Many snowmobilers just adore the Mauricie Region to practice their favorite sport. This season is about to begin and except for a few ones, trails are not open yet but everything may change with the last storm. There is enough snow on the ground and snowmobile club volunteers work very hard to open those wonderful, safe and perfectly groomed trails in woodland. There are already about 14 inches of snow on the ground in the area of the Réservoir Gouin.
Modifications on trail # 73 N
Regular visitors should note the following changes on trail # 73 North. First, the section between La Tuque and Relais 22 Milles (intersection of trail # 83) has been relocated on most of its length.
Relais 22 miles
The distance between La Tuque and Relais 22 Milles will be shortened by 40 kilometers. The trail does not run anymore by the Auberge Vermillon, closed for the next season. So, please take note of this modification if you usually stayed at this nice accomodation or used it as a supply point. There should be no difference for you if you ride a new-generation snowmobile, but if you ride a machine with important fuel consumption, you should plan another fuel supply. The only stopping place on this section of trail # 73 N is the Auberge Odanak L’Auberge Odanak , a SledMagazine.com partner. The food is just great.
Lac Édouard, trail # 355
In the village of Lac Édouard, our partner Le Domaine du Lac Édouard is now the place to stay, to enjoy good meals and to gas up. Le Domaine du Lac Édouard
Domaine Lac Édouard
Since the last two seasons, Pourvoirie Le Goéland offers only to stay in chalets. No food, no gas. It is wise to discover Le Domaine du Lac Édouard with its nice rooms and great food in a wonderful scenery. And unless a last minute change, the Gite de la Soutane, located next to the church, will be closed for the season. If you like this type of accomodation, the Gite d’Édouard offers comfortable rooms in a family environment.
From Lac Édouard to L’Étape (Réserve faunique des Laurentides)
Snowmobilers were proud to ride on this wonderful section between the Mauricie region and L’Étape. It has been opened and groomed for free only one season by the Club Moto-Neige La Tuque. There are still two problems to take care of and the section will be opened for good. A bridge could be added to cross the Métabetchouan River or an alternative route could run through the Zec Kiskissink to join trail # 355 from La Tuque to Lac Bouchette.
It takes money to complete these works and the trail must be approved by the Fédération in order to get their financial help for maintenance and grooming operations provided by the snowmobile clubs. But sadly, this is where everything is on hold presently. The Fédération does not give money easily these days and they must revise their sharing procedures. Is it OK to keep on financing small sections of a southern trail from one village to another or is it OK to open large areas on public lands for travellers ? To be or not to be. Snowmobilers will have to speak out and choose. Another issue that has been lasting for many years now is the Chemin Lépine between Grand-Remous (Hautes Laurentides) and Clova (Réservoir Gouin). Even if many snowmobilers use this trail, the problem is still not resolved. Because it is not a Federation trail yet, it does not appear on any trail map and it is maintained for free by volunteers.
Trail # 83 from Relais 22 Milles to Parent
You may now stay at Wemotaci. Mobile homes for workers equipped with rooms and showers have been located close to trail # 83. The small rooms are as comfortable as those offered at Hotel Central in Parent, or at Relais 22 Milles. They are offered to snowmobilers at a very fair price by Hébergement Aski, 819-666-2525.
Aski Wemotaci
A snack bar is located on the site. A large grocery store and a convenience store with gas pump are available at Wemotaci. However, being in forest, the gas supply is limited and the opening hours are restricted. In those woodlands, you should fill up as often as possible. Fuel shortage may happen even at a convenience store.
Wemogaz Wemotaci
The Barrage Gouin Outfitter is located at the spring of the St-Maurice River and can be reached by trail # 83 via a private trail of 47 km long. The owners have improved the route and are now using a new type of surfacer. The bases of the trail are ready and since December 12th, the first snowmobilers can ride on it thanks to the surfacing operations. La pourvoirie Barrage Gouin
Something else is new this season. The Bordeleau family members will accompany groups; upon request and reservation, they will ride off-trail on the Réservoir Gouin territory and use the wonderful camps at Lac Magnan. Mr Jean Bordeleau guarantees quite a unique experience to his visitors.
In Parent area, trails opening is limited by ice-bridges and water bodies to cross. As soon as possible, the snowmobile club L’Alliance du Nord will work very hard to offer high quality trails. Frequent informations about trail conditions are provided by the club and posted on this web site, www.sledmagazine.com .
