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One of the Mont Saint-Saveur International resorts, Morin Heights covers 300 acres of varied terrain in the Valley of St. Saveur, about 45 minutes or so northwest of Montreal. Its 23 trails are pretty evenly divided among ability levels, and the 656 feet of vertical are served by five lifts (well, six, but one provides access from the two main parking lots; and yes, you can ski or ride back to the lots). The remaining lifts include a quad, three triples, and a poma, so there"s enough uphill capacity without the double. Snowmaking covers 92% of the mountain; night lighting 70%. Beginners have most of the lower mountain to themselves, on trails such as Chemin de Fer, Skiwi, and Viking. When they"re ready for a longer and more challenging run they can head to Rivière Simon or Radar on the upper mountain. Intermediates have more than half a dozen choices, Sept-Îles from the summit and Watchorn. Advanced skiers and riders will enjoy Hurtubise (long and narrow), Kicking Horse, and Le Village, plus several others. The best bet when the snow is good, though, is Kicking Horse Glade (sous-bois, or "under the woods"), which comprises nearly ten percent of Morin"s terrain. Steep at the end of its upper third but with a multitude of lines, it"s a good challenge. A more formally-designed challenge awaits at the terrain park (parc d"entraînement). There"s a full service base lodge, certified snowsports school, restaurant, rentals, and retail shop. Ski Morin Heights serves as a jumping-off point for backcountry adventure, with a network of snowshoe and cross-country ski trails and telemark trails off the mountain. A map is available. This is a popular four season recreational area, so there"s plenty of dining and lodging around.
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Ski Report
Quebec
