About Your Guides

Misha Golfman and Lynne Boudreau are adventure guides with 40 years of experience taking care of groups in remote winter environments. They will help you to be well-prepared for the trip and facilitate an inclusive community with a culture of mutual aid on the expedition.

is this trip right for me?

You need to be prepared to ski 15 - 20 kilometers a day with a 35-liter pack in backcountry terrain. Trails are not groomed, and conditions are varied: sometimes we will be breaking trail through deep powder; it may get icy, and some trails are narrow. Ascents require skins in steep sections, and descents require making turns. You need to be able to turn and stop confidently in a variety of off-piste conditions. Covering 15 miles in the backcountry requires many times the effort of an equal distance at a Nordic ski center. Likewise, a backcountry descent takes more strength and agility compared to resort skiing. 

We are traveling self-sufficiently, in a remote wilderness area, with difficult evacuation logistics, and ask the participants to take expedition preparation seriously. 

Over the past three years, this expedition was enjoyed by adults ages 30 – 70, with experience levels ranging from novice to expert. What these diverse individuals had in common was a sense of adventure, a will to practice skiing and train for the expedition, a genuine interest in other humans, and the capacity to enjoy sharing simple close quarters with seven strangers, who gradually become friends!

a gift of a screen-free week

To allow for a destruction-free nature immersion and community experience, please leave all electronic devices at the trailhead. This is a requirement for participation. We will take turns navigating with the topographical map. We will take high-quality pictures and share them with you after the trip. The guides will carry an emergency communication device.

Food

We prepare simple and delicious fire-cooked meals made from scratch with whole ingredients. We eat a full breakfast and dinner, complemented by energy-supporting snacks throughout the day. We can accommodate reasonable dietary needs. 

We value our shared meals as times to nourish our bodies and celebrate the gifts of food and companionship amongst the group.

WEATHER NOTES 

Ordinarily, at the end of February, you can expect winter weather with temperatures dipping down to single digits and even below zero and rising into the upper twenties. It will most likely be snowing at least half of the time, and we can potentially experience a big snowstorm while out in the backcountry. Snowstorms typically deposit between one and three feet of powder. We could experience bright winter sun or unexpected winter rain due to the changing climate. There is a minimal avalanche risk on this trip. While the weather is likely colder than what you are used to, it is easy and fun to live and exercise in the cold, and every night we’ll have the luxury of a warm cabin where we’ll rest, dry our ski boots and clothes, and cook and eat a delicious meal to replenish our strength and stamina. We have guided groups in the cold for decades and will help you stay comfortable and avoid frostbite and hypothermia while having fun!

driving notes

We recommend snow tires while driving in Quebec. Unlike in New England, Quebec roads don’t stop during major snowstorms. A three-foot storm is not a weather emergency, but business as usual. Snow squalls, not associated with weather systems are frequent along the coast. Their snow-removal equipment and techniques are superior, and they know how to drive well during the 6.5 months of winter. In our opinion, four-wheel drive is not nearly as important as snow tires! Check the weather forecast, plan your drive accordingly, and avoid driving through snowstorms at night.

Backcountry emergencies

Backcountry emergencies are rare, because of well-thought-out itineraries, careful preparation, and the many years of experience we have working with groups in remote settings. When things do go wrong, we are well-prepared to respond:

Misha is a Wilderness First Responder with decades of experience in handling backcountry emergencies. Lynne is an herbal and natural healer with decades of experience in taking care of injuries in the backcountry. We carry an extensive emergency and preventative First Aid Kit and emergency communications equipment. The National Park and Local Rescue are excellent and reliable partners in backcountry emergencies.

AFTER THE TRIP

We will say goodbye in the early afternoon at the trailhead. If you have extra time, we highly recommend staying in Quebec longer. Here are some great options:

• Head up to Gite Du Mont Albert https://www.sepaq.com/pq/gma/index.dot?language_id=1 Here, you can stay at the hotel or in one of the cozy chalets surrounding the mountain resort. This resort is set in the center of the mountains with world-class backcountry and cross-country skiing opportunities. There is a great restaurant and sauna. There are no stores, gas stations, or commercial developments at Mont Albert.

•  Return to Manoir De Sapins and experience the charming maritime culture, authentic cuisine, and magnificent views of the frozen Gulf of St Lawrence

•  Cross St Lawrence on an ice-breaker ferry in Matane and head down to Quebec City. Quebec City is the only intact fortified medieval city in North America. Much like going to Europe, without crossing the ocean! There are many authentic cultural and adventure opportunities, including some of the best Nordic skiing on the continent, great downhill skiing, museums, architecture, and French cuisine. 

We love Quebec, know it well, and will be happy to help you make the most of your stay!