L'Esterel Snowmobile Resort
(1 hr N of Montreal QC)
Early on Sunday morning, I drove into the Esterel's secure parking
area, surrounded by snow covered pines, with huge snowbanks on either
side. This is every snowmobiler's dream; snow everwhere and twenty
degrees below freezing.
See
video clip of Drive to Esterel
Call Wanda's Cel right now to book! 450-275-5116
Go
to Esterel Web Site Now
Call Wanda the Snowmobile Hostess
1-888-378-3735
Dec 10 2007: Esterel Quebec:
The past two days I have been spoiled night and day by Wanda the director
of snowmobile tourism here at the Esterel. Tomorrow, I will spend
time in the groomer with Robert the snow groomer driver for the Blizzard
Snowmobile Club. Remember the photos I took two years ago? Well, get
ready for more soon!
The snowmobile trail is shaping up very nicely, as
the club works full time with all volunteer drivers. The place is
so beautiful, the people so warm and hospitable. Zenwaiter may never
leave.
Thanks to the owner, Mr Z, and to all the staff
here for their kindness. Let's all come to Esterel this winter, at
least once. Enjoy the Five Star accommodations and service, for the
very reasonable price of 89. bucks per night, and don't forget, the
price includes an amazing breakfast in the dining room, secure parking
for your truck and trailer, and the most beautiful hostess on the
planet, bar none. WHOA!!! Somebody give me some Nitro, I'm
on the verge of having full cardiac arrest!
This is a photo taken from an aerial shot of L'Esterel. I copied it
to show you that the 125 room convention resort is located between
two bodies of water, and surrounded by Laurentian mountains. A lake
is always good for snowmobilers. If the trail gets soft while we are
staying at L'Esterel, we can always spend a day playing on the lake!
I pulled the car and trailer into the compound. When I stepped out
into the cold still air, I looked over towards the lake, and saw the
sled dogs. 140 beautiful fluffy huskies up on their houses, waiting
for breakfast. Some were whimpering, some were barking, and a few
were howling. It was definately time to eat.
The owner told me that she has to fatten them up
all summer, so that they will have the energy needed to pull tourists
around the trails all winter. It takes six to eight dogs to pull someone.
The dog teams take turns in a rotation, in order to spread the work
evenly over the pack.
Every one of these fine animals looks soft and cudly, but they are
working dogs, bred with a purpose. They are not pets. The workers
were feeding the dogs when I arrived, and they warned me to stay clear
of the food dishes. They could mistake me for a t-bone.
(L) Paul, Blizzard Club President, Zen, Wanda, and Robert the Groomer
operator.
The securty gaurd in the parking lot directed me to a safe spot, I
grabbed my lap top and pack sack, and headed inside. Wanda, the Director
of snowmobile tourism for the Esterel, met me with a warm smile, and
led me off to the dining room for breakast. There I sat down with
Paul, the president of the Blizzard Snowmobile Club, Robert the main
operator of the BR 180 trail groomer, and Mr Z, the owner of the Esterel
Resort. We were offered the breakfast buffet, and as always, I excersised
full restraint as I loaded my plate (not). The selection of
cheeses, meats and fruit ranged from mango to exotic meats and spiced
sausages. If I worked here, I would weigh three hundred pounds by
spring.
Sunshine
exterior clip of Esterel
High
speed Internet access in lobby
Wanda, my snowmobile hostess, drove me around the lake, and took me
to the village of St-Margurite, a quaint French village on the water.
Everything looked like a post card. (Somebody - "pinch me!"
)
Golf
Course deep Powder drive by
Wanda introduces Zen to 'Rambo', Chief of Security at the Esterel
secure parking area.
Wanda showed me the Bistro Champlain, where there
is a world famous wine cellar, containing litterally millions of dallors
of rare collector wines.
As we returned to the car, we met 'Rambo',
the Director of Security at the Esterel. He is well known and loved
by all the snowmobilers who ride at the Esterel, and is in charge
of secure parking with his staff, 24/7. There has been no snowmobile
theft at Esterel.
Rambo commands respect from the locals in town, and
the word is out in the area, "Don't mess with the the guests
at the Esterel, or you'll have to deal with Rambo." He's
friendly like a gorilla. Tipping the scale at almost 300 pounds, he
stands a full six foot three inches tall. His presence puts us all
at ease the moment we park our trailers in the yard. It's nice to
knowthat my gear is secure at the Esterel, I can sleep soundly with
no worries. Wanda absolutely loves this big guy. "It's like
standing next to a mountain." she says.
Call Wanda's Cel right now to book! 450-275-5116
Go
to Esterel Web Site Now
Call Wanda the Snowmobile Hostess
1-888-378-3735
Back at the Esterel the temperature was ten below freezing, and the
snowmobile club boys shared their enthusiasm. "Finally, we
are going to have a great year, we hope! We are off to a good start
with over a foot of snow on the ground." said Paul.
Watch
video clip of Wanda in the Snow Club Garage
Zen
is ready to ride
I pulled my sled off the trailer, and Wanda led me out onto the trails.
We headed towards the town of Entre-Lac. My little 500 GSX is not
made for two, so Wanda had to saddle up real close. This was very
uncomfortable for me, but I suffered through it. :)
On the trail we stopped a few times to talk with the locals. The trail
was only packed down, not groomed yet, but there was a ton of snow.
Now (Dec 12) it is fully groomed.
You can see the amount of fresh snow, and the tracks. This photo is
decieving however, in reality, the trail is slow going, with lots
of bumps. In a few low spots, there are branches and icy patches where
the streams froze up on the rail. The groomer has his work cut out
for him. This morning as I write this (Dec 11) The groomer guys are
out on the trails, pulling the ton sled with the knives. When they
are done tomorrow, this will be a lot smoother.
Wanda is a good riding partner, but the helmet I lent her is too big
and flopped around on her head. In spite of the bumps, she never once
complained. She really loves the sport.
Call Wanda's Cel right now to book! 450-275-5116
Back at the Esterel, the sun went down, and we headed in for the dinner.
Time to eat some more. We were received by Marc at the dining room,
the Maitre D. This is a seriously formal dining room, warmed by a
candle lit atmosphere. Tonite, it would be me, Wanda, and five star
eats. Man, this is a rough job - but somebody has to do it. :)
See
video of the Esterel lobby at night
At this point, I was wishing I had packed my dinner jacket and some
dress shoes. Never the less, my host was charming, and made me feel
at home. The candle light, the aromatic house wine, and the amazing
service, made me feel totally loved and pampered. I can say with full
confidence, that any snowmobiler would feel welcomed here, and receive
a warm reception. Remember, there is a less formal restaurant in the
bar, and a third one on the lower level that is cafeteria style. All
the food at Esterel is fresh and made by hand.
Wanda and I enoyed a seafood aperitif, which looked more like a work
of art than something to eat. This was followed by a delicious vegetable
potage, and a flamming Pepper Steak. See firey the video.
Flames
in the Dining Room!
Next morning, Wanda met me for breakfast, and once again, I had to
engage my self discipline at the table. I ate a very nice fruit platter
with a yogurt, rye bread toast, grapefruit juice, and delicious hot
coffee.. lots of coffee. I wasn't rushed, and the lake view had light
snow falling that looked like a Disney movie sceene. This is the way
I like to start every day. The snowmobile hostess was charming as
always, and we discussed the challenges of our industry, like the
weather and the unpredictable currency.
Video
clip of breakfast with Wanda
From the table, I could see the skating rink out on the lake. Families
visit the Esterel to do a variety of winter activities. Dad may go
out on his snowmobile with the boys, Mom may take the children on
a dog sled tour of the lake, or go shopping in the village where there
are several designer boutiques. The next day, the whole family can
go skiing at a local hill, or spend the day snow shoeing and skating.
The Esterel has everything you need, from ski rentals and snowmobiles,
to a horse drawn sliegh for a winter holiday you will never forget.
Esterel has been here for close to fifty years, serving generations
of families. When I was a small boy, my Grandfather brough me here
to go on a slegh ride. The sliegh bells and the big warm blanket over
our knees left lifetime impressions in my memory, and it all comes
back every time I visit. An Esterel holiday is a family tradition
for thousands of Quebecers, and you are invited to make it part of
your family's photo album too.
Call Wanda today to book your rooms. The price for the snowmobile
package is only 89. pr night based on double occupancy, and includes
a fantastic full breakfast in the dining room. Ask Wanda about the
special American bar menu. I can tell you the the food here is incredible
and very reasonable. Here are a few examples from the restauraunt
in the bar.
Nachos with Salsa and sour creme
Chicken wings with veggies on the side
A selection of fine cheeses and veggies
Pepperoni Pizza
Baby Back Ribs with steak fries
Chicken and Ribs with Steak Fries
The Esterel Burger with cheddar bacon and fries
Call Wanda's Cel right now to book! 450-275-5116
Go
to Esterel Web Site Now
Call Wanda the Snowmobile Hostess
1-888-378-3735
December 11th 2007
More of short video clips
French
Rambo
English
Rambo - Chief of Security
The
Lovely Wanda - Snowmobile Hostess
Look
at the Trail Base Dec 10 07
Wanda
Wanda Wanda I Love You!
Riding
with Wanda
Learn about
Esterel Security Here
More News from Esterel
The Health Spa
The Esterel Hotel has an incredible spa to pamper
your aching bones after a long ride.
Okay boys, here is the plan. Come to Esterel with your wife. She gets
a mud bath, and you get to ride! OR if she loves to rides as much
as you do, you can both ride all day, then take a SPA day off, get
covered in mud, get a massage, the whole nine yards. This will be
a fun relaxing couples activity.
Snowmobile Event for Women
AT L'ESTEREL
Saturday February
23rd
Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Rally
Quebec
Chapter News Here
Register now 1-866-717-7773
Early this morning, I drove to the Esterel Hotel -
winter resort about one hour north of Montreal. The snow on the ground
created an awesome feeling as I drove through the Laurentian mountains
past lakes and rivers, and forests of Maple trees. I met the new snowmobile
coordinator, Wanda, and I am happy to report that she is fully committed
to making your stay at L'Esterel, your best snowmobile holiday ever.
The Blizzard snowmobile club here, is working hard at grooming their
80 kilometers of trails. So far, they have run through them one time
to flatten the big snow into a solid base. Wanda and I went for a
spin from the hotel up to the village of Entre-Lac. The trail had
a good foot of snow, but was very rough with iced over low spots,
exposed roots, and branches reachig out for my face shield. We helped
one snowmobiler to get un-stuck. She had strayed from the trail into
deep soft powder. With continuing cold weather, the trails will soon
harden. Then the club will send the groomer out with the scraper in
tow to make excellent trail. The Esterel is unique as far as snowmobile
resorts is concerned, for many reasons. More on this soon with lots
of photos and video clips.
Call Wanda's Cel right now to book! 450-275-5116
Go
to Esterel Web Site Now
Call Wanda the Snowmobile Hostess
1-888-378-3735
More
Contents Here
