Category: Events

Snow conditions were winter like and, unlike earlier in the week, the weather was balmy at -4 degrees when we arrived for our 10 am start.  There were 15 or 16 people out. Gai Luron was not fully opened so the center had a discount rate of $15 for the day. Thanks to their good grooming the open trails were all in good condition.  Some of our more intrepid skiers tackled the partially opened long “L” trail and most of the other skiers were content to play on the inner loops.

President Peter C and our ski director Dennis M made the call to change our outing from Sunday to Saturday.  For once, the weather forecasters had it right.  Saturday was the day to ski and Sunday turned out to be the day to download photos and watch the snow melt.

Last Saturday evening we held the “End of Season” Party.  But it is hard to predict when the x-c ski season will actually end.  As we made our way to Sushi St Jean, it certainly did not feel like the end of winter was at hand, what with a temperature of -17 C, before the wind chill.  And although the ski conditions have been somewhat dismal of late, there is snow in the forecast for Tue, followed by favourably cool temps.  The ski season may just spring back to life.  Maybe we should call it the SNO Party! — the Season’s Not Over Party!

Whatever you want to call it, 34 Beaver Tailers gathered at 7 pm at the all-you-can-eat sushi (and more) restaurant in Pointe Claire on boul. St Jean.  We had four large tables in the corner of the restaurant, so it felt like

The conditions were splendid at Mount Royal on Sat morning for building up an appetite.  It was a bit cold — around -15 C — which may have dissuaded some people from coming out.  But it was sunny and the wind was light, so it really was pleasant weather for outdoor activity.  It was a good thing we got there by 10 am because the parking lot next to the Beaver Lake chalet was soon filled.  Lots of kids were there to get cross-country ski lessons.  Great to see the skiers of the future learning the basics.

We only had 9 people at Mount Royal — 5 skiers, 3 walkers and 1 ice skater.  For those of us who usually ski at Mount Royal only on Wed evenings, it is a treat to see the trails in full daylight!  The skiers took some great photos by the cross at the summit of the mountain.  The trails were in “very good” shape.  They were short of being “excellent” only because some of the descents were a bit fast.
It was soon time for part 2 of the day’s program — the pot luck extravaganza.  This was clearly the more popular part of the program, with 27 people descending on Melrose Place, aka Monique’s home in NDG.  Mind you, several of the pot luck participants who were not seen at Mount Royal reported that they got some skiing in at CSJ or BDL.  I’m sure everyone found some way to burn off calories before arriving.  It was certainly in their best interests to do so, as there soon were many delicious options for replacing those depleted calories laid out on the buffet table.

The array of interesting and healthy dishes was truly a feast for the senses — sight, smell and taste.  The variety of good food was rivalled only by all the great

conversations being carried on by the diners.  Coffee and an excellent selection of desserts followed.  People were noshing and chatting until the latter part of the afternoon.

It was an all round great day of exercise and dining.  Many thanks to Monique Isler for opening her home to us once again!

It was a record turnout at the annual Opening Meeting last Fri Oct 28.  We had 54 people who stopped by to register as members and watch the 45-minute presentation about the club and the upcoming season.  But they also came to talk and snack and drink with other returning and new members.

This was the second year running we held the Opening Meeting at the Beaconsfield Yacht Club (BYC).  It is a really nice venue for our meeting.  We brought our own snacks, water and coffee, which is all well and good, but the BYC makes things even better by providing a staffed bar with a selection of beers on tap.

People started drifting in 15 minutes before the official start time of 7 pm.  The room was soon buzzing with conversation as people circulated between the registration desk, the lamination desk, the snack table and the bar.  The presentation began at

Dalia’s tale.

Dan and I didn’t join the ski clinic on Saturday, although we got there just in time.

Here is our story.
We got to Morin Heights around 9:30 am and decided to get a head start on the trails in order to get back in time for the ski lesson I was very much looking forward to. When asked about the best trail to take for an approx 6km ski, we were recommended to take the trail 2, 4, 37 and 50 for a round trip.
We headed off at 9:45 and our 6 km ski became a 14 km, slippery and more difficult ski than usual. Did we take a wrong turn? Maybe. Being optimistic, I was determined to take on the challenge of the climbs and the hills, despite the no so good conditions and my frequent falls. At the very end, after 4 falls on the same last big hill, My legs felt like jello and I walked down the last hill, with a few bruises and a bigger bruised ego.
Lesson learned: take the ski lesson BEFORE going out on a difficult trail!

As the Pres noted,. If it’s any consolation, you are far from being the first person to have this happen to them! One year Glen and some others arrived just as the clinic started, out of breath and sweaty because they had realized they were late. Just last year, one new member also went out before, lost his way and did not get back in time for the clinic.

Let that be a lesson to you all.

The weather conditions for this year’s ski clinic were the best we have had in years!   It was a cool -15 C in the morning, but by the time we started the clinic at 1 pm it was -9 C.  When you were in the sun and sheltered from the slight breeze, it was exceptionally comfortable, even during the parts when you were standing around to listen to the ski instructors.
But first, some news regarding the facilities at Morin Heights.  It turns out they have made a big improvement to their ski centre on Lac Echo Rd.  Until last year, they had one small building beside the trail along the aerobic corridor, plus a long trailer in the parking lot up the hill on the other side of the road.  During the summer, the city of Morin Heights bought an existing two-storey building and has made it the principal chalet d’accueil.  The Chalet Bellevue is just 100 metres south of the aerobic corridor on Bellevue Road, but it is tucked behind some trees so it is likely you have never noticed it.  It’s a large building that was originally a hotel and more recently a senior citizen’s residence.  It has a large common area with lots of table and chairs.  They have plans to add a waxing room, lockers, and even showers.  It will also act as a base for mountain bikers.  It

will definitely add to the appeal of skiing at Morin Heights!

There were five of us who arrived at 10 am for a morning ski.  The Triangle trail was our first choice.  It was open, but was described as being slick and fast.  We opted instead to do an out-and-back on the Aerobic corridor.  It’s a gentle uphill most of the way north.  (It’s an old train line, so it can’t be too steep!)  But that does make for a faster return trip.  On the way back, we passed a few other members who arrived later and went out for a shorter pre-clinic ski.
We gathered in the Chalet Bellevue at 12:30 pm and Glenn Kyte, our ski clinic organizer, took attendance.  We then walked over to the parking lot at the top of the hill.  It’s where we used to meet in the large trailer, but now there is only a small trailer that acts as a secondary ticket booth.  Our four instructors this year were Rick, Gary, Anne and Arnie.  We split up into our groups (beginner, intermediate, advanced and skating) and started our lessons at 1 pm.
As I mentioned as the outset, the conditions were ideal for a ski lesson.  Each of the four groups did a number of different exercises and drills during the next 1.5 hours.  It was entirely pleasant!  Afterward, someone of us met back in the Chalet Bellevue and chatted.  Everyone reported having a great afternoon of improving their skiing abilities.
Many thanks to Glenn for once again organizing a successful and well-appreciated ski clinic!  He went up to Morin Heights and coordinated the groups even though he could not ski himself due to an early season injury.