Backcountry skiing in the Chic-Chocs

The Chic-Chocs are a must go backcountry skiing destination in the east, from mid-January to the end of April. Vertigo's guiding services provides you a safe and organized entrance to the best of it, according to your levels and expectations.

Francais


2 suggested trips:

Location map of the Chic-Chocs range and Gaspe Parc
massif du mt-Blanc, réserve Matane
-Multi-day trip at mount Blanc, Matane Reserve
A wild and remote ski domain, virtually exclusive to our guests, in the Matane Reserve, western Chic-Chocs. Experimented in 2004, it became the favorite trip for those who feel skiing is more important than after-ski. Best snow conditions in the range, protected from wind effect by its open forests that typify several aspects spread on three mountains Blanc, Craggy and Pointu. Some great open snow fields are accesssible, depending on the weather conditions and best in spring. The camp location allows very quick access to most slopes and it is possible to glide 4 to 8 runs representing 800-1000m of vertical drop per day, depending of your level of fitness, abilities and snow conditions. For fit skiers of intermediate to expert level, telemarkers or snowboarders (expect to work harder than skiers since you'll need snowshoes). In three years of operation, no trace of other parties but mooses were seen! From a remote little town, a 1½hour snowmobile ride brings you to our camp, comprising two 12'*14' heated prospector tents sit at the base of Mts Blanc and Craggy.

Article in Ski-Presse magazine, spring 2006,p.64 Article in cyberPresse 2007
2008 rates : (guiding, sleigh ride, accomodation) :
day 1 & 2 (days of skiing, not nights!): 400$/jr (1 to 3 part.) + 70$/add.part (max of 6)
days 3-4-5... : -30% of the above rate.
Example for 6 participants, 3days: (400+3x70)x2.7= 1647$ thus 91.50$/day/part. before Feb 15th or after March 31st : Normal rates minus 10%
regular client (second trip and over): Above rates minus 10%

2 meals (breakfast and supper) for 20$/participant
New requirement: get member of airmedic covers your evacuation by an heli-ambulance from anywhere in Quebec during a year for only 30$. Bring your membership proof or read the renounciation form to be signed upon arrival.

Photos gallery!
Movies gallery !
video QuickTime,1.7 Mo

Les pentes vierges du Mt-Blanc, vidéo 3.6 Mo.

Campement
-Day-to-day basis in Mt Albert area.
Heart of the Chic-Chocs with 5 possible areas to ski, readily accessible (Mt Albert, Hog's back, Champ-de-Mars, he-Lamontagne). Skiing is mostly on wide open slopes, often above trees limit, which may result in difficult winter conditions with avalanche activity on certain aspects. Best for spring skiing starting at the end of March to end of April. For novice to expert. Ideal for a trip combining diversified ski objectives, comfort and good food at the Gite du Mt Albert.
New! : Guided alpine ascent on snow, ice and rock near the Patroller's wall, Mt-Albert. You will use crampons, mountain axe and rope (for 1-2 part.).

2008 rates (guiding and climbing equipment):250$/day(1-2part.)+25$/add.participant (max 8).
Accomodation in heated huts, cabins or at the Gite du Mt-Albert, to be reserved as soon as possible with the SEPAQ 1-800-665-6527. Picture gallery!
Mt-Hog's back,
Valières in the background. Photo J-P.Gagnon.


Initiation alpinisme au Mt-Albert.

Cool places to stay on the sea shore: Auberge Internationale Ste-Anne-des-Monts
Auberge Festive Sea Shack

You are interested to do a trip with us?, please contact us to discuss the trip and arrangements by email or phone (see lower). All payments by cash or check at the beginning of the trip and a 30% deposit mailed as soon as you reserve your trip. We charge no tax.
Participant must wear avalanche beacons, probes and shovels on all guided ski trips. We rent those equipment for 10$/day (limited availability so reserve it).