The ski slopes of Mont Villa Saguenay, in Alma, officially opened for the winter season on December 20, just in time for the Christmas holidays. The acquisition of a second snow cannon will have greatly helped the deployment of the season this year.
A first opening of the slopes took place on December 15, but the rain played spoilsport. A temporary closure was necessary to restore the tracks to good condition.
“Our snow cannons help us maintain the condition of our slopes in this situation. This year, we did a pilot project with the rental of a second cannon, and it must be said that it was conclusive. We plan to buy it. The snow was covered much more quickly this year, we have more slopes accessible as soon as the resort opens, and the tube slides will be able to open from January as opposed to February as in the past,” explains the general director of the Parc d’un rive à l’autre, manager of Mont Villa Saguenay, Andrée-Anne Boisvert.
Dorval
At the Dorval center in Alma, also managed by the Parc d’un rive à l’autre, a portion of the trails opened in early December, but rain which fell twice in two weeks forced temporary closures. . Everything has since returned to normal.
Pricing
An increase in season pass prices has made many outdoor enthusiasts cringe, particularly with regard to fat bike passes.
For Alma residents, a seasonal pass costs $237, while for non-residents, it costs $308.
A pricing change which was requested by the City of Alma.
“The facilities belong to the City. They are the ones who asked us to review our prices and now apply different pricing for residents and non-residents. »
Despite everything, Andrée-Anne Boisvert indicates that the sale of season passes is going well.
“Generally speaking, things are going pretty well. There is really only the fat bike pass which has increased considerably, due to requests from the City, but also maintenance costs which have increased. But for our other packages, passes are selling well. »
