Published: April 19, 2025
Preparing a mountain for summer is no small feat—especially when it features the highest vertical drop east of the Canadian Rockies. Each spring, snowmelt sets the pace for operations and plays a critical role in how and when trails can open.
Spring in the mountains: a critical transition
As winter fades, our teams shift their focus to preparing hiking trails and mountain biking trails for the upcoming season. Timing is everything. Working in the mountains in spring means adapting daily to changing conditions and letting nature lead the way.
Water management: the foundation of trail work
After months buried under snow, trail conditions can be unpredictable. The first step is always a full inspection of the network to assess damage and prioritize maintenance.
Key interventions include:
-
Clearing and reopening culverts
-
Removing built-up sediment
-
Re-digging drainage ditches
-
Clearing debris and leaf buildup
-
Building water channels and berms
The goal: dry out the trails as quickly as possible to ensure safe and sustainable access.
Trail building and maintenance
Once water flow is under control, trail crews begin repairing and reshaping the terrain. This phase is essential to delivering high-quality mountain biking and hiking experiences.
However, spring conditions remain fragile. Even when trails appear dry on the surface, the ground underneath may still be saturated. With limited absorption capacity, additional rainfall can quickly reverse progress.
That’s why temporary trail closures are sometimes necessary. Respecting these measures helps protect trail integrity and ensures better conditions throughout the season.
Working in sync with nature
Maintaining trails across the vast terrain of Le Massif de Charlevoix means working within a unique and sensitive ecosystem.
Our approach is simple: work with nature, not against it. By respecting natural cycles, we can offer exceptional outdoor experiences in Quebec, from mountain biking to hiking, season after season.
