really unique about Mt Tremblant riding is the fact you can arrive at the airport early enough to comfortably ride for hours that day. Also you can ride up to the time of you return flight which makes it a very SNOWMOBILE NEWS FEBRUARY 2012
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Greenstone: A Winter Wonderland Nestled within the boreal forest, Greenstone has two phenomenal cross country ski clubs, one in Longlac and the other in Geraldton. With our ski clubs only five minutes from our homes, cross
of snow and the quality of the trails. The Ski Chalet is open daily from 8:00am to 6:00pm. There are lockers to store your equipment, washrooms and ski rentals for the whole family. Come on out and get a cardio workout that will leave you feeling
with friends as lanterns and the moon light the way. It’s extremely safe and fun and very different, it’s something that everyone should experience. There will be a bonfire at the chalet, chili and buns, hot chocolate, coffee and free ski rentals and trail use. For information about our ski clubs and their events visit www.greenstone.ca
I would like to thank ALL THE BUSINESSES in Greenstone for their support as my article would not be possible without and your support.
country skiing has never been easier.
good about your accomplishments.
The Geraldton Cross Country Ski Club is
CANDLE LIGHT SKI
YES, Candle Light Skiing. This activity is generating a lot of buzz around Greenstone. The Longlac Cross Country Ski Club held their first Candle Light Ski on New Year’s Eve and it was such a success that on Friday, February 18th, 2011 at 7:00pm during Moosecalac, they are doing it once again. Mr. Roy, a long time member sets up 25-30 lanterns along a 2 kilometer stretch creating quite the scenery. Picture yourself skiing at night
Val's Variety in Geraldton, Nicole’s in Geraldton, Wayne Larsen in Geraldton, Lo'ree Des Bois in Longlac, R&H Automotive in Longlac, CIBC in Longlac, Popeye's in Geraldton, Longlac pizzeria, Mama Louisa in Longlac, Barino Construction in Longlac, Four Winds Hotel in Longlac, Long Lake General Store Woodlands Inn in Longlac, Kal Tire in Longlac, C&J in Longlac, Longlac Auto Centre, Superior Sight and Sound in Longlac, Mel’s Kitchen in Geraldton, Crown and Anchor in
Geraldton and Chummys Restaurant in Beardmore.
Owners Marvin & Joanne Picard
126 Queen Street, Longlac, ON
Feature Your Region In unique as they turned MacLeod Provincial Park into a ski trail. With many of us camping there in the summer, come out and enjoy the beauty of it as it provides you with 5 kilometers of skiing fun. Bring your friends and family for an afternoon of adventure. Ski rentals, day passes and other accessories can be found at Marino’s Hardware on Main Street. They have everything you will need to get started.
The Longlac Cross Country Ski Club offers over 50kms of groomed trails with different paths to take. Many skiing enthusiasts are raving about the amount
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& www.slednews.com Contact Sylvia or Sherry for further information at 807-623-2348 www.northsuperiorpublishing.com
SNOWMOBILE NEWS FEBRUARY 2012
Great Snowmobiling at Charlevoix, Quebec BY SCOTT A. SUMNER
NW Ontario Snowmobile News The people of Quebec have a certain positive outlook on life it seems to me and snowmobiling is one of their favourite winter activities. The region of Charlevoix is a group of smaller towns to the east of historic Quebec City and is a very special setting. For the avid snowmobiler it certainly is a paradise.
ent.” Your snowmobile trip could begin at the famous 405 room Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu that has everything you need to begin your adventure. “ We are 112 years old and located right adjacent to the St
There are easy air connections to Quebec City with Porter, West jet and Air Canada. When you arrive at the new Quebec City airport you will experience a very modern and well laid out facility that is one of the nicest you will find. Quebec City is an historic city in North America and offers much to see and explore. You snowmobile trip to the Charlevoix region could begin with a special train ride on Le Massif de Charlevoix, along the St Lawrence River where you can enjoy a beautiful breakfast, catered by Fairmont Hotels. Le Massif is a ski area and accessible by the train. The former manager of the Cirque du Soleil, who was born in the town of Baie - Saint Paul, decided to come back and develop a ski resort with the train and a new hotel. It will be become a major ski destination. “ We are like a gem not well known and have mountains, the St. Lawrence River and pretty forests. Snowmobile is not well known here yet but you will discover a different type of country with varied terrain and a nice view. There are some very nice outfitters here to welcome you as well,” said Sylvie Marquois Dandurand General Manager of Tourism Charlevoix. They have excellent cuisine and can be off in the middle of nowhere with their electricity generated by the water. It is very different from other parts of Quebec. Everything is small, charming and very secret. There are snowmobile rentals here more and more and we are at the beginning of something. We want the people to discover Charlevoix by snowmobile because it is very differ-
snowmobiles with inside parking and had over 250 sleds outside for the snowmobile events. The snowmobilers are welcome at the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu a 5 star resort. We have great rates all season long starting from Sunday and Thursday at $139 per night. There are rental snowmobiles on site with all the clothing as well and a guide if you need one. We have a spa here and a casino for the evening. We are right on the trials and you can access the hotel and underground snowmobile parking. We are a luxurious snowmobile hub and welcome snowmobilers here to do their favourite sport.” Also at the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieuthere is great skiing nearby, dog sled riding, snowshoeing and their own horses at the hotel where you can have a carriage ride for free. In the summer the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu have a 27-hole golf course with all the holes facing the St Lawrence River. They also have whale watching which is very popular in the region along with tennis courts, volleyball and two adjacent national parks with walking trails. There is a large kids play area and baby sitting available.
Lawrence River. The resort was founded by a boat company that was traveling on the St Lawrence Seaway bringing rich Americans and Canadian to the hotel in the summer time only. They tried in the winter but in 1986 opened 4 seasons after the hotel was insulated,” said Eric Quesnel, Director of Sales & Marketing for the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu. “ We have beautiful winters here so want the people to come and enjoy that here. The property became a Fairmont 12 years ago after it was shut down for 6 months to renovate the entire building as well as adding a banquet room, indoor parking lot, outdoor sports facilities including swimming pool, fitness centre and kids play area with a $140 million renovation. The casino on property was expanded then as well. “ “ This weekend were able to fit 113
After suiting up at the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu you are on the trials immediately and off to your next destination. The trails are very pretty to ride with great scenery and snow conditions. The area offers elevations of up to 3000 feet and some great snow conditions you might find in more western locations like BC. Another popular resort destination might be theL’Auberge du Ravage, which is a very unique large log cabin that features 12-second storey rooms complete with their own bathrooms. The main floor is a very luxurious setting with fireplaces and a fantastic dining area. The 5 star resort reminded me of watching an episode of the TV series “ Northern Exposure” set in Alaska where Dr Fleischman and Maggie stumble on a luxurious oasis in the middle
SNOWMOBILE NEWS FEBRUARY 2012
of nowhere on their search for the lost city. You can have blizzard conditions outside but be enjoying some fantastic wine and food in this special place. It is always fun to have a guide on a trip like this who are very familiar with the area and can take you off trail to experience some beautiful country sites. The 47 Nord Expeditions compaany owned by Christoff and Paul will provide an excellent experience for you. These riders are absolutely avid snowmobilers themselves. Christoff runs a 2012 Arctic Cat Pro Climb 1100 Turbo sled and Paul a 2012 Ski Doo Renegade 1200, both decked out will GPS, left gas controls, extra lighting, many decals etc, etc. They love their sport! The Charlevoix region is one of the most beautiful you will encounter on a snowmobile. It offers great-varied trails with good elevations and views. The snow conditions are excellent and make for a great snowmobile experience you should try. see www.charlevoixtourism.com www.fairmont.com/richelieu www.lemassif.com www.47nordexpeditions.ca www.lacmoreau.com for more information for your trip!
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