We tried for you : the YOONER

By Lydia Lyonnais - Published on 8 March 2023

New communications coordinator at Mont SUTTON, I began to work at the station during Fall Festival and had no idea of the winter daily life at the mountain. Proud ice hockey player, I already mastered the skate, but had never experienced the ski slopes. Never, in my early thirties. It was necessary to remedy the situation by living a first experience of sliding…

This is where the YOONER comes in. A small sled, on a ski, 20 cm from the ground, with a curved handle. A strange object at first sight that promises hours of winter fun. From what we know, there is no other ski place than Mont SUTTON that offers this unusual object on its slopes in the whole Canada! Anyone who wants to try it can rent it by blocks of 2 hours!

A first time on the slopes

As a beginner, what strikes first is the canvas orchestrated by the landscapes of the Quebec winter. It’s an instant love at first sight. A slow climb of beauty starting on the chairlift when everything is to be discovered and culminating just before the descent when we savor the pure air of the summit (and we are not necessarily at the peak of what Mont SUTTON can show you!). Because, whether you are a skier, a snowboarder or a neophyte, the Yooner allows you to access the ski trails accessible by the chairlift II (easy/intermediate) only.

Interestingly, no experience is necessary: you can get used to the slopes directly, smoothly, at your own pace, without going through the learning zone and the magic carpet. A few recommendations and safety instructions are given to you at the time of rental and you are given instant access to this different approach of the mountain. Being directly mixed with the regulars, it can be good, even in Yooner, to keep in mind the Mountain code of conduct.

To fully live the moment, whether you know the environment or not, look ahead and you will stay in control. For experienced skiers or snowboarders, you will have a totally different panorama from below, but just so much unique! You will certainly find the same pleasure and might be surprised by sudden laughters!

Getting to know the object

This suspension sled does not require an athlete’s body to be handled which makes the experience enjoyable. A weight limit of 220 lbs is recommended to enjoy the activity. Its greatest difficulty lies in the turnings coming from the movement of the hips, encouraged by a hand lightly pressed on the ground. Too much pressure will become a fulcrum and may cause you to tip over. On the other hand, the advantage is certainly the possibility of being able to gently descend while heading down the track, an experience much more similar to skiing than sledding!

With a few turns, which are necessary to control our speed, we tame the machine quite easily, but a few descents are needed to reach fluidity. If, like me, you were more comfortable on skates, the lateral braking reflex could destabilize your balance. To brake, heels on the ground in front of you. No more complicated! Otherwise, you will have a better latitude of movement during your descent by keeping your feet in front of you slightly elevated.

An affordable sport for the whole family

It is often difficult to find a family activity that will please everyone and that will remain affordable. This is certainly where the greatest advantage of the Yooner lies. The equipment required is minimal: your snowsuit and your everyday boots! Goggles are recommended to avoid face gusts, but are not mandatory.

The Yooner and the helmet are included in the 2-hour rental. The cost is only $50 +t per person! If you already have a daily ticket (or your season pass), the activity is within your reach for $25 +t.

A low cost, a basic equipment and a sport for the whole family, since children can also enjoy it from 8 years old. Children between the ages of 8 and 11 must be accompanied by an adult, also on a Yooner.

Reservations can be made online here!