A High-Level Hike

For hiking buffs in search of a challenge, look no further! Mont Orford’s particular topography and different grades of difficulty offer a challenge for experts, athletes and all the adventurous mountain climbers wishing to go on a high-level hike. Here are three exciting options:

LA SUPER – MONT ORFORD SUMMIT

Technical Information

Ascent : 35 to 50 min.
Descent : 25 to 35 min. via the 4 KM trail
Difficulty level : Difficult

Located below the gondola, the Super is... super demanding! It takes you directly to the summit of Mount Orford. You'll begin your ascent on a gravel path that will lead you to the first challenge. Lace up your hiking boots, because this is where the challenge begins!

The steep climb offers little respite. Rocky steps, uneven terrain, narrow paths where hikers literally brush against nature. Need to catch your breath? Halfway up the mountain, after the first challenge, you can veer right and take the Trois-Ruisseaux trail, which is still challenging but less uneven.

Finally, because everything that goes up must come down, for your safety, we highly recommend that you head towards the 4 KM trail, situated on the left once you arrive at the summit.

LE SENTIER DES CRÊTES TRAIL

Technical Information

Distance: 18.7 km (11.6 mi.) if you take the loop
Duration: 9 hrs.
Shortest trail: 11.4 km (7 mi.) if you only go one way and park a second car at the ski resort.
Duration: 5 hrs
Difficulty level: Difficult

In terms of trails, the Crêtes Trail is truly unique. It is a jewel of the region and an absolute must-see attraction in Mont-Orford National Park. It is renowned for offering one of the most breathtaking mountain hiking experiences in the Eastern Townships.

On September 21, 2010, Anne Pelouas described it as such in Géo Plein Air :

“The trail was already beautiful, and somehow, it’s now even better than before. Mont Orford’s Sentier des Crêtes is one of the trails that Sépaq redesigned without losing any of its substance or beauty. It’s retained all of its charm including the rocky, uneven footing and its many challenges, which make the panoramic views at the top feel like the ultimate prize. The north-side departure has been only partially restored. [From Le Bonnallie service center], what you need to do is take the access path 9 for 1.5 km [0.9 mi.] before reaching the foot of the trail …. After a short walk in the forest, the trail begins to head upwards into a forested area with an all-natural staircase carved into rock by nature. Here you’ll come across the first visual treat. It then becomes a switchback trail and continues to climb up Pic de la Roche Fendue, which looks down on Lake Stukely. From there, the Pic de l’Ours is still about 800 m [2,625 ft.] away and 740 m [2,428 ft.] above sea level. The trail goes along the ridge, crosses through a few groves, and continues over grassy or rocky open ground before finally reaching the summit.

From the south side of Pic de l’Ours, hikers can enjoy a stunning view of Lake Memphrémagog. Then from there, it’s possible to continue on to Mont Orford …. It truly highlights all the different geological formations, forest strata and points of view.”

Read the full article here

Although this trail counts as part of the Mont-Orford National Park trail system, you will either start or finish the course at the ski station. Therefore, it is important that you also pay Sépaq fees to access the trail. It is therefore important to pay your Sépaq access fees in order to obtain right of way. Buy it on line. If you enter the trail in the Sépaq section of the park, you can pay your fees on location. Alternatively, if you take the ski resort entrance, pay your access fees at the entry point located at the top of the Grande Coulée.

LA MAGNUM – GIROUX SUMMIT

Technical information

Ascent :25 and 40 min.
Descent : 15 to 20 min.
Difficulty level : Intermediate-difficult

Directly below the Mont Giroux Nord chairlift is a great option for athletes in a hurry who are looking for a quick and effective workout. Similar to the Super trail, the start is fairly gentle, with a gravel path leading up to the pitch. Then, the real climb begins on a small trail that runs almost straight. The path is very rocky and consists of rock steps created by blasting during the widening of the trail.

When you reach the top, the view from Giroux Peak is a wonderful reward for your efforts. Once you reach the summit, we recommend descending via the Familiale trail on the right to reach the bottom of the 4 KM trail for a safer return.