Have you heard about the Trails en NORD project? This initiative by Charles Marchand, owner of Domaine de l’Or-Piste, aims to extend and improve our snowmobiling seasons in the Mount Valin.
Overcrowded Snowmobile Trails in the Mount Valin: The Analogy of the House
Imagine you own a small one-story house and frequently host large gatherings. Quickly, you find yourself cramped for space. This is exactly what’s happening in the Mount Valin, where more and more snowmobilers are heading because that’s where the snow is.
Now, imagine that instead of turning people away, you add a second floor to your house. More space, more comfort, and more room to welcome everyone. That’s precisely the idea behind Trails en NORD: developing a network further north, where there are already forest roads used for logging and access to outfitters and cottages in the summer.
How the Trails en NORD Project Transforms the Experience
Mount Valin is a top destination for snowmobilers, thanks to exceptional snowfall and a season that stretches far beyond the rest of Quebec. At the time of writing, over 13.5 ft of snow has already blanketed the region. In 2022, there were 39 feet, followed by 29 feet in 2023 and 13 feet in 2024. But this growing popularity comes with challenges. The trails deteriorate quickly under the constant flow of snowmobiles. Snowmobile clubs are overwhelmed and struggle to maintain the trails. The heavy traffic detracts from the experience for enthusiasts. The lack of accommodation forces many snowmobilers to return to the city each night before heading back up the next day—a tiring routine that limits the region’s full potential.
Trails Ready for Snowmobiling
The proposed route relies on existing forest roads, meaning no new roads need to be built, no deforestation, and no excavation work. The infrastructure is already in place and only requires maintenance and adaptation for snowmobiling. This project would give snowmobilers more space and better distribution of users, easing the pressure on current trails. It would also extend access to outfitters, giving them the opportunity to operate for several additional months each year. With over 20 establishments already in place, snowmobilers could enjoy accommodations, meals, and gas stations, optimizing their experience and safety on the trails.
Five Benefits of Trails en NORD for Snowmobilers
1. Revitalize Small Communities Through Snowmobiling
Villages in the Côte-Nord and Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean regions could benefit from an influx of visitors, especially in winter, a season when the local economy sometimes slows down. This project would boost winter tourism, generating economic benefits for local businesses (outfitters, restaurants, hotels, gas stations, convenience stores, and garages). It would also create jobs related to tourism and trail maintenance.
2. Protect Wildlife and Flora with Marked Trails
One of the challenges of snowmobiling is its impact on wildlife and sensitive ecosystems. By marking trails, this project would channel snowmobile traffic, preventing it from spreading haphazardly into fragile habitats. This would protect vulnerable species, such as the boreal caribou and moose yards, fostering sustainable coexistence between outdoor enthusiasts and local biodiversity.
3. Support Outfitters’ Economies with Trails en NORD
Outfitters and snowmobile lodges are economic pillars in winter. This project could breathe new life into them by increasing the number of clients, meaning more overnight stays, meals served, and services like guided tours, equipment rentals, and fuel sales. It would also allow them to improve their infrastructure by reinvesting additional revenue into modernizing facilities and acquiring better equipment.
4. Reduce Pressure on Existing Snowmobile Trails
The federated trails in the Mount Valin are extremely busy in winter, leading to premature wear and tear that requires frequent and costly resurfacing. Trail conditions can sometimes be challenging, especially with heavy traffic or temperature fluctuations. A more balanced distribution of snowmobilers would ensure a quality experience with better-maintained trails and less congestion in popular areas.
5. Create a Connection Between Côte-Nord and Saguenay Through Snowmobiling
The Côte-Nord is an underutilized region for snowmobiling, despite exceptional snowfall and immense potential. Thanks to the Trails en NORD project, a structured link would be created between Saguenay and Côte-Nord, providing access to a playground still largely unexplored by many snowmobilers. A new winter destination would be highlighted, offering an alternative to traditional routes and allowing riders to discover breathtaking landscapes. This could spark enthusiasm for the region, leading to more investments, events, and recognition for Côte-Nord as a must-visit snowmobiling destination.
A Winning Project for Snowmobilers and the Local Economy
By combining economic development, environmental protection, and improved snowmobiling experiences, the Trails en NORD project could mark a major turning point for the community. An initiative that could extend our seasons, increase the kilometres we can ride, and offer new adventures for enthusiasts!
A Solution to Preserve Our Passion for Snowmobiling
The lack of accommodation in the Mount Valin is a real issue. This project would allow snowmobilers to stay for several days without constantly returning to the city. With climate change, every snowy region becomes precious for the survival of our sport. This project could protect snowmobiling in the long term by focusing on areas with more stable winters. The Trails en NORD could be a major advancement for snowmobiling in Quebec.
Domaine de l’Or-Piste : An Inspiring Model
In this vision of development, places like Domaine de l’Or-Piste play a key role. This welcoming spot, run by Charles Marchand and his partner Nathalie Bergeron, hosts a growing number of snowmobilers every year. So much so that they often have to turn groups away due to a lack of space!
That’s why they decided to take action with a brand-new, unique accommodation project inspired by horse stables, themed around the Wild West. This bold idea was even selected by the MRC du Fjord’s Signature Innovation Fund, providing them with funding to bring their vision to life.
This type of initiative is exactly what the community needs—more infrastructure to support the growth of snowmobile tourism and ensure the longevity of our passion.
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