Alpine touring: The right place at the right moment

With all the snow received in the last few weeks, Mont SUTTON is currently offering great skiing conditions with 100% of its skiable domain open, including the alpine touring trails to multiply the ways of having fun! With alpine touring being more popular than ever, and the snow still to come, Mont SUTTON takes this opportunity to reiterate a few safety rules.

 

A great opportunity to access the Quebec winter landscape

 

To fully appreciate the nature of our Quebec winter, there is nothing like skiing and alpine touring! Alpine touring appeals to active people in search of cardio workout, meaning hiking up with skins rather than taking the chairlift, as a means of ascent before the descent. In addition to the specific trails for climbing in the forest, an extended schedule with assigned ascents and descents directly on the ski slopes outside of chairlift operating hours has been set up. However, this alternative requires a lot of information and precaution. Here is a quick reminder of the safety rules to help you enjoy it in complete safety.

 

Respect the assigned trails and the established schedule.

 

Although the ascent is done on separate trails from the daytime ski trails, it does not constitute a permission to ski off-trail. All downhill skiing must always be done on a marked alpine ski trail: beginner or expert trail, glade trail or forest ski trail but never in the woods. Limiting ascents and descents to the specified routes and respecting the signs will also ensure, in addition to your safety, the preservation of the fauna and flora. The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) and the Parc d’environnement naturel de Sutton (PENS) join Mont SUTTON in reminding us that the Green Mountains Nature Reserve (GMNR) is home to fragile ecosystems, and that outside of the marked alpine trails and the skiable area identified by Mont SUTTON, alpine hiking and skiing are prohibited.

 

Also, although an extended schedule has been put in place, this does not mean that alpine touring is allowed everywhere and at all times on the ski area. Identified routes and scheduled outside of the operating hours have been specifically designated to reduce the risk of accidents between users and trail maintenance crews that are in action. It is therefore important to stay on the established routes as indicated on the alpine touring map, both for the ascent and descent. Groomers and the use of a winch with a cable for grooming are a real danger for anyone on the trails! This high-tension steel cable is attached to the groomer and can be up to 1 km long. It can be difficult to detect because it can wobble, be hidden under the snow, or, in full tension!

 

Before 7:00 a.m. and after 7:00 p.m., it is strictly forbidden to be on the mountain.

 

Also, as the coordination and development of the trails requires time and effort, a ticket is always required to demonstrate that the rights of way have been paid and the rules have been read; this will most certainly ensure the continuity of this beautiful activity. Spread the word.

 

The page montsutton.com/alpinetouring gives all the details and conditions for the practice of this sport to discover with happiness! By following the few recommendations, pleasure and safety are guaranteed. And, above all, you will be amazed by the panorama. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful activities to discover our beautiful winter landscape.