Need a new snowmobiling destination, suggestions?

[clk1x]

Hey guys I could use your help. My ridding buddies and I have been ridding the Chaudiere Appalaches region for 10 years and we have pretty much covered the area many times. We are looking for new territory to explore. We all come from Southern and Central Maine and used to head to Fortkent ME. to cross the boarder and bag it from there 3 nights and back to the truck and travel home the next day.

For the last several years we have been leaving the truck in Jackman ME. and bagging it 3 nights and back. This eliminated the 7hr. drive to and from Fortkent.

We have been to Mt. Valin once on an extremely low snow year for Maine and MV really didn’t have much snow either that year and we thought the grooming was really bad for the snow they had. Looked like they groomed with what you would use on a ski hill. Way to long of a drive for me, the Southern most guy in our group.

We also drove to Le Cabenon (way to long of a drive also for me,also) only to have it be 45 degrees and raining the day we started our trip. Trails were also a mess from the warm weather and no grooming.

I realize the long truck ride unfortunalety is unavoidable to get to the good stuff. When I hear of guys headed North to Clova from PENN. I think I must be getting old( I’m 45).

The CA area has a nice mix of fast wide trails in the plains and in the mountains, roller coaster power lines , RR beds if you need to get to a point in a hurry.

So I’m looking for suggestions , do we try NB.

We have been from Moose valley to Campbelton but not much else. I’m trying to avoid 8 hr travel days on either end of the trip.

Any ideas?

[800steve]

Not too much further, cross the river at Quebec City, leave from St Raymond. We have done alot of great trips from there over the years.

[smclelan]

GASPESIE!!!

[Saguenay Bill]

I've been riding the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region for 30 years. Pass 10 years,since retirement, I've put between 7500 and 10,000 miles on each year.

[actionjack]

We drive up every year from Maryland. I used to obsess all off season about next years itinerary. By now I am familiar with much of Quebec and our group is accustomed to adapting to the vagaries of saddle bagging. I now wait to see where the snow falls and plan based on that. We are driving a long way no matter what so we go where theres snow. A few years ago the snow was heavy S of the St Law and we found Magog for the first time. We found excellent grooming, very low traffic, and lots of Cowboy hats. Last year we got lazy with security and learned an expensive lesson at the homeboy shopping network of Quebec, St Zenon. So that will affect future plans.

[clk1x]

actionjack,

I have been to Westminster MD several times. The company I work for has a plant in Westminster I have eaten at O'LORDANS a few times, great food and atmosphere.

I can pull Thrusday nights through Monday afternoons 3 times a season with out the wife freaking out. So Thursday and Monday are travel days other 3 days are for ridding.

I was really liking the Lac st.jean area but what a long ride from Portland Maine. We rode around ALMA .

I will look at Mogog area, and yes following the snow is best.

[davemod04]

Not wanting to sound like a know it all, cause everyone here rides and has ridden Quebec, but from what you've posted re CA region covered, and coming from the Portland area, the jump off point of Quebec City would give you several options depending on snow. You cross out of Maine in Jackman staight North to Quebec City. You can stay at Berniere's Hotel on the south shore, very snowmobile friendly and reasonable price, secure parking etc, or cross the bridge and stay on the hotel strip where the snowmobile trails begin. From Quebec city you have choice of directions, all can be good, depending on weather and snow. Head East up the shorline and go either North towards Lac St jean or continue East as far as you can go. You can head West to St Raymond and travel North to Lac St jean via a couple of trails, or continue NW towards Lac Repos. The further from civilization you get, the better the likelihood of smooth trails. If snow cover is low by Quebec City, it usually begins to get better by St Raymond, which also has user friendly snowmobile accomodations. Specic trails and routing you or trail boss for trip can lay out, they'll probably all be good on Friday morning, Sat and Sun's are a crap shoot depending on club schedule's and weather.

[actionjack]

actionjack,

I have been to Westminster MD several times. The company I work for has a plant in Westminster I have eaten at O'LORDANS a few times, great food and atmosphere.

I can pull Thrusday nights through Monday afternoons 3 times a season with out the wife freaking out. So Thursday and Monday are travel days other 3 days are for ridding.

I was really liking the Lac st.jean area but what a long ride from Portland Maine. We rode around ALMA .

I will look at Mogog area, and yes following the snow is best.

We eat at O'Lourdans every Sat Pats day.

Magog is a skiing town not a Snomo Mecca but they had the snow that year. We blew up a Skidoo on the first full day (stranded on the Lac) and spent some time ironing that out but it was a great trip. Bar Massiwippi ayers cliff, some remote bar with a 1st class poker table, Lac Megantic, La Guadeloupe, Mt St Sebastian and a crazy bar in LaPatrie. Good times with 4 1st timers who are hooked.

Quebec City is a good option as long as 3 has snow. The Ruchelieu is cool in LaMalbaie. From QC 3-369-23 to LSJ is one of our favorites.

Edited September 13, 2013 by actionjack