Québec National Parks, one of the three magnificent Sépaq Networks

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	Activities and Services

Outdoor Activities - Winter

The Vallée des Fantômes

The phantoms inhabit the valley at an altitude of 800 metres near the clear peaks. The trees are so well protected from winds that blowing snow from nearby summits causes up to three metres of snow accumulation, decking out the evergreens with a layer of soft snow that eventually camouflages them completely. These are the phantoms. We guarantee that you will experience a total change of scenery! After a good snowfall, the atmosphere is muted, the ground seems to be carpeted in cotton batten and the silence is omnipresent. You will feel like you are all alone in the world in this magical universe.

You can discover the peaks two different ways. The first is to take the caterpillar track shuttle service Le Fantôme Express (reservation required) from the Discovery and Visitor Centre to the base of the Vallée des Fantômes. From there, you can ski or snowshoe three kilometres along a trail rated intermediate, rising 280 metres to the summit of Dubuc peak. There is a prospector's camp two kilometres from the departure point where excursionists can warm up and have a bite to eat. When you return, the shuttle will take you from the base of the valley back to the Discovery and Visitor Centre. Please note that on weekends, an interpretation rally is offered and a warden naturalist is on duty to welcome visitors.

The second way to discover the high peaks is to go on a three-to-five-day excursion with or without using the shuttle service. There are huts and primitive camps along the way to accommodate skiers or snowshoers.

Snowshoeing (Short Trips)

Abundant snowfall makes Parc national des Monts-Valin an interesting site for snowshoe enthusiasts. The Tête de Chien Trail is open to snowshoers and is ideal for a one-day outing.
Period: From mid-December 2007 to mid-April 2008
Table of Trails

Cross Country Skiing

Parc national des Monts-Valin offers a network of mechanically groomed ski trails in visually breathtaking surroundings. Both the classical and skating styles can be practiced on a network of trails ranging from 2 to 20 kilometres in length.
Period: From mid-December 2007 to mid-March 2008 (depending on snow conditions)
NOTE: Trails are groomed from Friday to Sunday only, except during the Christmas holidays and spring break when they are groomed every day. Table of Trails

Backcountry Skiing and Snowshoeing (Overnight Trips)

The network of backcountry skiing and snowshoeing trails covers over 65 km of marked trails (not groomed or packed) and is accessible from the Discovery and Visitor Centre. You can ski to it or take the shuttle (track vehicle, reservation required).

The main trails feature huts that offer visitors safe and comfortable shelter at night. Because climate conditions are very unpredictable and at times extreme, skiers need to be well prepared and possess good orientation skills with a map and compass. Hikers must take factors such as snow depth, the cold, and the wind very seriously. Parc national des Monts-Valin is an immense playground where an outing with friends can turn into a struggle for survival. A team of experienced guides is available for trips of one or more days in this seemingly untamable land.
Suggested itineraries, Distance table, Suggested equipment and Additional information.