Canada - The Chic Chocs

What to expect:

• Trips designed for your specific ability
• Instruction from certified professional (PSIA Nordic) ski guides well versed in winter backcountry travel, avalanche prediction and snow analysis
• Unique terrain far from ski areas and crowds
• Comfortable accommodations and delicious food
• We welcome snowboarders with split boards and alpine tourers.

The Chic Choc Mountains of Canada's Gaspe Peninsula are considered to be the "Rocky Mountains of the East", boasting the most reliable snowfall in eastern North America. With an immense expanse and variety of alpine terrain, the Chic Chocs feature everything from mellow, rolling hills to extreme couloirs…a land of incredulous and peaceful powder skiing-far from the buzzing lifts and lines of ski resorts.

Start: TBA Travel Suggested: Spring Fitness: Moderate

We will begin our ski adventure in a cozy chalet of the renowned Gite de Mont Albert, centrally located in this French-speaking mountain culture. Our next few days will provide us the opportunity to warm up our skiing legs on moderate backcountry terrain and, for those that desire it, venture on to the steeper terrain of Mont Albert. This mountain "summit" is a plateau mostly above timberline, and expanding over a mile, offering a great variety of descent options and wilderness skiing. Along the way, we'll learn the basics of avalanche safety and efficient winter backcountry travel.

After visiting Mont Albert, we will head further into the backcountry and take advantage of the amazing huts situated within the mountains and connected by a rolling backcountry ski route. On our ski into Hut Mines Madeline, amazing views of the jewel-like Lac American, and Jacques Cartier, the Chic Choc's highest peak (4160'), will greet us. To leave us free and unencumbered to explore the surrounding terrain, food and overnight gear will be transported to and from the hut via snowmobile. The next several days are spent at this fully equipped refuge as we explore the endless bowls, trails, terraces and couloirs of the region.

We will close our adventure with a trek back to the Gite de Mont Albert and a celebratory dinner in this delightful Quebecois hotel. Come ski the Great White North with us!