Quebec questions...

[xprtrpr]

Thinking about taking my girlfriend up to a timeshare in Quebec to go sledding. The timeshare is in Saint Hippolyte, QC, anyone ever been there? Around there?

How much is it to register sleds for a long weekend up there?

Is it worth it to drive 6 hours each way to go there? Be honest, or should I just stay in northern NH and enjoy what is around here?

 

[QCRider]

Ok, here's the deal. Once you ride there you will never want to ride in Northern NH again. I have never been to St-Hippolyte specifically, but have ridden all around it. There are a couple of large parks with really nice trails close to that area. My wife will not even take her sled out of the yard in NH, only in Quebec. Here is a link to a web site that explains permit pricing.

http://www.fcmq.qc.ca/english/pages.asp?id=86

The one thiing you need to be aware of is security. I have never heard of a problem in St-Hippolyte, but some of the bigger snowmobile towns around there are notorious for theft problems. St-Donat, St-Michel des Saints, St-Zenon. Lock up your sleds well at night and pull the fuses out of your truck when you are not using it just to be safe.

 

[RippinV]

QC is right, me and my buddies rode exclusively in Island Pond up until 4 years ago when we crossed over into the Sherbrooke area. Then we ventured further North to Thetford Mines, then to Gaspe, then over to Lac St Jean. Its a bad drug, haven't ridden in VT on 4 years!!!!

 

[Travis Moore]

Thinking about taking my girlfriend up to a timeshare in Quebec to go sledding. The timeshare is in Saint Hippolyte, QC, anyone ever been there? Around there?

How much is it to register sleds for a long weekend up there?

Is it worth it to drive 6 hours each way to go there? Be honest, or should I just stay in northern NH and enjoy what is around here?

I just came from www.motelsafari.com and would strongly suggest that. Owner locks up your sled in a heated garage at night, truck and trailer are in locked corral, and the owner personally goes over the trails, conditions, where to fuel, etc with you.

 

[QCRider]

Travis, that's where I ride from as well, but I didn't want another 100 people going there... call me selfish.

 

[xprtrpr]

Thanks guys

So, I didn't realize there was a theft problem. I appreciate the link to the "place I won't mention" lol That place sounds awesome, and quite a deal. You have me nervous about going now, not because of the theft problem, simply because I am afraid of being spoiled with the trails up there!!! LOL

 

[QCRider]

Just be smart and the theft problem is not much of a problem. The trails look like the one in my Avatar though...

 

[az99]

Do not take the theft problem lightly. It is highly organized and professional .It is very very real. Nothing is ever recovered and the police do not even want to be bothered filling out the reports. Check with your insurance provider about theft coverage.
Most of my riding is done in Quebec. I own a home in the "Snowmobile Capitol of the East" and do not even buy a permit or ride there. That should give you a good idea of my opinion.

 

[NY_Nytro]

Just be smart and the theft problem is not much of a problem. The trails look like the one in my Avatar though...

Its too bad you guys aren't closer to Ontario. The trails in mid and northern Ontario look just like your avatar and theft isn't a problem.

 

[QCRider]

az99, I agree that the theft problem is real and should not be taken lightly. However, as real as it is, it is also fairly easy to prevent. All you need to do is make it difficult for them to steal the sled/truck/trailer and they will move on. I lock my sled up in a heated garage every night and my truck is locked up in a fenced in area. Could they be stolen still? Sure. Is it easier to go somewhere else where the sleds and trucks are not locked up and steal them there? ABSOLUTELY.

The other thing to do is to avoid the populated areas. The thieves operate where the work is plentiful and easy, they are not going to head out into the bush to steal 2 sleds when there are 1,000 in St. Zenon or St. Donat for them to take.

 

[race24x]

Doesnt anyone up ther have a gun. Put a bullet in a couple thieves and hang there heads on poles and the others get the point. When we rode our bikes up into Montreal we locked them in the room at nihgt in fear of theft. Damn thieves if they spent as much time working as they did stealing they could make an honest living.

 

[tshelver]

If you stay away from the Sherbrooke and St Zenon areas, I think the theft is a lot less. I've ridden most of Mauricie, some of Abitibi / Temascaigne, and also eastern Canton de le Est and western Chaudiere Appalache, as well as motorcycled the Gaspe and others, and not had a theft problem.

I go to Motel Safari quite regularly but you need to be aware that it can get quite smokey, if that means anything to your GF. Bernard is a great guy (the owner), and has a lot of info on the area.

 

[snappy]

you might as well buy a seasons pass [$200.00 canadien i think]because you WILL be back.

 

[maddogjeff]

Totally agree. Bernie and Hotel Safari rocks. Trails are awesome. Get the season pass, you'll be back. Was up in St. Raymond last weekend, ride to LaTuque was a 10 out of a 10. Never had a security problem but always locked everything up. Trail passes are $50/day $120/3day $150/week $200/season (Canadian). Exchange rate is really bad this year, figure a 13% discount - $174US/season.

 

[az99]

QCRider- Great plan to always park in locked corral, but not always possible. I had a personal experience of an attempted theft of my truck,trailer and sleds. They were unable to move the truck because it was disabled. It was parked at a FCMQ rated secure site, under a light, 50 foot from the lobby with a 24 hr. attendant. Even though the truck was not stolen the door locks were smashed out and the steering column ripped apart and ignition destroyed. Till we got it repaired to drive and police report completed(it took them 6 hours to respond)we lost a day.
There are 1,000's of thefts in Quebec every winter. I would bet there are more snowmobile related thefts in Quebec that all the other eastern destinations combined.
So yes securing your stuff is only the beginning.
These low life scumbags need to be put out for spring bear baits.