When the ski conditions get tough optimists like me head further North up the road. After sampling the diabolical mix of a thin layer of loose granular over frozen hard pack and ice, crowded with skiers in the Northeast of the US, better conditions had to exist somewhere close by. <BR> <BR>Orford had the goods on 1/3, about 75% open, great cover, deep base and all lifts running. Sure it was warm and rained yesterday, but that just kept the lift lines a memory of further south. The snow softened enough to ski the trees without ducking ropes. Visibility was a little tough up top, but not bad and the snow was soft and easily carved. The gondala made a nice refuge from the brief periods of rain. <BR> <BR>On 1/4 the trails had set up overnight in the 28F temps, but a few more skiers and warming temperatures loosened things up on the groomers. Conditions were fabulous compared to what I saw recently in VT. <BR> <BR>Orford like nearby Sutton and Owls Head has some great skiing. Steeps, trees, long groomers on four different mountain faces. Full priced lift tickets are $44 CDN.
Orford, PQ 1/3 & 1/4/04
- Thread starter Talisman
- Start date
Frankontour
New member
Thanks for the report, Talisman ! <BR> <BR>I was wondering how it was actually in the townships, after the rain of yesterday and today's relative heat. <BR> <BR>I guess the 2-4" of snow will help, tonight !
At this point I've decided to go to Sugarloaf, despite the less than ideal conditions. My question is if Mt Orford is worth a day trip from Sugarloaf based on the current conditions. Im not familiar with this place at all <BR>but I want to try it with the new chondola. Does this combination of chairlift and gondola in one slow down the loading/ unloading? What are lift ticket rates like? <BR> <BR>Thanks <BR>Kevin
Patrick
Well-known member
Hi Kevin, <BR> <BR>Orford or not day trip from Sugarloaf? With the current conditions (which are not great everywhere), it's a tough call. <BR> <BR>I was thinking of making to Sugarloaf next week (Canadian week), but work and conditions are too overwhelling right now. <BR> <BR>Here in Western Quebec/Ottawa region conditions are probably worst that elsewhere in Quebec/Northern New England, we have received all the rain, but almost none of the snow. Instead of a rain/snow/rain/snow, we had a rain/sun/rain/sun cycle. It makes the skiing interesting. <BR> <BR>Lift tickets prices are $46can (I believe). Current exchange rate $1 CAN = 0.78US. Yes, the US dollars is taking a beating. The Canadian Dollar hasn't been this high since August 1993. <BR> <BR>You can check out http://www.orford.com for more info.
I have been to Quebec and to Sugarloaf many times, but I have never driven from the loaf to Quebec. I don't have a feel for driving distances, but you may want to check out mapquest. <BR> <BR>I had relatives who lived near the loaf and they went to Quebec city on a regular basis. If it is easy to get to you have Mont St Ann and Le Massif near Quebec City that offer more than Owl's Head or Orford skiing wise. <BR> <BR>Good luck with your trip!
Patrick
Well-known member
I have driven to Sugarloaf from Montreal and via Bromont in the Eastern Townships the previous two Annual Canadian week (next week). I believe, I mentioned this last Summer when we had a similar discussion on distance Loaf-Orford, estimated time, etc. <BR> <BR>Mont Ste.Anne and Le Massif are in fact great places to ski, however the current (last week)snow conditions in that area are worse than in the townships.