[hhtele]

So, reading a Chic Chocs guidebook, and it makes mention of Randonee in Murdochville. The problem is that the book is in French- hence the word "randonee"

Anyhow, I get that there is a ski area there, not interested. Anybody know about the backcountry scene there?

[skeezits]

Not much personal experience there other than visiting the ski area and studying the guide book. The ski area gives good views of the "randonnee" areas. The ski hill is quite fun actually. Small operation right in town. Usually great powder, not much grooming, 300m, T-bar, ATV summit shuttle to more ungroomed.

did you buy the guidebook?

Mont Porphyre, (right side photo) in town across from the ski resort. Trailhead starts at the edge of town, or also possible from ski area parking, 300m away.
Runs from 225m- 280m. Runs end at the main road through town.

Also in town, The Aiguille, (on the left) a bit smaller with easier runs.

...and the place Rodbelan mentioned...http://www.chic-chac.ca/en/


semi-botched panostitch shot.. Porphyre and Aiguille

[Rodbelan]

You have to talk to Guillaume of the Auberge le Chic-Chac... He operates a BR that can bring you up the mont York (further south est I would say)... Bigger mountain and lines than the Porphyre... The Porphyre has a ski-doo trail that brings you to the top where you can choose from 4 or 5 different lines (from memory). You can park right at the bottom and skin up. There is the Eolienne trail too that can lead you to nice lines... but the ski-doo guys know about it too... You can also stay at he Auberge for cheap (youth Hostel rates). Hope that helps...

[hhtele]

Thanks for the input.

Heading up late April, staying in a cabin near the Gite. it's our third trip up, and we are just looking for options. Somewhat familiar with the terrain between the Serpentine and the Grand Cuve, as well as hogs Back.

Looking to expand our horizons a bit. There is some stuff across from Hogs Back I know of, but haven't been to.

sounds like we probably won't head to Murdochville-1.5 hours drive, and most of the terrain has been cat/snomo accessed. Could be a fun splurge in midwinter.

[yardsale2]

The western portion of the parc has been hammered this year. I have often wondered if it is possible to get to Logan as a day trip by ascending one of the couloirs closer to Logan, rather than taking the usual ski trail,
_________________
"I may be lost but I'm makin good time" --anon.

[skeezits]

For other options in the area of Hog's Back, as you mentioned across the road... Champs de Mars and Mont Blanche Lamontagne, both with nice terrain and possible good spring conditions. Along the road to Murdochville about 2-3km there's Mont Vallieres de Saint Real... this would be worth checking out as well. Big area with skiable terrain on many aspects, so possibly good snow somewhere.

Murdochville isn't quite that far from Hog's Back area taking the "overland" route... 65 km or so, about 45min one-way. It's a gravel road, although good driving in winter, might not be so good in spring thaw. Ya, you're right, that's a better trip during the big dumps of winter.

[hhtele]

[skeezits]

try these links...

http://www.peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=16307

http://goo.gl/maps/fS4w5

Mont Vallieres is approx 5-6km SE of Hog's Back.

Driving rte 299 north towards Hog's Back, take the road to M'ville, (Route du Lac Sainte Anne), 2-3km, mtn is on north side of road.

[Rodbelan]

I have never been there in the spring... I wonder if I can go beginning of May... I know it depends on weather but have you been there late in the season Skeezits?

[skeezits]

I've never been there past mid-end April. There's usually plenty of snow, but it can melt fast in some areas. Skiing corn snow there is great fun.

Not sure, but I thought the Parc closed skiing at the end of April to give the caribou room to move before the hikers arrive.(?) It may only be certain areas.