Come On Over, Western Skiers: Eastern Snow Is Epic
Boston Reports Over 100 Inches, 2 1/2 More Than Normal, With Three More Weeks Of Winter To Go.
If you are a senior skier from the West, you are probably wondering what’s going on with the snow. Our correspondent in Utah report skiers taking two or three runs on ice-covered, snow-deprived slopes and calling it a day. We’ve heard of areas closed in Montana due to “dirt”. On the other hand, we Easterners are luxuriating in historically epic piles and piles of the stuff. It’s fun to look back on NOAA’s prediction for the Winter of 2014-15. Notice they had it kind of right in the West, major wrong in the East.
NOAA Winter 2014-15 Prediction shows warm in the West and the East.
Credit: NOAA
To be sure, there is good snow everywhere in the Northeast, from the Poconos to Quebec. Here’s an article by New York Times travel writer John O’Connor who reports on ecstatic conditions in New England. Bottom Line: It may be that if Western skiers want to do some decent skiing, they should plan coming East right now.
Le Massif de Charlevoix: Views, Trails, and Chic
Where else can you ski into a major river (almost) and take a ski train to a charming village?
About an hour north of Quebec City, we find Le Massif de Charlevoix, a magnificent and major North American ski area that offers several exceptional features:
Skiing into the river? Looks that way at Le Massif de Charlevoix
Credit: SkiZone
- Most people arrive and park at the top of the mountain, making their first run down without an inaugural lift up.
- Runs are varied and long from very pleasant groomers (which we like best) to mogul fields, glades and double diamonds. There is even an off-trail sector of 99 acres for back-country adventurers. Le Massif de Charlevoix has the highest vertical drop (2,526 ft.) in Eastern Canada and east of the Rockies, so trails basically keep going and going. (The longest one is 3.2 miles.) But stopping to take in the view is worth it because…
- …A couple of hundred yards from the bottom is the St. Lawrence River. The impression you get as you head down the piste is that you are heading straight into the water. It’s an illusion that is quite captivating and photogenic.
- Not only does Le Massif de Charlevoix host a piste de luge—sled run—that is 7.5 km long, it also has the only TRIPLE black diamond trail we’ve ever seen. It’s called La Charlevoix, it’s “extremely steep”, and it’s designed as a downhill course for FIS approved races. We looked at it respectfully from afar.
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Light rail train stops at Hotel le Ferme in Baie-Ste-Paul
Credit: PhotoGTYou take your last run down, and, at the very bottom of the piste, you and your skis, gear and boots can take a transit gondola to a light rail station where a train will take you about 30 minutes along the shore of the St. Lawrence to the little town of Baie-Saint-Paul, the hometown of the world famous Cirque du Soleil. The beer on the little train was most welcome, served by une serveuse très charmant. Again, the views of the river were breathtaking; we were glued to the window until we arrived at…
- …Hotel La Ferme in Baie-Saint-Paul, a new, very chic, stylish, design-winning hotel built as the first phase of a multi-phase project that will “responsibly” develop the area. With the hotel in town as a four-season destination for visitors, plans are also in process to develop ski-in, ski-out condos at the base of the Le Massif de Charlevoix within five years.
- The quaint and historic village of Baie-Saint-Paul is an artist colony with galleries, shops and chef-owner gourmet restaurants that capitalize on fresh, local agriculture. Our discovery was Au P’tit Resto Suisse where the fondu and raclette brought us to a magical place.
Au Ptit Resto Suisse serves gourmet racelette.
Credit: Tourisme-Charlevoix
So, senior snow enthusiasts, we’ve discovered something new for us in the north. The Charlevoix region is not only a winter destination for skiers, cross-country, snow-shoers and back-country explorers, but from what we’ve seen, there are many outdoor adventures for other times. A short drive from the northeast or the mid-west, this is an experience waiting to happen.
For more information on the development at Le Massif visit LeMassifVision2020.com
The Get Started Basics Of Snowshoeing
Here’s Another Way To Enjoy Winter That Seniors Can Easily Get Into
Snowshoeing, once a practical means of winter travel, is now a winter recreational activity. It provides many folks an outdoor winter alternative to skiing or X-C. In fact, most ski areas now offer snowshoeing as an option.
If you like walking, you will enjoy getting out on snowshoes. Some tips and a little technique will increase your enjoyment of this growing sport.
Male (L) and female (R) snowshoes accommodate different sized people.
Credit: Connie Phillips
Dress: Use three layers to keep warm in cold, snowy weather. Wool socks will help keep your feet warm. Mittens are warmer than gloves.
Layer 1: Wicks away perspiration. The base layer, next to your skin, should be wool or synthetic. The most common synthetic is polypropylene.
Layer 2: Insulates you from the cold. Again, wool is very dependable. But the various types of synthetics (aka “fleece”) provide enough warmth. Personally, I’ve never been cold when snowshoeing because of the activity level (exertion) involved.
Layer 3: Protects you from wind, rain and snow and should be waterproof and breathable.
Preparation: Many new enthusiasts are surprised to find that snowshoeing is a very aerobic activity. Exercises like walking, running, cycling and/or swimming are good preparation. Start before winter arrives. Remember to know your own capabilities before heading out; take your first outing slow and easy.
Equipment: Snowshoes are your main piece of equipment. The longer and wider a snowshoe, the less you will sink into the snow. Most snowshoe dealers will ask you for your body weight plus your pack weight. Let your dealer help you select the right snowshoe and remember this acronym FACT.
F – Flotation: make sure the length supports both you and your pack weight.
Note toe lift technique when walking on the flat.
Credit: Connie Phillips
A – Articulation: the snowshoe front should tip up when you raise your foot using a hinge at the forefoot position (See photo).
C – Comfort: the right snowshoe should not make you spread your legs too wide apart and should keep your hips in a near normal position. Also, the bindings should be easy to use. Most snowshoe brands now make “gender specific” snowshoes. (See photo)
T – Traction: spikes or “crampons” on the bottom of the snowshoe help with traction going up and down hills.
Boots are important too. Most snowshoers will need insulated boots. Boots that lace up (rather than zip up or pull on) are best. Many snowshoe boots have a lip or spur a few inches above the heel which help keep the snowshoe binding strap in place.
Poles are another useful piece of equipment. Many snowshoers prefer the telescoping trekking poles. Large baskets on the end of your poles prevent sinking too far into the snow and help with balance. Gaiters, those nylon tubes that extend from the boot to just below the knee, help keep snow out of your boots.
Technique: A little technique goes a long way. When moving on flat terrain or going uphill, walk by moving your back foot forward with your toe dropped. On the downhill, walk heel to toe like normal.
Start your snowshoeing on broken out trails and not in deep snow. As you gain strength and experience, head into deep snow. Start off by going for time and then go for distance.
Steve Hines is a sales associate at REI, Inc. (Steve’ does not necessarily reflect REI’s views). He has been a wilderness guide, a Wilderness First Responder and a volunteer trip leader for the Appalachian Mountain Club.
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