Skiing the peaks of Gaspésie
The majestic Chic-Chocs mountain range is a renowned destination for lovers of beautiful powder snow. An outdoor outing in this exceptional territory does, however, come with certain responsibilities as a visitor. Here's everything you need to know for a successful winter day excursion.
Trail opening status
Dynamic territorial management
In order to comply with the Québec government's measures to protect the mountain caribou, Parc national de la Gaspésie and Réserve faunique des Chic-Chocs must adjust access to certain activity sectors throughout the winter.
As a result, access to certain sectors may be restricted over the winter season.
Find out more about dynamic territorial management (in French only)
An outing in caribou country
In winter, the mountain caribou is more vulnerable to human interference, and the objective of dynamic management is to avoid disturbing these creatures unnecessarily, while allowing users to access the territory and enjoy their favourite outdoor activities.
We therefore recommend that you observe the following guidelines to avoid, as far as possible, interfering with the caribou's activities.
Mont Albert: a unique mountain ecosystem
Mont Albert is home to some of the rarest species in Parc national de la Gaspésie. The mountain is easily recognized by its plateau shape and the orange colour of its rock. Several factors make this mountain a very special habitat. When plants settle on Mont Albert, many find themselves living in conditions at the extreme of what they can tolerate. Find out more
Mountain School
The ultimate snowy experience
The Mountain School offers the very best tools to answer the call of the snow-covered peaks! On site, you'll find information to plan your day, while being able to exchange tips with other skiers in a spirit of sharing and discovery. Guided activities are also offered to help you explore the snow-covered trails:
Don't have any equipment? No problem, you can rent everything here: alpine touring skis, snowshoes, backcountry skis, cross-country skis, avalanche safety kits, and more.
Need a guide?
Various partners offer the services of a guide to accompany you on your mountain outing:
- Ski Chic-Chocs
- Le Couloir
- Expé Aventures
- Cap vers l'Est - Ski Shack
- Cap castor ski hors-piste
- Vertigo
Spending the night at the foot of the mountains
Be among the first to hit the trails! A wide range of accommodation options - from comfortable cabins to rooms in a luxurious hotel, lodge, or inn, to an isolated hut in the forest - will enable you to sleep a few steps from the trails, providing easy access to the most beautiful peaks of the territory. Find out more
Steps to follow
Before you set off to conquer the snowy peaks, here are a few key steps to take to ensure you're well prepared.
1. Purchase your daily right of access
If you're visiting one of the off-trail sectors in Parc national de la Gaspésie, you'll need to purchase a daily right of access. It is strongly recommended that you buy this pass online, or purchase an annual card.
Note that no daily access fee is required if you visit one of the off-trail sectors located in Réserve faunique des Chic-Chocs.
2. Check trail opening status
As Parc national de la Gaspésie and Réserve faunique des Chic-Chocs apply dynamic management of their territory in order to comply with the Québec government's measures to protect the mountain caribou, access to certain sectors may be restricted during the winter.
So please check the trail opening status before heading out.
3. Respect the caribou's territory
To avoid interfering with the caribou's activities as much as possible, we recommend that you observe the following guidelines. Find out more
4. Adopt proper behaviour in nature
There are thousands of visits to our territories each and every year. Each incident of harmful behaviour can cause permanent damage to ecosystems. At Parc national de la Gaspésie and Réserve faunique des Chic-Chocs, protecting the mountain caribou and arctic-alpine plants is a priority. To enjoy this exceptional natural environment for a long time to come, let's take good care of it.
Stay in authorized zones:* Stay in open sectors and out of preservation zones. Whether on foot or on skis, human mobility threatens the survival of plants and the caribou's way of life.
Do not feed the animals:* Keep all food out of their reach. Feeding them may alter their natural behaviour or make them sick.
Watch wildlife from afar: If repeatedly disturbed, animals may change their behaviour, making it difficult for them to feed, reproduce, and communicate with each other.
Report your sightings: Report any caribou sightings to park staff. You'll be contributing to our mission to protect this emblematic species..
* Failure to comply with the regulations and activities offered constitutes an offence under the Parks Act and Parks Regulation.
Additional resources
Just before you leave, complete your preparations by consulting these additional resources:
Several maps are also available to help visitors find their way around the territory (in French only):
Avalanche terrain ratings (in French only):