Conquering the Massif du Sud: An unforgettable winter getaway!

It all started with an early morning rendez-vous where adventure was calling my partner and me. We met in St-Michel-de-Bellechasse, an ideal meeting point. The Parc du Massif du Sud was waiting for us, less than 45 minutes from Autoroute 20, with its promise of wild nature and a complete change of scenery.

A little haven of wood

On arrival, we put on our rucksacks and filled up the sleigh to head for our ‘Les Passerelles’ refuge. A little wooden haven, ready to camp in the heart of nature, equipped with everything you need to cook. With its wood stove and floor mats on the mezzanine, this refuge had everything we needed.

After a quick settling in and a delicious, comforting dinner, we were eager to explore the surrounding trails. What a joy it was to walk in the fresh powder under the bright winter sun!

The marked trails guided us through enchanting landscapes, bringing us closer to happiness with every step. Nine kilometers later, we headed back, our headlamps guiding our way.

Pure happiness

Back at camp, a cheese fondue was waiting for us, laughter and stories shared around the table, pure happiness! By 9pm, we were already looking forward to slipping into our sleeping. That evening, as our dials were set for 4 o’clock, the night was going to be short and we were going to wake up quickly. The highlight of the trip was still to come: the ascent of Mont Chocolat to watch the sunrise.

A climb in the icy darkness

The next morning, we got up in the dark, still with the same determination. Despite the bitter cold, nothing could stop our enthusiasm. Not even the -30º we felt. It was a carefully prepared adventure, from the equipment to the provisions. Armed with our headlamps and dressed in extra warm layers, we began our ascent in the icy darkness.

The gradual revelation of the landscape at sunrise was magical. The cold hues of the night were transformed into a symphony of warm, golden colours, enveloping us in a new energy. And to top it all off, a nice hot coffee to prolong the moment, alone at the top of this mountain.

The descent was satisfying, bathed in the light of the rising sun, warming our frozen faces despite the biting winds!

One of those dreams come true

And as we returned to the comforting warmth of our hut, with a light heart and a smile on our faces, I realised that our stay in the Massif du Sud was much more than just a winter getaway.day in the Massif du Sud was much more than just a winter getaway, it was one of those dreams come true.

After all, adventure only awaits those who dare to live it to the full.

Thanks to my adventure partner Laura Duval.

Photos: Pascale Anctil – @pascaleanctil