For beginners
La Trappeur
3.8 km
Our easier route is ideal for learning kick turns, finding your pace and enjoying the climb.
It finishes at the Lac Gravel lookout, where a photo stop is practically mandatory.
Alpine touring in Charlevoix
Climb at your own pace on one of our two designated uphill trails, then enjoy the descent on Mont Grand-Fonds' alpine terrain. A rewarding adventure through natural snow, forest and the Versant du Lynx in La Malbaie, in the heart of Charlevoix.
CLIMB. BREATHE. SKI.
Earn your turns
The mountain.
Your pace.
Skins under your skis, snow all around and a descent you truly earn.
Alpine touring combines an uphill climb on skins along one of our designated ascent trails with a descent on the alpine terrain. It is an active, liberating and genuinely exhilarating way to discover Mont Grand-Fonds.
2uphill trails
3.8 kmLa Trappeur
2.2 kmLa Paddy
8 haVersant du Lynx
Two climbs. Two personalities.
Choose your climb.
Trying alpine touring for the first time or looking for a more demanding outing? Choose the route that matches your experience and your goals for the day.
For experienced tourers
La Paddy
2.2 km
A steeper climb for experienced tourers that finishes directly at the Versant du Lynx.
Your reward: 8 hectares of glades and clearings that truly shine after a snowfall.
Important: Always choose a route suited to your ability, follow all signs and check current conditions before heading out.
THE PERFECT
COMBO
COMBO
Climb under your own power. Ride back up without skins.
Alpine touring
+ 2 chairlift rides
The best of both worlds in one day.
Start with an uphill climb on skins, savour your descent, then use two chairlift rides to add even more skiing to your day. More turns. More terrain. More fun.
Get this pass01Your climbon climbing skins
02Your descenton the alpine terrain
+2Lift ridesby chairlift
AFTER THE CLIMB...
Time for turns
The Lynx is waiting.
La Paddy finishes at the Versant du Lynx, an 8-hectare zone of glades and clearings. This terrain is for advanced skiers who love natural snow and lines that never feel quite the same twice.
The kind of finish that makes you forget your legs were burning.
Before putting on your skins
Plan your route.
Check the mountain map and plan your ascent before heading out.
Enlarge mapNo gear? No problem.
Try alpine touring.
Alpine touring equipment is available to rent at the mountain. It is a great way to discover the activity before buying your own setup.
Explore rentalsA great day starts with good preparation
Before you go.
01Stop at a ticket kiosk
Your official ticket must be printed at a ticket kiosk before you head out, even when your access was purchased online.
02Check the conditions
Operating hours, last departure times and trail availability may change. Check the current conditions on the day of your visit.
03Bring the right equipment
Touring skis, climbing skins, compatible boots and layered clothing will help you climb comfortably.
04Please leave dogs at home
Dogs are not permitted in the alpine touring area.
❝
Every step toward the summit makes the descent even better.
— The Mont Grand-Fonds experience
GRAND-FOU'S INSIDER TIPS
Grand-Fou's tip
Do not start too fast!
On the climb, settle into a pace you can maintain. Vent your layers before you overheat, stay hydrated and keep a dry layer for the descent. Your legs — and your mittens — will thank you.
Everything to know before you climb
Frequently asked questions.
Where can I go alpine touring in Charlevoix?
Mont Grand-Fonds, located in La Malbaie in Charlevoix, offers two uphill trails for alpine touring: La Trappeur and La Paddy. Descents are made on the alpine terrain according to trail availability and current conditions.
Which trail should I choose for my first outing?
La Trappeur is the easier route recommended for beginners. It covers 3.8 km and reaches the Lac Gravel lookout.
Which trail should I choose for a more demanding outing?
La Paddy is a 2.2-km uphill trail for experienced tourers. It finishes at the Versant du Lynx, an area of glades and clearings.
What is included with the alpine touring pass plus two lift rides?
This product includes alpine touring access plus two chairlift rides, allowing you to combine an uphill climb on skins with more descents during the same day.
Can I rent alpine touring equipment?
Yes. Equipment is available to rent at Mont Grand-Fonds for guests who would like to try the activity. Contact the rental shop before your visit to confirm availability.
Do I need to print a ticket purchased online?
Yes. You must print your official ticket at a ticket kiosk before heading out, even if your access was purchased online.
Are dogs permitted on the alpine touring trails?
No. Dogs are not permitted in the alpine touring area.
When can I start my climb?
Start times and last uphill departure times may vary with operations and conditions. Check the latest mountain conditions before your visit.
The view is worth the climb
Alpine touring in pictures.
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