Fuse6

We day tripped out of Val’dor one year. That area is mainly flat and straight , not much scenery.
Go to YouTube and search: SLEDADDICZ
They posted some good videos of riding Val’dor and western Quebec last winter. From them you can get a good feel for the area.
For day tripping from one location l would suggest Mont Laurier and the area to the north. There is hotels in town but the best idea is to stay at Rabaska or Mekoos Lodge, both about 45 minute drive north of Mont Laurier. From the lodges good options for day loops and you can run the loops to the north up to Fer Cheval and 100 du Lac lodges for lunch. Have Devils Mountain and Chute du Windigo to ride to. The whole area is scenic rolling winding trails, faster running on the northern loops. Mont Laurier would be your closest drive from PA also. No way l would drive the extra hours to ride Val’dor.
 
 

Was asking for a friend,
Good to hear & thanks

Northern New Brunswick would be a likely option for January. Start from Edmunston, head north to Moose Valley then east to Christmas Mountains and Bathurst. 

Did you try Camp Taureau.
Just north of Lac Taureau lodge. Not near as fancy as the others places. Main lodge is nice, has some rooms or there is cottages. Cottages are older, fairly basic, have wood fireplaces so still a good place to stay.
 

Definately awesome but not in same league as Taureau or Vieux Moulin
 

Northern New Brunswick would be a likely option for January. Start from Edmunston, head north to Moose Valley then east to Christmas Mountains and Bathurst. 

Leaving from St Raymond may have some issues in late March. Some years the last 10 miles into town go real fast that last week.

Yes a nice spot.  Staff always super friendly. There always seems to be a couple super wide tracks parked out front. Locals coming out from their cabins.

First time we did the Gaspe in 2017, late February, early March it was mild and wet snow on a few of the days. Not a storm just snow that wouldn’t pack and mild. Combined with lots of traffic it was a choppy ride the whole loop.
Since then twice we went early February and had almost perfect trails both times. Was cold -10 to -20C , no real snow so trails setup good and it was before the big rush of traffic which seems to be mid February to mid March.
Last winter we were back for a second time mid March for our couples trip. Original plan was to start riding on the Sunday. We had to delay our start until Tuesday as the big blizzard hit the Saturday and Sunday. We went counter clockwise and that gave them more time to get the north shore and chic Choc trail back into shape. Had a near perfect trip.
Seems the Gaspe is a crap shoot when it comes to the weather.
 

Northern New Brunswick would be a likely option for January. Start from Edmunston, head north to Moose Valley then east to Christmas Mountains and Bathurst. 

On behalf of the Hill and Gully Riders Snowmobile Club (Québec edition), please allow me to wish all of our American friends a Very Happy Thanksgiving holiday, and a safe and enjoyable snowmobiling season!  See you folks soon!

I remember 22 years ago next March 8th starting from St. Raymond and riding to La Tuque. It was mild with water pools everywhere. We decided the next morning to head back to St. Raymond in case we couldn't get back if we ventured further north. We rode a piece past St. Raymond down toward Quebec City. We had to stop in a bush because a snow bridge had gone out. There was a fellow collecting sap in the bush. We returned to the hotel and as we were loading the sleds a guy on a Honda Goldwing rode past. It was 65 degrees that afternoon. The 4 sleds never got dirty on the open bed Triton on either end of the trip from Kitchener/Waterloo Ontario.

For sure bring your trip in a few weeks if you want to ride there.

Go back and edit the post and remove the pictures from the body and save.  Not your fault, terrible forum software.

You do not have to hit insert. Just hit the submit button when you are ready and the picture should be in the post if you review it.

The only trouble with January is the extreme cold temps. are normal. After two consecutive January saddlebag trips where we had a number of days with starting temps of -35 to-42 we decided a timing change was required. Only good part of the cold trips was that the trails were flat and hard. It seems to warm up a bit after the first week of February.

Kinda off topic, but not....
Is there still a relay\outfitter on the Pelchat? with food and fuel?
Later
GutZ

Last year the relay was no fuel, and limited on the days and hours for food.  They are on the map again this year for food.

I usually don’t count on prime conditions much past the second week in March in a “normal” year, whatever normal is these days who knows.  Last year was the first time we rode in April, it was great, but I consider that a fluke unless you drive further north.  Only Mother Nature knows what she has in store for this season.
Quebec’s spring break is February 27 to March 3 based on a quick google search for “la semaine de relache au Quebec 2023”.
I don’t know if Onatchaway is equipped to handle that, but based on what I have seen there in the past, I don’t believe that would be my target that night.  Maybe Otis Nature, the old scoobyraid would be a better fit in that area.
I don’t know Vince, never stayed at Passion’s either, so not sure on that one.  
Playhard has mentioned St-Felicien in the past, that would seem like the next logical place en direction Nord on 83 past Windigo if they are booked.
I would avoid Roberval myself even though it’s closer than st felicien
If your body and wallet can handle two back to back rips then I think that your plan to hit sweet baby st ray on the way home from the great Gaspe might be your best bet.  

Please post pics no matter what trips you take.
 

I would think the later you go the easier to wing it....
You are in a crowded area for lodging .... We do a march trip that time of the month after clock changes for longer days and usually ideal temps..... But keep our group to 3 or 4 - so if we had to we could sleep in 1 room if that was all that was available

I think a few years ago you could enter all XXX’s for the serial number and it would work. Then email them correct VIN# later.  

I think a few years ago you could enter all XXX’s for the serial number and it would work. Then email them correct VIN# later.  

All good now! Repairs seem to have been completed.