Jump to content
Contributing Membership Drive ×

nyskidooerinnewhampshire

Contributing Member
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    347

  • Joined

  • Last visited

  • Days Won

    8

 Content Type 

Posts posted by nyskidooerinnewhampshire

  2. Comfort Inn, Thetford Mines accessibility after leaving the trail?

    in Chaudiere Appalaches

    Posted

    Hello all. I was considering staying @ the Comfort Inn in Thetford Mines in Mid February 2015 with the wife and daughter. We will be riding over from Pittsburg. I was wondering how "tricky" it is to get to the Comfort Inn from the trail. The Comfort Inn receptionist stated after exiting the trail we would have to ride the sidewalk for a few streets. Because of her uncertainty how to access the Inn I am reluctant to commit to the Comfort Inn.


    I have previously stayed at the Balmoral a couple of times with the guys and find it easy to access but I am not crazy about the condition / decor of the hotel with the ladies. Of course if we have too, we will.

    Thanks for any input.

  3. Comfort Inn, Thetford Mines accessibility or should we just go to the Balmoral ?

    in Quebec-Charlevoix

    Posted

    Hello all. I was considering staying @ the Comfort Inn in Thetford Mines in Mid February 2015 with the wife and daughter. We will be riding over from Pittsburg. I was wondering how "tricky" it is to get to the Comfort Inn from the trail. The Comfort Inn receptionist stated after exiting the trail we would have to ride the sidewalk for a few streets. Because of her uncertainty how to access the Inn I am reluctant to commit to the Comfort Inn.


    I have previously stayed at the Balmoral a couple of times with the guys and find it easy to access but I am not crazy about the condition / decor of the hotel with the ladies. Of course if we have too, we will.

    Thanks for any input.

  4. FCMQ requests QR feedback

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    Last season this thread and your many thoughtful responses were of great assistance in creating the following informal report to the FCMQ.

    I found it very interesting that this years annual meeting included a significant promotion of a FCMQ 2.0 approach to greater invitation, welcome and listening to the feedback and voices of all user groups. I wanted to share the end result with you and thank you for your participation and continued feedback / thoughts.

    Respectfully, Greg

    La Fédération des clubs de motoneigistes du Québec (FCMQ) March 20, 2014

    4545 Pierre-De Coubertin Avenue

    Montreal, Quebec H1V 0B2

    My name is Greg Gilbert and I have been an American Quebec rider since 1984. I was asked by the FCMQ director from Monteregie, Philippe Soucy to offer an informal report to the FCMQ on issues and recommendations of importance for continued and increased “American” participation in the Quebec snowmobile experience.

    These observations and recommendations are based on the following

    Ø My personal experiences from snowmobiling over 80,000 miles in all regions of Quebec.

    Ø The feedback of American Quebec Riders during my time as the American Ambassador to the Association des Motoneigistes du Quebec (ADMDQ) from 2006-2011

    Ø My contacts with a broad range of American Quebec riders in my current role as a Columnist / Test Rider with SledMagazine.com, the English site of Motoneiges.ca

    Ø Responses to a recent invitation for the feedback of high profile, high use snowmobilers who are participating members in an active and credible American “Quebec Riders” internet forum.

    American “Quebec Rider” feedback relates to one of 3 basic questions

    1) What unique features of Quebec Snowmobiling , keep American Quebec riders returning?

    2) What realities have reduced our numbers?

    3) What efforts / initiatives could encourage more Americans to return or choose Quebec as a destination?

    Interconnected trail system

    Interconnectivity is the biggest draw to the highest use groups of American riders. This is a feature of Quebec that is truly unique, offering high mileage touring opportunities which increase and spread the positive economic impact benefit across a much wider area. It is vitally important to a majority of American Quebec riders to protect and defend this system.

    It is important to keep the economic impact of snowmobiling spread across as wide an area of each region of Quebec in order to create wider economic dependence, encouraging increased federal and local funding and support. The more areas that depend on and benefit from the economic impact of snowmobiling, the better it will be for the long term future of our sport.

    Quality of the experience

    Current American Quebec riders refer to the world class level of trail maintenance, signing and grooming as being features which set Quebec apart. It is most important to maintain this level of quality and experience.

    Targeted expansion of trail loops

    Tourism could be increased in targeted areas by FCMQ support of additional loop systems.

    Examples:

    The currently unrecognized, unsupported L’Etape to Lac Edouard trail could easily benefit increased tourism loop opportunities for Quebec, Mauricie and Saguenay regions.

    A Clova to Chapais connection via the power line would open the Chibougamau region to a whole new level of economic opportunity.

    Off trial programs - A greater number of Americans have and will continue to become interested in Off Trail opportunities. FCMQ efforts in organizing, identifying and communicating the existence and access to such areas to users should be a continued and active focus. The off trial demand will continue to increase and it is important to control and direct it to increase Off Trail tourism. Organization efforts will limit unauthorized (off trial) use from having a negative impact on existing trail systems and future landowner permissions.

    Comfort and convenience

    Encouraged regional promotion of preplanned tourism loops.

    The Gaspesie region does a good job with this effort to make their region easy. Many potential snowmobile tourists are overwhelmed and intimidated by the endless opportunity of Quebec. Many occasional visitors limit themselves to the same areas, trip after trip. In time they become bored with the same (yet comfortable) experience and begin to limit their number of trips. More areas of comfort would equal more visits and more dollars. Regionally preplanned loops would also be helpful in attracting increased economic benefit to areas outside traditional hubs.

    Expansion of the emergency location identification sign program.

    The expansion of this initiative will continue to give new comers, less experienced and occasional tourism users a greater feeling of personal security. Greater comfort equals more riders and more money over more areas.

    Expansion / modernization of trailside warming hut / toilette facilities.

    This feature of Quebec was once much more prevalent than today. A resurgence of this convenience (in less populated areas) would offer a higher comfort and welcome to female riders. This would make it easier for couples to participate in longer snowmobile experiences across a wider range of areas.

    Expansion of online trail pass purchase opportunities.

    Easier access is always better. It also encourages purchases before an actual trip.

    Convenient / free wifi access

    Tourist desire access to communication and information for business or pleasure where ever they stop. Easy and plentiful wifi access encourages longer visits.

    Expansion and promotion of Sled and Spa packages

    This type of experience is of particular interest and encouragement to upscale high spending American tourist couples.

    Perceptions

    Theft - Secure parking initiatives and accommodations were once heavily promoted and very successful in countering tourists concerns of vehicle and sled theft. While occurrences have declined in recent years, Vehicle and sled security is still a primary deterrent to new riders coming to Quebec. FCMQ should retake an active role in the encouragement and promotion of these types of secure programs. The belief is also that very little is ever done in theft cases. FCMQ could offer a simple system by which stolen sled VIN # could be reported to the FCMQ. That VIN# could be added to a simple data base which could make a (reportable to legal authorities) match if the same VIN# was used on a future FCMQ trail pass. Such a program may not produce tangible or significant results, but the positive PR would be recognized.

    Language barrier - Promotions that include the general concepts of “Don’t worry, let’s talk, we speak the universal language of snowmobiling” would be helpful. Potential newcomers have the fear of an inability to communicate. The reality is that basic tourist needs of lodging, food, repairs and fuel are easily communicated and any language barrier is as small as it has ever been.

    Affordability

    More than any other factor, affordability has caused a reduction in the number of American Quebec riders and resulted in a deterrent to new visitors. While US economic conditions, exchange rates, elevated hotel rates and fuel costs are beyond control, there are a few areas where costs could and should be addressed.

    General note - Lodging and packages have increased over the past decade at a rate well beyond other snowmobile expenses. Once filled business’ took advantage of the economic demand for their services and increased prices. Now they see significantly less traffic, but the premium pricing remained. A pricing realignment might well bring more users back into the market, resulting in higher net profits than what they are seeing now. The times are not what they used to be.

    Discounted Family trail passes - This would encourage more families to make Quebec a snowmobile vacation destination. One visit may easily add to additional visits and an introduction of the Quebec experience to future generations could have significant future benefits. Many American family members who used to buy individual season passes, have stopped coming all together. The economics were that they became able to afford a trip to Quebec only 1 or 2 times a year and the individual season pass costs became prohibitive. They reasoned that if they came only once they would get short term trail passes. The reality was that they never came back. It is important that users are enticed and encouraged to buy a season passes as it typically guaranties their future visit and ensures their economic impact. A 4 day or week family pass program would also more visibly welcome the significant economic impact of occasional family vacation users.

    The current “Open Door” weekend program – This is seen as a very positive promotional program. This type of “introduce a friend” promotion effectively exposes and introduces newcomers to the Quebec experience.

    FCMQ trail pass Insurance rebate - Most American Quebec riders carry insurance above and beyond Quebec requirements. A program, by which Americans could also take advantage of the present insurance rebate for Quebecers, would be a positive and appreciated move.

    Regional discount coupons - Coupons such as those used in the Quebec Maritime region, encourage longer visits and more days of economic impact.

    Nonresident trail pass subsidy - Quebec’s federal government could be approached with the concept of subsidizing the cost of FCMQ trail passes for non-resident visitors. The logic would be to encourage the higher participation of a group that brings in the highest level of economic impact. It is one thing for Quebec residents to redistribute domestic money; it is another to introduce all new money into an economy. Such a program would be perceived as a significant and special effort to invite American Snowmobilers to Quebec. The more you think about it, the more interesting and logical this concept might be.

    Promotion

    Expanded advertizing - Greater promotion in Northeastern State Association’s publications and newsletters, would introduce and invite more snowmobilers to experience Quebec

    FCMQ kiosk events – The presence of an American Quebec rider would offer intrigued and prospective visitors a more comfortable and credible introduction to the opportunities of Quebec.

    Border crossing

    Very dated (often decades old) driving offenses prohibit avid, economically significant snowmobilers and often their entire riding group from gaining access to the Quebec experience. A more affordable or streamlined system for border crossing pardon of old infractions would be helpful.

    Unless there is data to support heightened scrutiny of snowmobilers crossing the border, a little friendlier reception and welcome would be appreciated.

    I hope that this information is of interest and that you continue to welcome and value the feedback and opinions of American “Quebec Riders”.

    If I can be a future information and resource, please contact me.

    Respectfully yours in Snowmobiling,

    Greg Gilbert

    PS: As an amateur snowmobile journalist, I once wrote an article entitled “Why Americans, Snowmobile Quebec”. For your possible interest, I have attached a copy in both French and English.

    Well articulated and imo right on the $$$. Thank you.

  6. Eastern Townships whos riding ?

    in Eastern Townships

    Posted

    Spent Friday 1/30 & Saturday 1/31- 2015 riding to & fro Pittsburg NH to Thetford Mines. Trails were spectacular aside from questionable signage and long stretches on roads. Fortunately we had snow coverage at the time we rode the roads but if we didn't I could see the sleds might have had some issues related to carbides, sliders and heating/cooling. It is disappointing some must have violated the rules thus the long stretches on roads in lieu of rolling fields.

  11. Feb 2015 Gaspe Loop

    in Gaspe Peninsula

    Posted

    One way to do it would be to plan your route first, then depending on what towns you plan to end up in, decide whether or not you should reserve ahead of time. The larger towns, such as Gaspe and the more populated areas along the southern route will probably have options enough where you don't have to make reservations. The interior and/or some of the smaller villages along the north coast, you will want to have a reservation such as Murdochville and Mont St Pierre.

    If you end up near Carleton Sur Mer, the Baie Blue Hotel was terrific. The nicest place we stayed in 7 days. Just off the main trail (5) comfortable rooms, terrific restaurant, bar and reasonably priced.

    attachicon.gif20140222_065314.jpg Baie Blue

    attachicon.gif20140217_164858.jpg Riotel Matane

    attachicon.gif20140222_065319.jpg Baie Blue

    attachicon.gif20140221_085942.jpgHotel Copper Murdochville

    attachicon.gif20140221_130612.jpg LaCache

    attachicon.gif20140219_074939.jpg Hotel Mont St. Pierre

    btw, yes, work is slow today :) Enjoy!

    Great closing remark…..bty, yes, work is slow toady, enjoy! What year were the photos taken. Thanks for sharing…Paddy O NY, NY , USA

  15. Eastern Townships whos riding ?

    in Eastern Townships

    Posted

    I just purchased two season 14-15 passes for Canada. pointlaugh.gif$550+- US with the exchange rate. Although the web purchase was painless choosing the correct club to credit with the purchase was not so easy. IMO it could be explained a lot easier. After my frustration I chose a club associated with Thetford Mines as we often use that area as a destination for a single overnight trip when we choose to cross the border.

    Here is hoping we have the snow and I have the time to make the purchase worthwhile.beer_cheers.gif

    We had such a wonderful experience last year riding from Pittsburg to Riviere De Loup.

    Hoping to do a number of day trips - Weedon & back, etc.

    Think snow!84561-bobbynj66-albums-emots-picture1145

×
×
  • Create New...