Prepare well for alpine touring

Whether for the sporting aspect, to admire the mountain landscapes or simply to clear your mind, alpine touring has won over many enthusiasts in recent years.

For those who have recently decided to learn this magnificent sport, we offer you a short guide to prepare your clothing, your backpack and have the right accessories on hand to enjoy your outing in warm and dry conditions!

It is generally advisable to wear a Merino wool type thermal base layer directly on the body as the inner layer with a breathable shell type windbreaker as the outer layer. For the more frigid folk, a thin down jacket could be added between these two layers and removed if necessary during your ascent.

Have a warm “duvet'' with you in your backpack as well. Likely too hot for the ascent, this famous down jacket will however be much appreciated once at the top where you will need to manage your gear to prepare for the descent.

The important trick is to add or remove layers as you climb to avoid overheating and sweating profusely. Staying as dry as possible is the ticket for comfort and enjoyment!

In addition to your basic gear, you will need a well-filled water bottle and why not bring along a hot drink in a thermos. Sometimes a few sips are enough to warm up and compliment a small energy snack.

At Mont-Orford, alpine touring is permitted from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.! If you go out later in the day be sure to have a well charged headlamp ready to use. Even if the sunset is dazzling, your lamp will come in handy when carving those downhill turns in low light.

Mont-Orford has the most extensive network of alpine touring trails and slopes in the region with options for all levels of enthusiasts.

To find your best route take a look at our trail map!

For beginners and those looking for a short outing we recommend the combination of the Tortue and the Familiale. You will begin your ascent in a wooded trail without losing sight of the ski slope. Once at ¾ of the trail, you can turn left and finish your climb on the Familiale ski slope. You will then arrive at the Giroux summit in the blink of an eye!

In order to discover the Alfred-Desrochers side, a must in our opinion is the Alouette. This itinerary is the favorite of many local enthusiasts. With snow-covered trees as far as the eye can see, an impressive ice fall and several technically challenging sections, you will be dazzled for sure!

If you have the day ahead of you, we suggest the combination of three trails: the Renard, the Lièvre and the Campagnol! You will start at the foot of Giroux East and end at the top of Orford. Exciting technical challenges await you, especially during the last section. At the summit, the magnificent views will add to your satisfaction of a day well spent!

La Coupe des 3 Sommets offre 3 parcours de différents niveaux, une expérience unique de course en montagne ! Maintenant que vous savez comment bien vous préparer à l'ascension et la descente, participer à l'événement !