Ange shares her love for urban cross-country skiing in Lévis

When I moved to Lévis twelve years ago, the abundance of urban nature was what most charmed me about my new city. I enjoy it every day, whether it’s along the river or in the many green spaces. When winter arrives, I can’t wait to strap on my cross-country skis and disappear into the forest just a few minutes from home, without having to make a long drive to get to the heart of nature.

My favourite center is the Club de ski de fond de Ville-Guay (link in french), at the eastern end of the town. Its classic, flat ski trails are linked in loops to create a variety of routes in a sublime forest environment.

The spirit of conviviality and the enveloping feeling of being in the forest are unique to this area. There’s plenty of wildlife, with hares, deer and several species of bird living side by side with skiers. It’s a little corner of paradise where you feel cut off from the world for the duration of your getaway.

Another place, another atmosphere: les sentiers La Balade (link in french). More centrally located in Lévis, this site offers classic and skate cross-country ski trails. Always well groomed, you can hire equipment if you need it. My favourite route is along the Etchemin River, with more vertical drops and a varied landscape ranging from the ruins of the Abbey of the Cistercian Sisters to a mixed forest, with a view of the river and rapids.

Starting out from the Saint-Romuald sector, a number of other winter activities are also on offer: fat biking, tobogganing, hiking or snowshoeing. The brand-new reception pavilion (with an indoor waxing station) is also the perfect place to finish off your outing in front of a fireplace, with a hot drink in hand.

My third suggestion, to the west of the town this time, was a discovery to kick off the new year in style: the club de ski de fond Chaudière-Ouest (link in french). There are over 40 kilometers of wooded trails for skiers (around thirty for classic cross-country skiing and 9 km for skate skiing).

We set off from the Saint-Étienne maple grove, where the freshly fallen snow made the scenery even more enchanting. The outing felt like a little adventure in a cocoon of nature, soothing and dazzling in its simplicity and authenticity. It was a reminder of how lucky we are to live our Nordic lifestyle and make the most of it!

Photos: Ange Hébert-Corriveau