Foret Montmorency has been an ally of sorts for XC Ottawa since our very first year, which was 2001-2002. We have had some kind of on snow training camp there in November every year since then. For an eastern location within driving distance of Ottawa to be able to provide ski worthy conditions that consistently is impressive.
This year was the first year that we skied exclusively on man-made snow. While obviously we missed being able to explore the rugged and hilly landscape that the normal ski trails cover, we have to say that we were very impressed with the effort that went into snow making this year, as well as the end result. While were there last weekend the "loop" (which actually consisted of both an out and back section and a loop) was 1.2kms long, starting right from the "Pavillon" and including a variety of terrain. It was in excellent shape for all of our sessions with smooth, wide skate lanes and well set classic tracks.
The weather was sunny and consistently cold and we were able to do some productive workouts including a 10km (8 X 1.2km loop) time trial on the last day. We did our usual relaxing in the cafeteria and by the fire in the lounge in the evening. Here are a few pictures that might make you think about making the drive sometime soon.
1. They blew this pile and some other ones over the course of one evening. Evidently, the loop will be getting longer.
Ingrid enjoys the sun a bit.
...and then demonstrates some one-skate in the lead up to the bigger climb of the loop.
Matthias and Karl warming up for some skating speed work
Megan was being creative with the camera. Ingrid is obviously experimenting with a nice low tuck.
As discussed, the rugged and hilly scenery of the Foret Montmorency
To capture the view, we ran to an old fire tower that looked like this on the inside:
As always, Ingrid saved a spot for Karl on the observation deck.
You have to admit...this looks good doesn't it?
Some old friends reunite: Aidan Lennie, Matthias, and Karl
We took this for one of our great and long-time sponsors: E Load Sports Nutrition
There were only four of us this year, so we learned about each other's nutritional preferences a bit.
I was originally planning to post only the picture below with a caption like "Guess where we are? Obviously, ski season has started..."
This year was the first year that we skied exclusively on man-made snow. While obviously we missed being able to explore the rugged and hilly landscape that the normal ski trails cover, we have to say that we were very impressed with the effort that went into snow making this year, as well as the end result. While were there last weekend the "loop" (which actually consisted of both an out and back section and a loop) was 1.2kms long, starting right from the "Pavillon" and including a variety of terrain. It was in excellent shape for all of our sessions with smooth, wide skate lanes and well set classic tracks.
The weather was sunny and consistently cold and we were able to do some productive workouts including a 10km (8 X 1.2km loop) time trial on the last day. We did our usual relaxing in the cafeteria and by the fire in the lounge in the evening. Here are a few pictures that might make you think about making the drive sometime soon.
1. They blew this pile and some other ones over the course of one evening. Evidently, the loop will be getting longer.
Ingrid enjoys the sun a bit.
...and then demonstrates some one-skate in the lead up to the bigger climb of the loop.
Matthias and Karl warming up for some skating speed work
Megan was being creative with the camera. Ingrid is obviously experimenting with a nice low tuck.
As discussed, the rugged and hilly scenery of the Foret Montmorency
To capture the view, we ran to an old fire tower that looked like this on the inside:
As always, Ingrid saved a spot for Karl on the observation deck.
You have to admit...this looks good doesn't it?
Some old friends reunite: Aidan Lennie, Matthias, and Karl
We took this for one of our great and long-time sponsors: E Load Sports Nutrition
There were only four of us this year, so we learned about each other's nutritional preferences a bit.
I was originally planning to post only the picture below with a caption like "Guess where we are? Obviously, ski season has started..."
Interesting Reading. . .
"Clean Oxygen Fed Sports Films"