Here are 3 destinations with snow in the Laurentians

MISE À DAY

During the school break, there can be mild spells, which can prevent sliding or cross-country skiing. To have the best possible snow conditions, it is better to go to a mountainous region. 

Sliding in Piedmont

Quite unique, the Glissades du Domaine des Pays d'en Haut is distinguished by the variety of snow rides, in addition to the tubes. We go at high speed aboard a bobsleigh or a large raft of rafting. There is also the Vortex360, which turns on itself and takes up to six people on board.  

The slides are laid out on three sunny slopes, with slopes of all levels. The little ones have slopes just for them in the Olympiad, Champion or Podium zones. 

Number of slopes: 61. Ski lifts. Helmet: provided for bobsleigh and Vortex360, recommended for others. Suggested: ski goggles. Open: until March 4, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and March 5, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Four-hour block: $31 for ages 5 to 12, $34 for ages 13 and up.

►www.glissade.ca

Domaine Saint-Bernard

At Domaine Saint-Bernard, we stop long enough to attract chickadees with sunflower seeds.

It is an unknown corner of Mont-Tremblant for many people. And it's not too expensive. You have access to a vast network of trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.  

Ideal with children, small snow walking trails (Manicou and Les Melèzes) and snowshoeing lead to the Herman-Deshaies shelter. Be sure to bring a bag of sunflower seeds to lure chickadees and nuthatches into your hands. With children, it's magic.  

Trails: cross-country skiing (32 km, connected to the 80 km network of Mont-Tremblant), snowshoeing (22 km) and walking on snow (4 km). For rent: cross-country ski equipment, snowshoes and crampons (for adults). Hill to slide. Right of access: $15 per adult, $13 per student, free for 18 and under. 

►www.domainesaintbernard.org

Camping Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts

Family cross-country skiing at Camping Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts.

It is also designated as an outdoor center. Rightly so, given its access to a network of cross-country ski and snowshoe trails. That's not counting all its little chalets, which I'll tell you more about. 

In Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, the altitude of more than 360 meters favors snow conditions. 

Trails: snowshoeing (30 km), cross-country skiing (60 km), For rent: snowshoes, crampons, cross-country skiing equipment. Access rights: $19 per adult for cross-country skiing and $11 for snowshoeing. Free for children 16 and under, as well as equipment. 

►www.campingsainteagathe.com 

OTHER IDEAS FOR OUTINGS  

Torchlight walk

In Magog, the snow hiking trails of the Marais de la Rivière-aux-Cerises will be illuminated by a hundred torches , on certain spring break evenings. Crampons suggested. February 25 and March 2 to 4. 

►www.maraisauxcerises.com

The Boivin Lake Chickadees

At the Lac Boivin Nature Interpretation Center in Granby, we easily lure chickadees and nuthatches into our hands with sunflower seeds. Just take the snow-cleared path La Prucheraie. 

►www.cinlb.org

►Alain Demers is the author of the book Rediscovering Quebec: 101 destinations, published by Éditions du Journal.