Torngat Range, QC

Tony, I agree perfectly about adjusting to altitude. I have been affected a few times by altitude when I went to Western Canada (and this is not high - 2800m highest) and Europe. <BR> <BR>This year when I was in Europe I had some homopathic pills (I don't remember what they were called). I wasn't really affect this time. The most important stuff about Altitude are: <BR> <BR>1) Take it easy, don't over do it. Generally, Altitude sickest always hits me on the third day. <BR>2) Drink, Drink, Drink alot of water. <BR>3) Small healthy snacks (bars, etc) <BR>4) Limit Alcool use and a good diet (not much meat). <BR> <BR>I believe this is leading into another interesting discussion about Skier ultimate to do list!!! Unless Frank sends us a a ski report on laReserve.
 
Unfortunately Patrick, it's the time that I don't have, to go there. I'm sure la Reserve is still skiable (but on just about 250' long, probably). <BR> <BR>It's really sad, especially after talking of ski half of the evening yesterday with Max ! lol
 
3 days of altitude discomfort at 8,200 feet is not a good sign for the effect at 13,000. I did a fair amount of research in 1999 in connection with the Whitney climb, particularly as a possible prelude to Kilimanjaro (19,340) sometime. Altitude sensitivity varies by individual and cannot be overcome by fitness or training. Some people just need more time than others. <BR> <BR>In my case I have no discomfort sleeping at Mammoth (8,000) and skiing lift-serviced to 11,000. I will run out of breath faster the first couple of days. I am reasonably acclimated on day 3, as evidenced by Doug Nidever's recommendation for both Adam and me that our backcountry touring (climbing from 10,000 up to 12,000) start on that day. If you're still uncomfortable on day 3, that's evidence you ascended too fast. <BR> <BR>The altitude increments (particularly for sleeping) affect more and more people. My wife was usually OK at Mammoth but had severe headaches for the first 3 days at Colorado resorts over 9,000 until I got her Diamox. At the Whitney camp at 12,000 I was comfortable but still could not sleep. Adam threw up his dinner but fortunately slept some, ate some breakfast and made it to the top. <BR> <BR>56% of Kilimanjaro attempts are successful, but most try it in 5 days. If you allow 6 days the success rate goes up to about 75%. I am convinced that Mauna Kea requires acclimatization for 90+% of skiers, but the logistics of arranging it are difficult. A quick trip to the observatories for an hour or so would be doable like my drive up Pikes Peak, but you'll still be resting and popping pills for several hours afterwards. <BR> <BR>Another interesting point is that adolescents are generally more altitude sensitive than adults. It was more difficult for Adam to climb Mt. Whitney at 14 than me at 46.
 
Back on topic, you eastern diehards should be giving a hard look at the Chic-Chocs in May/June. Powder and other mags have run articles on them. If you're willing to exert that much effort, it must be worth it to get some randonee or tele gear to access the deeper snow coverage and more extensive terrain there.
 
When I am affected by altitude (severe headaches) - it generally kicks in the 3rd day and not necessarly 3 days of discomfort. <BR> <BR>I know that when it happened in the past, I skiied all-out the first few days without letting my body get acclimatised. I know, us Easterners become I bit crazy when we get out West and see those mountains. <BR> <BR>From experience, it is better to start slow and drink alot. Slow altitude gain is generally hard to do when you go on a trip out West. <BR> <BR>This winter, I lucky enough to ski Jungfrau region Switzerland (max alt. 2900m). I sleeped in Interlaken (500m) and take the train to get to the lifts every morning. Did this 4 days, then headed for Val Thorens (3 vallées), France and sleep at 2300m (max alt.3500m). I didn't experience any discomfort - the only discomfort was fatigue which was probably more related to skiing 10 days out of 11. The day off was my travel day between the two ski areas - 9.5hr: 5 different trains and the shuttle up to Val Thorens. <BR> <BR>I took I week off to get back to see my family and the in-laws near Lyon then headed back to Chamonix. I experience some discomfort on the last of 3 days when I skied la Vallée Blanche on Mt.Blanc (max.alt.3850m). I was staying in Chamonix which is at 1000m. <BR> <BR>In fact there is a note on altitude and kids in the Chamonix Guide with says (rough translation): <BR> <BR>"Generally it is advised that children do not make any physical exertion in altitude without acclimatization. Children up to 3yrs old, should not go above 2000m. (...) From 3 to 12yrs old, avoid long physical efforts (few hours) above 2500m. From 12 to 18, it is not recommended to climb and exertion above 4000m." <BR> <BR> <BR>Chic-Chocs: <BR>Even from Montreal, the Chic-Chocs is a very long drive (at least 8hr). I believe they try to get some Heli-skiing operations started there in the 80s.
 
Yep, they got some heliskiing for a max vertical drop of 2800' high, but I don't know exactly what was the mountains accessible. <BR> <BR>Probably not Mt Hog's Back or Albert, cause they look a little bit very dangerous for avalanches during winter. Don't know for the mountains less steep like Mt Blanche-Lamontagne (rough traduction = <I>Mount White the mountain</I>) which looks less dangerous for avalanches; and for the other ones in the region. It's funny to think we call those mountains the rockies of QC, even though, they're not higher than the normal mountains in New England. If they keep their snow, it's just cause they're northern. <BR> <BR>Mont de la Passe, with 4075' is one of the highest in the Chic-Choc and I must say it looks really interesting ! <BR><IMG SRC="http://www.firsttracksonline.com/discus2/messages/8/2521.jpg" ALT="Mt de la Passe"> <BR> <BR>About elevation, hmm, I think I would have some problems, cause just going to le Manoir Richelieu, we had all our chewing gum, from Mt Sainte-Anne to the top of Le Massif. It's sure the change is really fast, you pass from 0 - 2600' in just few minutes, but this is nothing compared to 12000' or more. <BR> <BR>I think the highest point I ever reached is the top of Mt Mansfield (4393), and I have been subject to headaches during mountain trips when I was child, so I would certainly have problems at those elevations <IMG SRC="http://www.firsttracksonline.com/discus2/clipart/sad.gif" ALT=":(">
 
I found by chance a website of hiking which have hundreds of pictures of our interesting mountains. Unfortunately, most of them are summer pics, but they're good to see the terrain. <BR> <BR>On this link, you have the elevation of every high mountain in Quebec, with links for pics of all those resorts. There is so much that I wouldn't see em' all ! <BR> <BR>http://groups.msn.com/Lameutedesrandonneurs/sommetsduqubec.msnw <BR> <BR>For the gullies lovers, watch this summer pic in the Torngats. (I wonder if it's in july or so ?) <BR> <BR><IMG SRC="http://www.firsttracksonline.com/discus2/messages/8/2523.jpg" ALT="Torngat gullies">
 
Frank, <BR>I mentioned this before. My friend was working there in the Summer (field work for his graduate studies) - and he was thinking, it would be great skiing!!! <BR>I have no difficulty believing this is July - we are talking high latitude and remote. <BR> <BR>With this picture, It confirms that the Torngat's deserves to be on my wish list!!!
 
Yup, there was a heli operation in the Chic-Chocs about a decade ago. Ridiculously cheap (about US$600/week), they housed guests in military dorms that weren't used by the military during the summer. (Aside: Canada has a military?? <IMG SRC="http://www.firsttracksonline.com/discus2/clipart/smile2.gif">)
 
I wonder what's the total size of the snowfield at bottom. Don't know if the couloirs would be skiable without too much avalanche dangers, but the snowfields look good !
 
Yep Marc, we have a super army that could kick the ass to the terrorists that USA army just can't find (hehehe revenge to the aside) <BR> <BR>In fact, this is few good pics of our soldiers on 3 fronts : <BR> <BR>The canada war planes <BR>The on ground troups <BR>and our marines <BR> <BR> <BR><IMG SRC="http://www.firsttracksonline.com/discus2/messages/8/2531.jpg" ALT="war planes"> <BR> <BR><IMG SRC="http://www.firsttracksonline.com/discus2/messages/8/2532.jpg" ALT="on ground"> <BR> <BR><IMG SRC="http://www.firsttracksonline.com/discus2/messages/8/2533.jpg" ALT="marines"> <BR> <BR>(sorry to exit a little bit of this conversation !)
 
Hey, I just found 1 amazing pic of the Torngats ! really amazing to think that pic was probably taken somewhere in june or july. <BR> <BR>Instead of buying a mountain here, I will develop a little airport near the Torngats and start a skiing association in this part of the country <IMG SRC="http://www.firsttracksonline.com/discus2/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":)"> (if I win the 30 millions, always !) <BR> <BR><IMG SRC="http://www.firsttracksonline.com/discus2/messages/8/2784.jpg" ALT="june or july, that is the question"> <BR>Would you like to be there ? (especially the gully on right hmmmmmmmm !)
 
Just got the confirmation that it was effectively a glacier, so this should be skiable all year long, especially the cirque, but it would need an Helicopter to reach it, according to the pic. <BR> <BR>Hey... this would be cool... no need to fly out west anymore to ski all summer long <IMG SRC="http://www.firsttracksonline.com/discus2/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":)"><IMG SRC="http://www.firsttracksonline.com/discus2/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":)"><IMG SRC="http://www.firsttracksonline.com/discus2/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":)"><IMG SRC="http://www.firsttracksonline.com/discus2/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":)"><IMG SRC="http://www.firsttracksonline.com/discus2/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":)"> (I won't talk of the bugs, though)
 
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