Alpine touring at Mont SUTTON: an enhanced experience

By Mont SUTTON - Published on 19 February 2024

Yippee! With all the new snow we’ve received in the past week – 45 cm at the base and up to 58 cm at the summit – the touring trails are at their best! The magnificent winter landscapes are at the rendez-vous, and snow conditions are excellent! It’s time to come and play outside!

IMPROVED MAP, SCHEDULE, AND SIGNAGE

Alpine touring regulars may have already noticed, but trail signage has been improved, and the new alpine touring map is now available online as well as in hard copy from customer service and the rental center.

This year, the hours allowed for alpine touring have been slightly extended. It is now possible to enjoy this activity between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. We would like to take this opportunity to remind you of the importance of leaving the mountain by 8 p.m. and of not starting your ascent before 7 a.m. to allow our trail maintenance team to carry out their work safely. The groomers and cable winch used for grooming pose a real danger to anyone on the trails.

Our climbing trails, which are marked in blue on the map and with blue markers on the terrain, can be used between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. Only alpine touring equipment, skis and splitboards with climbing skins, are accepted. We would like to remind you that pedestrians, snowshoers, and dogs are not permitted on the trails or on the ski area.

Photos by Éric Provost

The ski trails designated for ascent and descent, before and after regular operating hours (between 7 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. and between 4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.), have also been rethought. These are outlined in yellow on the map and marked with yellow markers on the terrain. The trails now selected (Miracle, Alouette, Alleghanys, St-Bernard and Loup de Loup) are suitable for both ascent and descent. Climbing these trails is not permitted during our opening hours (between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.). Also, since before and after opening hours, the designated trails are used for both ascents and descents, we remind you that when ascending, it is important to follow the markers and stay along the edge of the trail. After 4 p.m., make sure you are visible by using a white front light and a red rear light.

During our opening hours, the descent may be done on any of the open trails (the status of trail opening can be consulted on our ski conditions page), while before and after our opening hours, between 7 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. and between 4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., the descent may only be done on the designated trails: Miracle, Alouette, Alleghanys, St-Bernard and Loup de Loup.

FROM EAST TO WEST AND NOW… THE FARWEST!

The new Farwest climbing trail, which connoisseurs were already using last winter on a trial basis, is now officially marked, accessible and well identified both on the map and on the terrain! For lovers of nature and winter landscapes, this climb is a must! This new trail takes you right to the top of the mountain, just like the well-known Ouest trail, but there’s no exit to the ski area before you reach the summit, so take note: you need to have the motivation and energy to climb over 4 km of trail! For beginners in alpine touring, the Ouest trail is preferable, as it allows you to shorten the ascent and exit into the chairlift I sector if necessary, or into our tree skiing sector, should you be confortable skiing this area.

TICKETS, RENTALS AND REGULATIONS

Unless you have a Rando-Ski season pass, a SUTTON 7-Day Pass (giving access to alpine touring at all times) or a SUTTON 5-Day Pass (giving access to alpine touring from Monday to Friday), you must purchase a daily alpine touring access ticket.

For complete safety rules and advice, visit the Alpine Touring page.

Did you know that Mont SUTTON offers rental of alpine touring skis with climbing skins and splitboards with climbing skins? We strongly recommend booking in advance online to guarantee availability, given the ever-growing popularity of alpine touring!

BEFORE YOUR CLIMB

If you haven’t already done so, sign up for our newsletter to make sure you don’t miss a thing, or visit our ski conditions page, which is updated every morning before 6:30 a.m., where you’ll find trail opening status and detailed conditions. Read the team report to find out what’s in store for you on the mountain!

A SPORT FOR ENTHUSIASTS

Alpine touring is a sport for passionate skiers and boarders! We’d like to take this opportunity to say a BIG THANK YOU to our team of patrollers and volunteers who are passionate about alpine touring and who contribute greatly to providing you with the best possible experience!

Here are a few photos taken by enthusiasts on our trails that are sure to inspire you to embark on an alpine touring adventure of your own! While you’re at it, take the opportunity to enter our weekly #PurementSUTTON photo contest!