Living at Mont-Sainte-Anne is like living year-round in a vacation camp for active people. More than 10 years ago (life goes so fast!), I moved in St-Ferréol-les-Neiges as I wanted to get closer to nature. I have never been disappointed since, there is so much to see and explore in our region! By myself or with my family, I spend most of my time outdoors, to the great delight of my body and my mind.
I cherish the conviction that having fun outside as often as possible is the best way to enjoy winter! Let me introduce you to my lifestyle, the one of a local from beautiful Mont-Sainte-Anne.
Main picture : Étienne Dionne, Mont-Sainte-Anne
Alpine Skiing
Of course, the mountain is known for its ski area, and for good reasons! We can count 71 trails covering 73 kilometers on 3 sides of the mountain. Mont-Sainte-Anne is so vast that there is always a way to spoil yourself with a few turns in fresh snow in one place or another… I particularly like the glades of the mythical Forêt Noire; 3 separate trails that all join together and form one vast wooded ski area for experts. When I’m on time for the opening, I start my day in Le Gros Vallon, enjoying the groomer still intact with its amazing pitch. Then, I usually head west to enjoy the sun in La Crête and La Beauregard, located on the expert side of the mountain. What a lifestyle, right?
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Beloved by expert skiers and riders, Mont-Sainte-Anne is an ideal playground to introduce children to gliding sports. Both beginner runs are free, which is amazing. La Familiale is also a great trail, spanning 4,5 kilometers. Another good option is the very pleasant Forêt Enchantée, an easy glade which is decorated with fun games for young ones. Come weekends, we love to treat ourselves at the sugar shack in La Pichard.
Picture : Étienne Dionne, Mont-Sainte-Anne
Cross-country Skiing
I recently acquired a pair of skate cross-country skis. I still do not have a lot of experience but I truly enjoy discovering the backcountry of Mont-Sainte-Anne. You can access the trails directly from the alpine skiing station, but I prefer to start on Rang Saint-Julien, 7 km East from the alpine resort, located in the heart of the XC skiing area.
The perfectly groomed 184 kilometer network makes it possible to gain speed confidently during the descents. Truly perfect for beginners such as myself! I fell in love with trails 32 and 33, that go past the Ruisseau Rouge Refuge and offer an impeccable view of Mont Ferréol. For those up for a more physical challenge (and believe me, there is plenty of options for them!), the Montée Saint-Hilaire is perfect in all aspects. Trail 13 Nord, running along the Jean-Larose river is absolutely majestic, especially when the waterway is not completely frozen.
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Ski Touring
Skinning has been a booming sport for more than five years and we have noticed an even greater enthusiasm since the pandemic. I love practicing this sport at Mont-Sainte-Anne. With a vertical drop of 625 meters, our descents are well deserved! Mont-Sainte-Anne offers four climbing paths (three on the South Side and one on North Side), each with its own character and target audience. If you are a beginner, consider the intermediate-caliber Climb A, which should get you to the top in about two hours. Afterwards, you can go back down the alpine ski slope of your choice. Personally, I just love trail B, which is the most direct way towards the summit.
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Snowshoeing
Winter time hiking possibilities are almost endless! At the base of Mont-Sainte-Anne, you will find 24 kilometers of trails. The Geai Bleu path is perfect for a first taste. To reach the summit, find L’Escarpée, my personal favorite. Need a really good challenge? Tackle the 8 km long La Libériste. If conditions allow, you will be able to climb the mountain on the pedestrian trails with snow spikes. Sentier des Pionniers is unmissable: the viewpoint when you cross Le Gros Vallon is breathtaking.
If you start at the cross-country skiing centre on Rang Saint-Julien, you’ll be carried away in a whole new decor. You can find 42 km of trails suited for various levels. My favorite in this sector is Le Belvédère (9.5 km), it takes us through Mont-Ferréol. Nice little shelters along the network are open for a break. Keep a sharp eye because you might be able to spot a moose in the area!
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Fatbike
Did you ever try a fatbike? It is a must, fun guaranteed! Fatbikes are basically bikes equipped with large tires that allow you to wander on packed trails. What a fun way to go down traditional mountain bike trails La Germaine and La Boucle d’or during winter!
Volunteers from Club cycliste Mont-Sainte-Anne also maintain many additional kilometers. Mythic summer bike trails such as La Cairn, La Spirale and La Coup de foudre are therefore accessible during winter. HUGE crush on the part of Sentier du Moulin going by the Jean-Larose river. This area really has a little something. Finish your day by admiring the sunset on the mountain from near the hydroelectric lines. You will be charmed for sure.
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Best winter playground
I consider myself so blessed to have Mont-Sainte-Anne as a winter playground in my backyard. Either alpine skiing, ski touring, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or riding a fatbike: pick one (or more!) of all the mountain has to offer and come visit us this winter!
