Safety and rules

Like all ski resorts in Quebec, we work jointly with theThe Quebec Ski Area Association (ASSQ) to establish safety rules in our resort. These rules are determined in collaboration with the ASSQ, but may differ from another ski resort depending on what we consider safe for skiers and mountain staff.

We thank you in advance for your collaboration!

Mountain Code of Conduct

The Mountain Code of Conduct sets guidelines for happy harmony between all ski area users, and helps reduce the risk of injury. It also applies to snowparks. The term ‟ski” includes any activity connected to a ski area (snowboarding, telemark skiing, etc.)

For everyone’s safety, including yours, skiers must be respectful towards others and obey the Mountain Code of Conduct, as well as any other ski area rules, regulations and sanctions in effect. Patrollers may intervene and confiscate a lift ticket should the Mountain Code of Conduct not be respected.

The Golden Rule: Control!

Keep your speed in check, and always control your direction. Make sure you can stop and avoid any person or obstacle at all times.

Yield to Anyone Downhill of You!

Yield to persons downhill, and choose a course that ensures their safety.

Free Up the Trail!

Only stop if you can be seen from above, and never obstruct the trail.

At Intersections, Yield to Persons Uphill!

Yield to skiers and riders uphill of you when entering a trail, or at intersections.

Help The Ski Patrol!

If you’re involved in or witness an accident, remain at the scene and identify yourself to a first-aider.

No To Runaway Gear!

Always use and wear the appropriate device to prevent runaway equipment.

No Drugs, No Alcohol!

Do not use the lifts or trails when under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Obey the Signs!

Obey all signs and warnings, and never venture off the trail or onto a closed trail.

Be Careful On The Lifts!

Ask the lift attendant for help if you’re not familiar with how it operates. Obey all signs posted on lift towers.

The Mont-Orford Ski Patrol's first priority is accident prevention and they are trained to provide first aid, assistance and rescue services to our customers.

When the station is in operation, you can join the Mont-Orford patrol at 819-843-6548 ext. 8448 or even join them on site at their premises near the Ski Vélo Vincent Renaud store at the foot of the hybrid lift.

Outside the station's opening hours, dial 911 for assistance. Plan a delay and note that the cellular signal does not enter everywhere on the mountain.

A little history...

In 1955, Arlene Buzzell Whittier founded the Mont-Orford Ski Patrol with one goal in mind: come to the aid and rescue of skiers, directly on the ski trails. Then, throughout the following years, the ski patrol became more and more important, and today it can count over 70 volunteers and 9 full-time members patrolling the mountain. Together, they share a passion for snow sports and are dedicated to providing quality services to prevent accidents and promote safety. Our well-trained ski patrollers come from diverse work backgrounds, and some can count over 30 years of experience on our trails.

To get the most out of your day of skiing or snowboarding, you need the right equipment. Comfort and safety are often the main things to look for when buying gear. Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice. For more information about equipment, see the ASSQ website.

Mont-Orford is happy to authorize several sports at the resort. The authorized sports are as follows:

Skiing, snowboarding, telemark.
Uphill skiing following hours and designated zones. Details here.
Night hiking in crampons or snowshoeing, but only from 4:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. Details here.
The snow-scoot, snow-go and snow-skate are not authorized.

All other activities are prohibited at all time, such as snow-blades and sliding of all kinds. These sports are prohibited either because they are not safe or because they damage the ski trails for skiers, snowboarders or those who practice uphill skiing. Thank you for your respect!

Outside of the resort's opening hours, only uphill skiing is permitted. Mont-Orford is very happy to allow the practice of this popular sport, but would like to recall certain uses and notions of safety.

Outside of the station's opening hours, alpine hiking is permitted from 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

We invite you to consult the uphill skiing page for all the necessary information.

No access to closed trails

Dangerous trails conditions, lack of emergency or ski patrol assistance, equipment and employees at work are all reasons why certain trails are prohibited from skiing, at all times. If a trails or path is closed, it is for good reason!

Respect the designated trails for the ascent and descent

At all times, it is important to respect the trails that are authorized for climbing and descending during uphill skiing.

When the station is in operation (from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.), the opened and marked trails are allowed for the descent and only the ascending paths or corridors are available for the ascent.

Before and after the resort's opening hours (from 6 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.), only certain trails are permitted, both for the ascent and the descent. To view them, download the map of uphill skiing trails. Some trails are not authorized due to maintenance and grooming work. The grooming operations require the use of a winch, which poses a real danger for the skier who would come into contact with the steel cable. Please note that cables can be up to 1,000 meters long and that they are used EVERYWHERE on the mountain at anytime. Steel cable can be difficult to detect and dangerous.