Winter is in full swing in Quebec right now and even if we’re still at the beginning, we've already had plenty of snow! The perfect conditions to practice our new favorite sport: Splitboarding!
To get introduced to split or simply to spend a fun day in the mountains with your friends, discover our top 5 favorite hills to practice splitboarding safely this Winter.
MONT AVALANCHE
Located about an hour north of Montreal in Saint-Adolphe d’Howard, the Mont Avalanche offers a breathtaking view of the Laurentides and Lac Saint-Joseph, especially from their splitboarding/touring alternative routes. Check the map below for how to get there.
If you just started to practice splitboarding, the Mont Avalanche is the best destination for you as it offers the security of the ski hill with a nice expedition touch. You can ascent the mountain from the designated slope (la bordée) or in the wood from the path left to the parking lot.
Same goes for the descent, you can choose between the woods or the regular slope. That details makes it very interesting for beginners as it allows you get used to this new way of snowboarding in a step by step manner. The ascent and descent are not too steep, but inclined enough to have fun while learning the ropes of splitboarding.
The tickets for a half day only cost $30 and allows you to use the chairlift as well as the hiking trails. The mountain is open to splitboarding from 9 am to 8 pm every day, but you won’t be able to use the chairlift after 3pm. If you plan to ride after dark, be careful as the light situation is poor.
MONT SUTTON
Located in the Eastern Townships and about 1 hour drive south from Montreal, Sutton has always been known as a resort with untouched snow and a lot of powder/backcountry style options. With that in mind, it only made sense that Sutton is one of the few mountains that offers alternatives for those who want to climb the mountain before bombing down it. Check the map below to know how to get there.
If you’ve been to Sutton, you know that their snow is often fluffy and natural. That’s one good reason to visit this beautiful mountain. With a higher peak than Mont Avalanche, Sutton is a good choice for beginners who try to get to the next level as the hiking trails are well kept and the steepness is not inclined. Same goes for the descent.
Just like Mont Avalanche, you can descent the mountain in the woods or on the slopes depending on your abilities. The trails are well designated, making it easy to navigate if you’ve never been there before.
The ticket for splitboarding at Sutton is only $20, but doesn’t include access to chairlifts. The mountain is open for this type of snowboarding from 7am to 7 pm. Being on the mountain after this time is forbidden. In any case, the beautiful view and landscapes that Sutton has to offer are way better during the day!
MONT ORFORD
One of our personnal favorites, Mont Orford isn’t too far from Sutton and is very easy to access from freeway 10 after about an 1:30 drive from Montreal. Out of all the mountains in the article, this one is the highest and offers a lot of different options for people who like to take the road less traveled.
With three peaks with the highest elevation at 850 feet, medium steep slopes and breathtaking views on the Eastern Townships, Mont Orford is a must for those who have a bit more splitboarding and touring experience under their belts. Known as the station that offers the most options, Orford is one of the best places to enjoy all that off road snowboarding has to offer.
With miles of ascent and descent circuits, Orford’s trails are well designated and organized all while making you feel like you are in the wild. Just enough so you don’t get lost. There’s even a designated cabin to switch gear on top of Mont Alfred Desrochers peak. As Orford trail network is huge, we suggest you to check out the Map below before you hit
The price is also very attractive. For $20, you’ll have access to it all. You can even access some more hiking trails and extend your adventure into Parc National du Mont Orford for a mere $9 SEPAQ access. You can get your ticket at the mountain between 7:30 am and 4:30 PM and Splitboarding is allowed until 10pm.
LA RÉSERVE
Known for being wilder than other ski resorts, the Saint-Donat legendary hill is one of the best for splitboarding and offers options that other ski hills don’t like access to real backcountry type snowboarding for intermediate- advanced touring riders. Getting to La Reserve is very easy, follow the map below for indications.
The splitboarding section of La Réserve is not for the faint of heart, with a steep ascent and descent, this one will give experienced riders a run for their money. Most trails are diamonds and double diamons, so get ready for heavy action both on the descent and ascent.
As opposite to other mountains ascents and descents are permitted exclusively according to the schedule determined by Ski La Réserve, which is between 9 am and 4 pm on weekdays and 8:30 am and 4 pm on weekends. That being said, the lift ticket is the cheapest in the region. $13 to be exact. Now that what you can call a bang for your buck.
MONT ALTA
Located at about one hour drive from Montreal in Val-David, Mont Alta is the destination for knowers and splitboarding veterans. This mountaint really is the less beaten path as is doesn’t even have a chairlift. The whole thing is made just for touring and splitboarding.
Mont Alta offer splitboarders 27 ski trails and glades of intermediate to extreme caliber, non-patrolled, and without mechanical lifts. The snow is 100% natural, which is a big plus for split lovers. This one is for advanced level as only season pass holders can ride there. However, the mountain is accessible to the general public during certain special events (for a minimal access cost).
Good news, the season pass is only $76,99 plus tax! The purchase of a seasonal pass at Mont Alta gives access to the mountain at all times, for as many descents as you want! The rules are simple: liability is on you and no catering and equipment rental services are offered on site. A parking sticker and your season pass will be mailed to you. Be sure to display the sticker clearly in your car and keep your pass clearly visible at all times.
