The record, 14 décembre 1984, Supplément 2

Friday, December 14, fwWmW * r .It’s big, it’s bold and it’s brassy.With its three mountains, new triple chair and snowmaking equipment, Orford is becoming one of the Townships’s biggest ski attractions.ttttüteli .*• north.” The association works together for ski week and other activities where out-of-province business is concerned.“Of course, every mountain has to develop it’s own facilities, but the team works much better now.Desourdy and Boulanger are both friends of mine.We often exchange information.” “One mountain alone will not attract people,” Magnan said.“But the four mountains together as an area will.I believe that Or- ford will be very competitive, but any improvements we make will also serve the others.” Famous skiers of Mont Orford are Francois Cousineau, Clémence Desrochers, daughter of poet Alfred (after whom one of the mountains is named), Montreal journalist Yves Letourneau, and a few government officials.Orford has a vertical drop of 540 meters (1772 feet), 30 trails, and a lift capacity of 7,400 skiers per hour.SKI DE FOND MONTORFORO ; *>•< EPICERIE Jacques Ducharme Epiceries • Viandes, Fruits & Légumes BEER CIDER WINE Livraison 292-5252 Mansonville, Que.Repos du fermier « - farmer’s Rest BILLET/TICKET Adulte — $3.50 — Adult Enfant moins Child under de 12 ans — $2.00 — 12 years 7 jours par semaine — 7 days a week Route Mt-Echo, Knowlton, Qué.JOE 1V0 (Sortie 90, Autoroute des Cantons de l'Est via Route 243) INFO: Denise Pag6 (514) 243-6843 6 — THE RECORD — Ski Supplement — Friday, Dec.14, 1984 Fernand Magnan: A do-it-yourselfer with a mountain of plans ORFORD — It was almost like the movie.Fernand Magnan came to Mont Orford in 1980.“I developed the other side of the mountain,” he said.“I liked the area a lot and I knew that the resort area needed improvement.I thought that with my experience it was possible to build something.” Magnan was born in Drum-mondville, had his primary education in Granby and later worked in Montreal.His profession is architecture.Magnan’s credentials are impressive.He has masterminded many multi-million dollar projects including the Drummond-ville Penetentiary, the University of Quebec at Montreal, and the Scientific Complex of Quebec in Ste-Foy, among others.“I made the expansion plans for Orford myself,” Magnan said, pointing out the books of intricate draftings of the mountain.‘‘We re reorganizing every detail,” he said, “But this is only the first step.The company is in very good health.In the four years I’ve been here the revenue of Mont Orford has tripled.” There was some doubt whether Orford would be ready on time but Magnan is confident that it will be.“We started late because government grants were late,” he said, “We didn’t get going till late July.We knew from the beginning that it would be tight, but we know now that everything will be completed on time.” Magnan believes that the local people are happy with the work going into Mont Orford.“Many people will benefit from it.The construction might create jobs in the area.The local lodges will be full,” he said.“I think the people of the area are happy that someone is in charge.” Joan McCoy Ling • Yi—" •Si Fernand Magnan came to Orford four years ago to develop ‘the other side of the mountain.TTTïïïïn Orford enterpreneur Magnan lays it out — phase by phase By Richard Petersen ORFORD — “Right now Mont Orford is the principal year-round attraction in the Magog-Orford Tourist region.” This is according to Fernand Magnan, president and director -general of Cie de gestion Orford, speaking before a meeting of the Magog-Orford Chamber of Commerce.'pf The reason: 55,000 people attending the Festival de blé d'inde and the hangliding exhibitions, 25.000 golfers at Orford golf club, 30.000 arts centre visitors, and 80.000 campers at the base of the Montain.And that’s the summer.In the winter, Magnan said, 130.000 alpine and 100,000 crosscountry skiers arrive to enjoy skiing Townships-style.With this foundation already laid the resort has introduced a long-term plan to make Mont Orford an international four season resort.PHASE 1 ROLLING With $4.6 million invested so far this year out of a total of more than $14 million for the entire project — as much as the ‘mega- resorts' Mt.Tremblant and Mont Ste.Anne have ever spent — phase 1 is underway.Snow-making has finally come to Mont Orford and will cover 50 per cent of the centre’s skiable terrain.The ski season will be extended through the dry periods on runs such as super, passe partout, the lower part of four kilometres and the entire trois ruisseaux, which Magnan describes as one of Quebec’s most popular runs.As well, the intermediate and novice slopes of Mt.Giroux, pente douce and bowen, were covered by man-made snow at the beginning of December.After having seen 400 truckloads of earth unloaded onto he summit, extensive cutting and much blasting, the director- general is obviously proud of the new and improved runs at Orford.The main new slope is called maxi, 4000 feet long and covering 11 acres and with the completely overhauled trois ruusseaux, Mt.Orford offers for the 1984-85 season “30 runs, improved terrain and more skiing enjoyment.” STAR ATTRACTION With all of this, the star of the initial development is clearly the new triple chairlift.Magnan notes that “it is the only one of its kind in Quebec and will give 1250 skiers per hour access to all of the montain s runs ; a substantial improvement.” Phase 2, towards which $800,000 has already been committed, will feature a first for Orford: a complete winter/summer holiday village (between the base of Mt.Giroux and the golf centre) called Au pied du versant.With a projected 40 to 80 houses, each sold in the $40,000 to $60,000 range to owners who will rent them out 10 months of the year, visitors will be only a minute away from the lifts and a five-minute golf cart ride from the greens.And Mt.Giroux will receive the first of two new chairlifts (a double) and several new intermediate runs.DEPEND ON SUCCESS Phase 3, the timing of which depends upon the success of the next two seasons, consists of Mt.Giroux’s second new lift (a triple chair), expanded chalet facilities and a 150-room hotel complex.According to Magnan, “all this and more is necessary.” Mont Orford aims to compete directly with the Laurentians and New England resorts to accommodate its potential share of the 545,000 Ontario and 2.7 million U.S.skiers who leave their local areas in search of less crowded resorts and more consistent snow conditions.Because of these new developments and “Mt.Orford’s unique accessibility”, Magnan is confident all phases will proceed as planned.Much of the next phase’s $9.6 million will be spent on accommodations built on the 250 acres bordering the provincial park and owned by Cie de gestion Orford, and is considered a key to achieving year-round status.“This continued expenditure,” said Magnan, “will contribute much to the local economy.Beyond the direct benefit to the construction trade, improved tourist traffic will increase the present winter staff of 150 fulltime and 50 in the summer gradually but consistently.” “And because $.75 of every tourist dollar is spent in the local economy outside of the resort, the indirect benefits of the project will be clearly felt,” Magnan said.And perhaps, as Magnan hopes, the commitment to a project of this size “can positively affect investor confidence in this region ” Orford has invested $4.6 million so far this year and plans another 10 to complete its masterplan.NOIRMOUTON Bergerie, boutique et atelier propriété de Bernard et Jehane Benoit Vêtements et accessoires en peau de mouton Sheepfold, boutique, workshop proprietors Bernard et Jehane Benoit Sheepskin clothing and accessories R.R.4, Sutton, Québec JOE 2K0 Tél.: (514) 243-6672 Près du Mt.Echo via Knowlton, sortie 90 Autoroute des Cantons de l'Est Please call or write: SUnON TOURIST ASSOCIATION REG'D.Box 418, Sutton, Que., JOE 2K0 TEL.: (514) 538-2646/2537 I CALL RESERVATION: —hotels/motels, small inns, condominiums, —chalets, apartments, guest houses.2,000 accommodations within 20 km.or 12 miles of great Alpine & cross country skiing in the Sutton area.BE ASSURED of our FRIENDLY & COURTEOUS SERVICE THE RECORD — Ski Supplement — Friday, Dec.14, 1984 — 7 Potton people proud of family-oriented ski resort Additional snow-making equipment this year will cover 90 per cent of Owl’s Head’s runs.And owner bred Korman (inset) started it all with a t-bar.%*»**- £>r By Joan McCoy Ling MANSONVILLE — Owl’s Head Mountain, one of the last businesses still in operation in the Township of Potton which employs a number of people, is this area’s major attraction.“The people in the area are happy to see the improvements we’ re making,” said Pierre Chaurette, director of public relations.“I think they are all benefiting from what’s happening here on the mountain — the lodges, the restaurants, the stores and gas bars — they all benefit.” Chaurette said Owl’s Head is not taken for granted in the area.“The public is very aware of the mountain.It’s the major attraction.” Although Owl’s Head is quite self-sufficient, Chaurette remarked that staff do work closely with the tourist bureau in Man-sonville.“They need us and we need them,” he said.“Perhaps, if plans go through for future development, we’ll be working more closely with other businesses in the area.” 50 TO 80 EMPLOYED During the ski season.Owl’s Head employs some 50 to 80 people.“Some of those people like Stanley Pibus and Glen Bullock have been here since the early 60 s,” Chaurette said.Snow-making was introduced at Owl’s Head last year, enough to cover 50 per cent of the ski area.This year’s additional snow- making will cover 90 per cent of the trails, ensuring a ski season of December through the end of April.A new double chairlift was installed, replacing the t-bar on the western slopes.Six chairlifts have an uphill capacity of 6,000 skiers per hour.“That’s one of the attractions of Owl’s Head,” Chaurette said.“There’s almost no waiting.The time spent in driving to get here is worthwhile as compared to others slopes in the area, because there is more actual ski time.” “We’re not as well known as other ski areas like Orford, because we’re not near the autoroute,” Chaurette said.“Once people discover us, they like us.The skiing is fun because there is no waiting, and the view is fantastic.Our clientele come back year after year.” FAMILY ORIENTED Owl’s Head prides itself on being family oriented.“Families feel welcome here,” Chaurette explained.“Often you’ll see a family spreading a tablecloth in the cafeteria, and making a meal a party after skiing.People don’t worry about their children either.Kids can be left to ski on the smaller trails without some crazy skier racing down those slopes.” Chaurette indicated that there was no competition with other nearby mountains.“I don’t like the idea of competing with the other mountains.I prefer to think that together we compete against the Laurentians and Vermont.We’re all doing things to expand.but each one of us will benefit from what the other does.” A multi-million dollar project is in the wind for Owl’s Head and if completed will make the mountain a four-season attraction.“We’re hoping that it will come about next year,” Chaurette said, “but first we’ re having a feasibility program to decide if we’ll go ahead with the plans.” If Owl’s Head does, a marina and condominiums are part of the project.SKI SCHOOL PRIDE “We have a ski school to be proud of,” Chaurette said.“Bob Richardson, a former Canadian Olympic team member, heads up our staff of instructors.The Canadian technique has proven effective in raising students’ abilities and skiing enjoyment in a very short time.” Owl’s Head participates in a program with local schools in Mansonville.Children from both French- and English-language schools are bussed to the mountain for a day of skiing, sometimes as often as once a week.Many of the mountain’s local skiers were first introduced to the hill in this manner.Owl’s Head has been operational for 20 years under one owner, Fred Korman.But Fred and his wife, Lillian, didn’t have plans for a ski resort when they first purchased a farm on Owl’s Head.When the opportunity arose, an estate was bought, and then another farm.Then the wheels were set in motion for Owl’s Head Ski Resort, starting with a couple of chairlifts and a t-bar.The 1,200 acres belonging to the Kormans has been developing ever since.Today Owl’s Head offers 19 trails with a total length of 12 miles, six chairlifts, and the third largest vertical drop in the province — 540 meters (1,770 feet).With five miles of cross-country ski trails and it’s own lodge at the base of the mountain, Owl’s Head’s reputation for hospitality and family- style skiing is complete.Owl’s Head enjoys a large and, owners say, happy clientele right from the beginning of December through the end of April.- 'r.*£- Î# .vr MowT-GLeM (Restaurant Charcuterie LUNCH DINNER LDowntomn Jinomlton d-^0(\l Deli 243-0621 — 70 Lakeside Rd.^©pijQupySaFtèé Natural Food Unpacked goods, dried fruit, nuts, vegetables, spices, herb tea Sandwiches & vegetarian soup, which may be consumed on premises or taken out 363 Principal West Magog Rachelle Longpré, owner Tel.843-6188 The Mountain The lake to 3 a.m.270 Main St.West, Magog Tel.: 843-9365 8 — THE RECORD — Ski Supplement — Friday, Dec.14, 1984 Shefford shakes ’79 nightmare, works for future ** '* ¦¦ Mont Shefford may not be the biggest resort in the Townships, but its staff is working on it.¦iiiiuSiiS n»n h i»»» By Joan McCoy Ling SHEFFORD — Mont Shefford runs on group energy — and mathematics.In its 22-year history, the operation has had four owners, the last of which is a four-person effort which has owned it for the past six years.Aside from acting manager Claudette Fortin, the other three owners come out on the weekends and pitch in with the work.“They spend their weekends working on the mountain, looking after equipment, doing the bookkeeping and attending meetings,” Fortin said.They spent the past summer months making better trails out of existing ones and making two new ones.“We removed mo; t of the rock,” she said.“And the trails are more intermediate now.” The operating costs of a ski resort are much lower without the added expense of snow-making.Of course that means lower prices to the skier.“We create new skiers,” Fortin explained.“They start here because the cost is lower, and after a couple of years when they’re more experienced, many prefer to go to the larger centres.” 1979 DISASTER In 1979, Mont Shefford's total ski season was five days.“It was a disaster for us,” Fortin said.“It’s hard to say that we increase business in the area when we have no snow.But when there is snow, everybody benefits — the motels, the stores, the suppliers.The local people are happy we’re here.When it snows, they're happy for them as well as for us." Mont Shefford employs about 75 people during the ski season, including 45 instructors.The work is very seasonal but one employee, Denis Ostiguy, has found a solution to the seasonal work.Now in his 11th winter at Mont Shefford, Ostiguy works his own sugar bush in the spring and does landscaping in the summer and fall.Mont Shefford offers a variety of family entertainments.They have eight kilometres of easy to intermediate cross-country ski trails and 15 kilometres of expert trails going up into the mountain.Tubing is another specialty of Mont Shefford and it always have something special planned for the weekends.CANDLE PARADE Although there are no lighted trails for night skiing, when the moon is out you can see the candle parade weaving in and out through the trails, usually following some special event like the carnival or balloon day, or some of the races.“A ski area can’t make a living without snow-making,” Fortin said.“We do intend to install snow-making, but not in the near future.We bought Mont Shefford as a hobby, but we found out it was a full-time job to run it.” The other three partners in the business are Claud Fortin, Lucille Gendron and Y von Trottier, and all hold down jobs in Montreal.“We do have a problem here,” Fortin explained.“From the highway, we have only one large trail that is visible.In the early winter and late spring, the sun hits the trail and melts some of the snow.The trail looks like there’s no snow and people don’t stop anymore.What they don’t know is that most of our 11 other trails are hidden from view and are still in operation.” MID-DEC.TO MARCH A good ski season for Mont Shefford runs from the middle of December to the end of March.“Sometimes the season is long enough, but in the past few years we’ve had a lot of rain.Unfortu- nately, if there’s no snow in the cities, people presume there’s none on the mountains,” Fortin remarked.Although Mont Shefford has its problems, it also has some very loyal clientele.“You can compare it to golfing," Fortin said.“At the beginning of the season, a golfer doesn’t care how many balls he loses, as long as he’s the first one to play the game.Some skiers are the same way.They don’t care if they have to walk up the mountain, as long as they’re the first ones to ski.” “We don’t have the outside tourist business here,” Fortin said.“Our clientele come from the south shore of Montreal, Val-court, St.Hyacinthe, Sherbrooke and the local area.” Although Shefford will eventually add snow-making, Fortin commented that the work the other mountains are doing will help them also.“Not all skiers can afford to ski the large centres, she said.“A lot of beginners will start here and as they are more experienced, will go to the larger centres.Competition among rival mountains is good,” she continued.“It makes everybody move a little faster.” DOWN TO THREE Mont Shefford ski school takes children down to the age of three.“At that young age, the children play games to learn skiing,” Fortin explained.“They learn simple things like balancing and they are cared for all day.The parents are free to go and ski.” Special rates are given for the school programs.“We have schools from Montreal who bring their kids here to ski,” Fortin said.“Our local schools also participate in these special programs.” “In the future,” Fortin said, “everyone will have to go to snowmaking, simply because the winters are getting milder.We have some advantages in this area.The temperatures are mild and our trails are located on the north side of the mountain.We don’t get the sun ’til late in the day, so the snow doesn’t melt as fast, even though it’s warm.We’re also close to all the big centres and there’s no traffic jams to get here.” Shefford offers a ski school, restaurant and bar, ski boutique, and rental shop.Three t-bars ac- Ù Aabepge Opfopd 1 THE RISTORANTE ”OA LEONARDO” NEW SCAMPI ES PEPPER STEAK Sunday Nights only 695$ Your hosts: Thérèse Benoît and Bob Martimbeault open from 17h to 23h L AUBERGE ORFORD 20 Merry St.Magog for Reservations 843-9361 Acting manager Claudette Fortin is part of the four-person team which has owned Mont Shefford for the past six years.Lodging Packages rf