Prepare well for alpine touring

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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!

How to manage the multi-layer concept?

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In alpine touring even if it can be quite cold when you start but, believe us, you will get warm very quickly. This is why the famous “onion” layers technique is not outdated yet!

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!

What to bring with you?

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A good hiking backpack is essential for this activity! In fact there are specially designed backpacks for this sport with ergonomic frames and specific compartments and attachments for all your gear including your helmet, goggles and mitts.

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.

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Which trail to choose?

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 a quick outing

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!

For a more challenging route

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!

For a day trip

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!

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Extra pro tips

  • Avoid climbing with your ski goggles on your head. You will release heat and humidity which may fog them up during the descent.
  • When it is very cold, keep your mittens for the descent inside your shell. Your body will naturally warm them up as you climb and they'll be a lot more comfortable than if they've stayed in your pack.
  • After your hike, don't forget to dry your equipment! Remove the liners from your boots, dry them near a heater and hang your ski skins separately. Everything will be ready for your next outing!

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