This winter, the snow season kicked off early, delighting ski resorts with chilly temperatures that allowed for optimal snow preparation.
Isabelle Vallée, the spokesperson for Le Massif de Charlevoix ski resort, expressed gratitude for the cold weather in late November and early December, which provided ideal conditions for snowmaking. The resort benefited from a mix of natural and artificial snow, resulting in top-notch skiing trails that are expected to last throughout the season.
Anticipation is high as the forecast predicts about 20 centimetres of snowfall early next week, setting the stage for a promising start to the season. Le Massif has already opened nearly double the number of trails compared to last year, with 28 out of 53 trails ready for skiing as of December 27.
Despite the challenging winter weather, ski and snowboard enthusiasts have been flocking to the slopes since the early December opening, exuding excitement and energy.
Maxim Cloutier, owner of the Gai-Luron cross-country ski center, shared the challenges of relying solely on natural snowfall for their forest trails. Fortunately, they have been blessed with consistent snowfall this year, allowing for a successful start to the season with minimal disruptions.
The contrast between this year and the previous season is stark, with the Gai-Luron center facing closures last year due to insufficient snow. However, this year has brought a rare holiday season with excellent snow conditions, providing a festive atmosphere for visitors.
The Weather Network’s prediction of an “old-fashioned winter” for Quebec, characterized by subnormal temperatures and heavy snow, has proven true with the early onset of winter weather driven by meteorological phenomena like La Niña and a prominent polar vortex.