The fascinating secrets of the majestic Chic-Choc Mountains are just waiting to be discovered. For true snow enthusiasts or less experienced outdoor lovers who want to try a new winter adventure, the park’s Mountain School will offer you the very best tools to answer the call of these snowy peaks.

The Mountain School offers information to help you plan your day and the opportunity to exchange tips and share your experiences. Professional guides will introduce you to backcountry skiing or take you on a snowshoeing excursion as well as teach you about the mountain environment and help you improve your skills so you can enjoy a better winter experience. There is something for everyone and for all levels, made accessible via a wide range of activities and new equipment available for rent.

Snowshoeing

Against the backdrop of a winter wonderland, snowshoeing enthusiasts can enjoy 13 trails ranging in length from 1.7 to 18 km (1 to 11 mi.) in the Discovery and Visitors Centre sector and on the grounds of the Réserve faunique des Chic-Chocs. Snowshoes are available for rent from the Discovery and Visitors Centre.

Cross-country skiing

The park offers 3 mechanically groomed cross-country ski trails. The Mont-Albert sector receives over 3 metres (about 10 feet) of snow annually. Snowfall is fairly evenly distributed between mid-December and mid-March, making for excellent snow conditions all winter long. Cross-country skis are available for rent from the Discovery and Visitors Centre.

Nordic skiing

Short excursions: Fans of Nordic skiing can enjoy 6 short trails that are marked but ungroomed. Skiing speed may be reduced considerably if the snow is deep. The level of difficulty varies according to the trail you choose as well as snow conditions.

Overnight stays: Nordic skiing enthusiasts can enjoy this sport on over 190 km (120 mi.) of marked trails. After a few hours, stop for a rest at one of the 17 huts spread out along the network of trails. To make your trip easier, a baggage transportation service between huts is also available. For longer trips, we recommend skiing in groups of at least three people. Gear is available for rent from the Discovery and Visitors Centre.

Backcountry skiing, telemark skiing and snowboarding

You can enjoy backcountry skiing, telemark skiing or snowboarding in 4 ski areas featuring snowfields and glades. These sites are accessible from Route 299 and are located 8 to 12 km (5 to 7 mi.) south of the Discovery and Visitors Centre.

• Mur de Patrouilleurs (Parc national de la Gaspésie – Mont-Albert sector)
• Grande-Cuve (Parc national de la Gaspésie – Mont-Albert sector)
• Backcountry area (Parc national de la Gaspésie – Ernest-Laforce sector)
• Champs de Mars (Réserve faunique des Chic-Chocs)
• Mont Hog’s Back (Réserve faunique des Chic-Chocs)
• Mines Madeleine (Réserve faunique des Chic-Chocs – overnight stay in a hut required to access this sector)
• Mont Vallières-de-Saint-Réal (Réserve faunique des Chic-Chocs – accessible from the Lac-Sainte-Anne cabins)

Access to these sites requires travel by car and an approach varying in length from 30 minutes to 3 hours. Depending on your destination and level of physical fitness, it takes just under an hour for each of these climbs on average. The difference in elevation varies from 100 to 350 metres (330 to 1150 feet).

Fatbiking

Groomed fatbike trails run alongside cross-country ski trails in the park, with one lane reserved for fatbikes and the other for cross-country skiing. You can also fatbike to the La Serpentine shelter, but this trail is not mechanically groomed.

Lodging

Winter camping: Winter camping is only available at the Mont-Albert campground. Cross-country ski and snowshoe trails are accessible in this area. Washroom facilities with showers are in operation year-round. Fires are prohibited. Reservations by phone only: 1-800-665-6527.

Huts: Seven huts at the entrance to the Mont-Albert campground provide lodging near the short trails in both winter and summer. The huts are equipped with electricity and located near modern washroom facilities. They are accessible by car. In the winter, they require a 50-metre (165-foot) walk. Eleven other huts are also available, which allow you to explore our Nordic ski trails and admire the natural beauty of the mountains. Reservations by phone only: 1-800-665-6527.

Cabins: In the winter, in addition to the Gîte du Mont-Albert cabins, 4 cabins are available in the Petit-Saut sector. They are off the beaten track, set along the peaceful banks of the Sainte-Anne River. They are accessible along a 4-km (2.5-mi.) Nordic ski and snowshoe trail. Book them online.

Gîte du Mont-Albert: The park offers 60 rooms: 48 in the hotel and 10 rooms and 2 suites in the Caribou Lodge just behind the hotel. All rooms provide magnificent views of Mt. Albert.

Mont-Albert sector (accessible year-round)

• Option 1: Take Route 132 to Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, then head south on Route 299 (40 km) until you reach the Discovery and Visitors Centre.
• Option 2: Take Route 132 to New Richmond, then head north on Route 299 (100 km) until you reach the Discovery and Visitors Centre.

Lac-Cascapédia Registration Centre (not accessible in the winter)

• Option 1: Take Route 132 to Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, then head south on Route 299 (22 km). Turn onto Route 11 (gravel road) and drive for 10 km.
• Option 2: Take Route 132 to New Richmond, then head north on Route 299 (116 km). Turn onto Route 11 (gravel road) and drive for 10 km.

Mont-Jacques-Cartier Registration Centre (not accessible in the winter)

• Option 1: Take Route 132 to Mont-Sainte-Pierre. Turn onto Route 2 (gravel road) and drive for 27 km.
• Option 2: Take Route 132 to Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, then head south on Route 299 (40 km) until you reach the Discovery and Visitors Centre. Turn onto Route 16 (gravel road) and drive for 42 km.
• Option 3: Take Route 132 to New Richmond, then head north on Route 299 (100 km) until you reach the Discovery and Visitors Centre. Turn onto Route 16 (gravel road) and drive for 42 km.

Affiliations

• Parcs Québec network (Sépaq)
• Tourisme Gaspésie
• Québec Hiking Federation (FQM)
• Camping Québec
• International Appalachian Trail (IAT-QC)