Winslow club samples Quebec culture, skiing
Copyright © 2003 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.
It was off to Quebec, Canada over the Martin Luther King weekend for 15 Winslow High School Ski Club members and chaperones. Mont-Sainte-Anne Ski Resort and Quebec City was the destination for a four day ski and sight-seeing holiday.
Led by Jerry Lemieux, a senior high school French/Latin teacher, and Patricia Vashon, a junior high school French/Spanish teacher, and ski club advisors, students not only enjoyed skiing and snowboarding, but also lessons in French ambiance, culture and history.
This writer accompanied the group as bus driver, marking my 40th year transporting the Winslow Junior and Senior High Ski Clubs to area resorts.
"For the third straight year, accommodations at Chateau Mont-Sainte-Anne and the ski resort were fantastic, as were the ski conditions," Lemieux said. "We have a great bunch of kids in the club, which makes it a pleasure to organize any of our ski trips."
From ordering lunch from a French menu at a fast-food restaurant, this was a first time experience for some students who enjoyed poutine (french fries with gravy and cheese) and found interest in passing through customs at the Jackman border crossing and learning to handle foreign currency.
Students enjoyed the sights of ice-laden Chute Montmorency (falls), which at 83 meters tall is one and a half times higher than Niagara Falls. They also saw the Basilique Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupr, a neo-Roman style Catholic church that's admired for its vast proportions and marvelous stained-glass window along with the majestic Chateau Frontenac, overlooking the Lower Town and the St. Lawrence River.
But skiing and riding was what the group came for and Mont-Sainte-Anne, Eastern Canada's third tallest ski resort, offered breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River and picturesque Quebec City in the distance. This resort also features Canada's largest cross-country ski facility. Night skiing on 15 lighted trails was also a first for several skiers and riders in our group. A visit to the Cabane sucre (sugar shack) was also a highlight, where snow is spread out on a long platform, and warm maple syrup is poured on the snow, then rolled with a tongue depressor.
With an elevation of 2,625 feet and vertical drop of 2,050 feet, Mont-Sainte-Anneis great for beginners and expert skiers alike. There are 56 trails covering some 40 miles of terrain on three sides of the mountain. The longest run is 3.6 miles, and trails are serviced by one eight-passenger gondola, three quad chairs (2 high speed, 1 with bubble covers); one triple chair, two double chairs, three T-bars two J-bars and one magic carpet.
Two terrain parks and even para-gliding is available. A skating rink, several retail outlets and restaurants are located at the base area.
"I had a cool time," said Megan Hebert, a Winslow freshman. "This was my first trip to Quebec and first time skiing at night. I found it really cool. It was fun to learn a little French and listen to people speak the language."
Hebert said that she was also interested in the Chateau Frontenac, and murals painted on walls of the Old City below.
Snow conditions were great, although temperatures were frigid during night skiing, hovering in the sub-zero range. This resort is open from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and until 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Lodging couldn't have been closer to the mountain. The Chateau Mont-Sainte-Anne, located directly at the base of the gondola station, is a ski-in, ski-out facility, equipped with indoor heated pool, hot tub, sauna, game rooms, convenience gift shop, ski shop, and restaurant.
Ski and ride safely and don't forget to wear a helmet.
Dan Cassidy — 872-8601
danskitrax@midmaine.com