Road Scholar : Home
Downhill Skiing at Mont Sutton, Quebec and Jay Peak, Vermont

Program Number: 19360RJ
Start and End Dates:
3/3/2013 - 3/8/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Eastern Townships, Quebec
Price starting at: $898.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Winter Sports Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 15; 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian; Low Salt; Low Fat    

Absorb the charm of rural New England and French Canada as you ski the very best each has to offer. The glades of Québec’s Mont Sutton and the massive snowfalls of Vermont’s Jay Peak make for the best international neighbors and downhill duo in the East. Improve your abilities with professional ski instructors who explore the oft-neglected mental dimensions--learn relaxation and other tricks to lock in new skills. Cross-country skiers share this week, so you can switch back and forth if desired.




Highlights

• Enjoy morning instruction with Mountain Ski instructors and afternoons devoted to try out your new skills.
• Journey to the Great Room for fireside pre-dinner beverages, a game of bridge with new friends, or cozy up to a favorite book.
• Engage in evening lectures and activities on a range of topics, including Québecois history and songs and winter animal tracking.



Activity Particulars

All ski levels welcome; bring or rent equipment. Elevations up to 3,861 feet.



Coordinated by Routes to Learning Canada.




Eastern Townships

The Appalachian foothills of southern Quebec contain some of the most fertile soil and bucolic scenery of the province, attracting visitors to its lakes, country villages, local gastronomical delights and Quebecois culture.
Accommodations
Four-star renovated 19th century building; ample outdoor activities nearby.
Meals and Lodgings
   Outdoor Lodge Glen Sutton
  Glen Sutton, QC 5 nights
 Outdoor Lodge Glen Sutton
Type: Lodge
  Description: The Lodge, a four star beautifully restored 19th century building, is designed with your comfort in mind: open format kitchen/dining room providing gourmet meals, club chair seating in the Great Room/lecture hall and a wraparound porch. Hardwood floors throughout with heritage Birdseye maple and American chestnut. Two fireplaces, and extensive nature/outdoors library and world class film collection. In winter our cross-country ski trail (20 acres) accesses those of the Sutton Massif. Homestyle high-end cooking with all menus chef-designed by Joy and her kitchen team headed by the talented Ann Mundey. We provide three meals a day, unless otherwise arranged. Special needs diets can be arranged ahead of time. In this age of fast cuisine, we think you’ll appreciate the effort that our dining team puts into all the ‘from scratch’ delicacies.
  Contact info: 1351 Vallee Missisquoi Road
Glen Sutton, QC J0E 2K0 Canada
phone: 450-538-5816
web: www.outdoorlodge.ca
  Room amenities: Our rooms, officially designated as four star quality, regularly elicit pleasure for the ‘home comfort’ levels they deliver. All are nicely furnished with comfortable beds, private bath, quality linens and good reading lamps.
  Facility amenities: Trails for all outdoor activities, either begin on site or are nearby. Commodious Great Room with fireplace and Library provide a casual and comfortable spot for drinks before dinner and lively conversation. Internet access is available.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Additional nights prior: Call for current rates The Lodge accommodates stayovers before or after the week's program. Contact the Outdoor Lodge for availability and rates.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: Call for current rates The Lodge accommodates stayovers before or after the week's program. Contact the Outdoor Lodge for availability and rates.
  Check out time: 12:00 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Independent arrivals to the Outdoor Lodge in Glen Sutton; check-in is 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. You will be staying at Outdoor Lodge Glen Sutton that night.
  End of Program:
Independent departures from the Outdoor Lodge in Glen Sutton; check-out is 12:00 noon. You will be staying at Outdoor Lodge Glen Sutton the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Passport requirements are subject to change. Visit www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html for up-to-date info.
  Parking availability:
Free parking on site. You may park your car in the crushed stone area facing the main road or in the evergreen grove across the street from the Lodge. Side by side parking would be appreciated. Please do not park in the laneway next to the former church.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Glen Sutton, QC
  Nearest city or town:  Sutton, P.Q. and Richford, Vt.
  Nearest highway: Autoroute 10 QC or 105 (Vt.)
  Nearest airport:  Montreal, QC or Burlington, Vt.
  From End of Program
  Location: Glen Sutton, QC
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Montréal

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Montréal-Trudeau L'Aérobus & Veolia Transport
phone: 514-843-4938 x5148422281

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Airport shuttle approximately $16.00/Coach to Sutton $20
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

2 1/2 hours 
   

1. Take shuttle from airport to downtown bus station. Purchase tickets from the counter in the terminal in the domestic flights area on the arrivals level, or at the booth outside the main entrance. Shuttles leaving the airport can be found at the ground level. Visit web site for current rates & schedules www.autobus.qc.ca/anglais/pops-up_an/mtl_dorval_an.html OR Taxi from airport to downtown bus station is approx $40. 2. Take coach (Veolia) from downtown Montreal to Sutton.

 

Montreal to Glen Sutton

 

From Bus Terminal

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
Veolia Transport/Montreal Bus Terminal
phone: 514-842-2281

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

approx.$20 one way, less if senior
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

2 hours 
   

Bus from downtown Montreal to Sutton (and return). Free shuttle between Sutton and the program site in Glen Sutton (12 miles each way). The bus leaves from the bus terminal in downtown Montreal at 505 de Maisonneuve East. Phone the bus terminal at 514-842-2281 for information, schedules, fares. Most participants take the 9:30 a.m. bus to Sutton. The phone number for the bus company Veolia Transport is 877-348-5599 (recommend that participants call the bus station for information).
 
Driving Directions
  From the North Take Autoroute 10 to Cowansville/Granby/Sutton exit. Proceed to Cowansville thence to Route 104. Continue on 104 until 139 South and onwards to Sutton. Continue straight through town and follow signs to Glen Sutton. The Lodge is the first building on the right as you enter town.
  From the South East Leave Vermont Interstate 91 at Newport. Continue on 105 West towards North Troy. Pick up 243N (north) to the Canadian Border. After Customs, proceed to Highwater. Cross railway tracks and two bridges and then take first left onto Chemin de la Vallee Missisquoi. Straight on for 11 kilometres to village of Glen Sutton. The Lodge is the last building on left hand side in the Village.
  From the South West Exit Vermont Interstate 89 at 104 E (St. Albans). Turn Right off 104E onto 105E. Continue through Sheldon Springs, Enosburg Falls and Richford. After Richford, stay on 105 East and then turn on to 105A and continue another two miles to Canadian Border. After Customs, continue 3 miles straight ahead to Glen Sutton. The Lodge is the first building on the right-hand side as you enter the Village.
Elevation Note: Mount Sutton 3000'; Jay Peak's summit is at 3861' above sea level.

Equipment Requirements: Ski rentals available at both mountains or bring your own ski equipment.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Arrival & Check-in, Registration & Orientation, Getting to Know You
(Sunday, March 3)
   
 Arrive To: CHECK-IN & REGISTRATION: Participants arrive independently in the afternoon to the Outdoor Lodge in Glen Sutton. Check-in time is 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. All levels of skiers are welcome Meet your hosts and fellow skiers in the commodious Great Room with its fireplace and extensive library that provides a casual and comfortable spot for refreshments and lively conversation.
 Dinner: WELCOME DINNER: Dinner is at the lodge in the open format kitchen and dining room. Enjoy high-end homestyle cooking with menus designed by Chef Joy and her kitchen team. Dinner will consist of salad or soup, entree and dessert. In this age of fast cuisine, we think you'll appreciate the effort that the dining team puts into their from scratch delicacies. All recipes are fully shared.


SPECIAL DIETS: Most special needs diets can be arranged if requested in advance by noting on your Health & Safety form.

 Evening: ORIENTATION: After dinner, we'll have an overview of the program ahead and review the up-to-date schedule, responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, any other administrative issues, and answer your questions. We will also discuss the logistics of different days on different mountains.


The lineup can vary depending on weather but our ideal week will see two days together on Jay Peak followed by two days on Mont Sutton. An expert from Jay would find Sutton playful; an expert from Sutton would be challenged heavily at the top end of Jay's terrain. It will be a sort of "Battle of the Ski Schools" voted upon by participants at the end of the week so we can provide feedback to the two ski school directors. We aim to use the most experienced of the ski school instructors. Programs are planned far in advance. Please be aware that local circumstances may require adjusting program elements for weather or other circumstances.
   
Accommodations: Outdoor Lodge Glen Sutton
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Full Day Field Trip to Jay Peak: Morning Ski Instruction & Afternoon Skiing, Evening Program
(Monday, March 4)
   
 Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at the Lodge offering a variety of healthy options.
 Morning: SKI INSTRUCTION: We gather up our lunches, equipment, and head for Jay. We have border formalities to go through to cross the border into Vermont that takes about 5 minutes on average (make sure to bring your passport with you). Travel time between the lodge and Jay Peak is approximately 1/2 hour. Once at Jay we take care of rentals, instructor introductions, groupings for lessons, and arrange a noon gathering spot. Your program staff are certified instructors in their field and experienced guides that are familiar with the areas you will be visiting.


Jay Peak boasts 76 trails and a vertical drop of 2153'. Annual snowfall averages in the 350" range (more than Sunday River's 155", Killington's 250", even more than Aspen's 300"). Jay Peak Resort has a base elevation of 1,815' and 2,153' at the summit. There are 385 acres with 8 lifts, 76 trails, glades and chutes: 20% novice, 40% intermediate, 40% advanced. The best open slope is the Can-Am Super Trail, 150' wide, 4,000' long, 1,800' vertical. Each morning, participants will have two hours of expert instruction (included in the program cost). Ski lift tickets for four days of downhill skiing are included. Working in small groups enhances enjoyment and provides opportunity for personal interaction. Participants can move from grouping to grouping to work on different techniques.

 Lunch: Towards noon we break for lunch in the Jay cafeteria. All groupings will gather to eat our meals together.
 Afternoon: AFTERNOON SKIING: After lunch, we head back to the slopes. Participants can rejoin the same grouping they had before lunch or switch into other groups. The house rule is every third run should apply the new skills outlined in the morning (honor system). The unifying theme is learning new movement patterns that will allow you to experience more and more of the mountain. It is essential to understand that the skills of an expert skier are simply different from those of an intermediate....not more difficult, just different


APRES SKI: We'll head home late in the afternoon with time to unwind before dinner and/or view instructional videos that reinforce the topics of the day.

 Dinner: Dinner is generally at 6:00pm. The kitchen is known in the Road Scholar world for its open format and use of the freshest ingredients. Many have called the results “Road Scholar gourmet.” Some typical menu items (may not be available in all programs): Black Bean Soup with plum tomatoes, corn kernels, black beans and fresh coriander, with optional dollop of sour cream. Chicken Marbella, using boneless, skinless chicken thighs, prunes, green olives, garlic, and white wine; served with basmati rice and glazed carrots. Or Vegetarian Lasagna with chopped spinach, mushrooms, carrots, and three different cheeses. Whatever the chef chooses for that evening, it promises to be delicious!
 Evening: EVENING ACTIVITY: We gather in the sunroom for a special presentation. Each evening will have a different focus, drawn from possibilities as varied as a Mezzo-soprano Evening of Arias and Classical Song, Winter Animal Tracking and Survival, French Canadian History, Local Authors, or a Film History of Downhill Skiing in North America.
   
Accommodations: Outdoor Lodge Glen Sutton
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Full Day Field Trip to Jay Peak: Morning Ski Instruction, Afternoon Skiing, Evening Program
(Tuesday, March 5)
   
 Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at the Lodge offering a variety of healthy options.
 Morning: SKI INSTRUCTION: We set off for another day at Jay Peak and go through the border crossing drill again (make sure to bring your passport with you). Once at Jay we take care of rentals, instructor introductions, groupings for lessons, and arrange a noon gathering spot.
During the two hours of expert instruction, participants can choose to focus on stance, weight transfer, pole action, pretty much whatever needs attention. A “can do” attitude of confidence is fostered by gently pushing into new territory.
 Lunch: Towards noon we break for lunch in the Jay cafeteria. All groupings will gather to eat meals together
 Afternoon: AFTERNOON SKIING: As before, we head back to the slopes for ski time after lunch. Notions of stance, pole use, relaxed back muscles, etc., all become important to getting into new territory. Try out Jay's most scenic trail, the Vermonter, or are you ready for one of the hairiest trails, the River Quai and Green Beret. Skiing, like life, has a lot to do with attitude and confidence. Our hope is that by week's end you are truly becoming a full mountain skier.


APRES SKI: We'll head home late in the afternoon with time to unwind before dinner, have drinks in the Great Room or view instructional videos that reinforce the topics of the day.

 Dinner: Dinner will again feature the chef's specialties.
 Evening: EVENING ACTIVITY: We gather in the sunroom for a special presentation. Each evening will have a different focus, drawn from possibilities as varied as a Mezzo-soprano Evening of Arias and Classical Song, Winter Animal Tracking and Survival, French Canadian History, Local Authors, or a Film History of Downhill Skiing in North America.
   
Accommodations: Outdoor Lodge Glen Sutton
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Full Day Field Trip to Mont Sutton, Morning Ski Instruction, Afternoon Skiing
(Wednesday, March 6)
   
 Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at the Lodge offering a variety of healthy options.
 Morning: SKI INSTRUCTION: Today we head for Mont Sutton in Canada, approximately 25 minutes from the lodge. Please note that the mountain has been voted "The Best Glade Skiing in All of Canada" multiple times over the years by Canada's Ski Press. Upon arrival, we take care of rentals (you may keep your Jay skis all week if you like; we'll take care of the return delivery details), meet the instructors, procure tickets, and split off into groups for two hours of instruction.


Mont Sutton's summit is 3,175' with a vertical drop of 1,500'. Sutton averages 200" snowfall annually and covers 174 acres. Its glades are as originally cut and have a natural feel. Mont Sutton is a destination not to be missed for ski enthusiasts - 54 runs: 15 beginner trails, 19 intermediate, 10 expert, and 10 extreme trails. The mountain has nine lifts, 196 junctions, and 40% glades. An intermediate level skier could ski new terrain every run.

 Lunch: Towards noon we break for lunch in Mont Sutton cafeteria. All groupings eat all meals together.
 Afternoon: AFTERNOON SKIING: After lunch we head back to the slopes for free ski time. People can switch into other groups in the afternoon or even free ski if desired. Or return to the slopes in the same grouping they had before lunch


APRES SKI: Late in the day when your body feels appropriately fatigued we'll head home with plenty of time to unwind before dinner, enjoy refreshments by the fireplace or view some instructional videos that reinforce the topics of the day.

 Dinner: Dinner provides yet another opportunity to enjoy more creative cooking.
 Evening: FREE EVENING: One evening during the week will be free - explore the area, relax and read a book or watch a movie.
   
Accommodations: Outdoor Lodge Glen Sutton
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Full Day Field Trip to Mont Sutton: Morning Ski Instruction, Afternoon Skiing
(Thursday, March 7)
   
 Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at the Lodge offering a variety of healthy options.
 Morning: SKI INSTRUCTION: For our final full day of skiing, we return to Mont Sutton. The “work in progress” developed first from Jay and then improved yesterday at Mont Sutton gets tweaked and polished as the Sutton Ski School puts its touches in place.
 Lunch: Towards noon we break for lunch in the Mont Sutton cafeteria. All groupings eat all meals together.
 Afternoon: AFTERNOON SKIING: On our final afternoon of skiing, it's time to see how you've progressed throughout the week. Work on areas that need a little more practice amid Mont Sutton's almost unlimited range of possibilities. Enjoy the many glade trails, designed specifically to give skiers the maximum thrills and fun, whatever their level of ability.


APRES SKI: We'll head home late in the afternoon with time to unwind before dinner, have drinks in the Great Room or view instructional videos that reinforce the topics of the day.

 Dinner: FAREWELL DINNER: Farewell dinner at the lodge.
   
Accommodations: Outdoor Lodge Glen Sutton
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Performance Reviews, Wrap-up, Program Concludes
(Friday, March 8)
   
 Breakfast: Enjoy a breakfast at the Lodge offering a variety of healthy options.
 Morning: PROGRAM REVIEW: Keen skiers can head out on their own for a final day on the slopes (showers, etc. are easily arranged after the day's activities are done). Lift tickets, transportation not included on final day. For those departing at noon, we will highlight important tips of the week and technical details of the program's instruction as well as viewing videos that reinforce pointers worked on throughout the week. The program concludes with this final session. Then it is time to say farewell to new friends. We hope you have enjoyed this exciting outdoor adventure and will join us for other rewarding Road Scholar experiences in the future. Best wishes for all your journeys!
 Lunch: Enjoy a last delicious lunch at the Lodge followed by independent departures.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Glen Sutton, QC Abbey St Benoit du Lac
Twice a day Gregorian chant is celebrated at this beautifully sited Benedictine monastery. The public is always welcome. For additional information, visit www.easterntownships.org/activity/113/abbaye-de-saint-benoit-du-lac
  Tour of the Wineries
A nearby (30 minutes) microclimate has Quebec's largest collection of boutique wineries. Tastings are seven days a week. As well, unique in this part of the world is Quebec's burgeoning Ice Cider initiative. Limited winter access. For additional information, visit www.winesofcanada.com/quebec1.html
  Restaurants
Within a short drive (20 minutes) are many, many world class restaurants covering multiple styles of cuisine. We are in French Canada of course. For additional information, visit www.easterntownships.org/restaurant#categories%5B%5D=0&categories=&prices%5B%5D=0&prices=&dinings%5B%5D=0&dinings=&location=0&keyword=i.e.%3A+Restaurant+name%2C+city
  Sleigh Ride
Sleigh riding through the fields is a memorable experience. This activity is available by reservation, as a morning, afternoon or evening excursion. Groups, large and small can be accommodated. Tours are approximately 45 minutes and afterwards coffee and hot chocolate are ready for you in the barn. This gives you time to warm up, see the other horses and maybe even get a horse-shoeing lecture from Ian. For additional information, visit www.westina.ca/english/english.html
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.


As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.



Specifically, this program includes:

Plus these special experiences...

View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs:


© Road Scholar 2013 | Call toll-free: 1-800-454-5768