L'Algonquin is the brand new (for spring 2010) trail
on "Versant Soleil".
It is rated as a "Green" or easy run, however for reasons
outlined below, we feel all skill levels will appreciate its
very fine surfaces and wide unrestricted space.
This run was opened on a limited basis, spring 2010, mostly due
to it being a stat's wise, low snow year, so coverage was not quite
ideal to support unlimited traffic. Non-the-less, it was open and we
did get some great shots which we will add here as time permits.
- www.tremblant360.com photo. All rights reserved.
- L'Algonquin.TG.jpg (187.46 KiB) Viewed 10363 times
Trail Map Detail.
- Screenshot courtesy of ww.tremblant.ca downloadable PDF
- South.Soleil.TG.jpg (239.12 KiB) Viewed 10359 times
Algonquin represents the most modern and sophisticated
trail construction on the Mountain in our opinion.
It seems apparent to us that it has been laid out and
constructed by Highway Engineers with gradients, composite
and compacted sub-surfaces as well as drainage that are all
very Highway-like. It has proper culverts and it is beautifully
sloped in order to keep as close as possible to ideal surface quality.
Very nicely done Tremblant!
Below is an Upper Algonquin sector shot showing the broad, wide
open scope of the run in one of it's gently descending plateau
zones. An unquestionably fine learning environment.
- Algonquin.Trail.95.Tremblant.Geo.jpg (299.74 KiB) Viewed 10139 times
Here is an early February snowy day pic sample just to get your
anticipation up. When Algonquin is groomed like this, it is
like a gently sloping billiard table that is about 30-40 metres
wide and about 4 kilometres long.
- www.tremblant360.com photo. All rights reserved.
- Algonquin.Trail..No.95.Catalogue.2.3.12.jpg (286.58 KiB) Viewed 10171 times
We think Algonquin can be best described as a "Boulevard",
meaning wide and accommodating with easy, consistent
pitches. It follows a very gently meandering path down
and there are a few plateau-like zones between the more
inclined sectors. Skiers will have more options for
motive technique with the skating action of independent
legs and this is where we feel it will bring out the advantages
of dynamic edge control. This is a superb learning environment
for discovering and developing edge sensitivity on skis.
It is ideally suited to all levels of skier skills, so whether
you are a beginner seeking to learn, or an expert wanting
to develop the most refined elements of technique, this
beautifully laid out cruising run is a great choice.
There will be some "experts" who may disagree with us on
the above, however, we feel that some of the very subtle
characteristics of edge control can only be developed on
this type of terrain.
Think of it this way...
Analogy to Sailing. Any "Sailor" can sail quickly in a high wind.
Only the very best "Sailors" can make speed in low winds because
that's where macro-knowledge allows self-tuning to get the maximum
out of the minimum.
Same with skiing.
To keep maximum speed on a gentle incline requires real skills sensitivity
to maximize efficiency in edging, friction reduction, and even the use of skis
to generate propulsion by a skating action, all of which can be transferred
back to control and input techniques on steeper more demanding slopes.
Based on feedback we've gotten from Snowboarders, they may
find that they need to build speed in order to maintain momentum
through the shallower inclines of Algonquin and it may be necessary
to "pump" the board to carry sufficient speed to reach the next pitch.
Wide and Smooth are the hallmarks of Algonquin.
Looking back up towards the Summit from one of the first turns in Algonquin’s
upper level, you can see the wooden fence rail of Versant Soleil’s main access
route, Trail #40, Franc Sud, just above the entrance points to #41 Toboggan
and Algonquin.
- www.tremblant360.com photo. All rights reserved.
- 2.10.15.Soleil.Sector.Algonquin.Easy.Learnig.Easy.Turning.d.jpg (417.34 KiB) Viewed 8609 times
Looking down at a mid-point.
- 4.2.22.Soleil.Sector.Algonquin.Super.Smooth.Groomed.Near.Flawless.a.jpg (1.18 MiB) Viewed 3990 times
Looking up at the last turn before the runout to base.
- 3.10.22.Soleil.Algonquin.Groomed.Quality.Excellence.Overview.b.jpg (1.46 MiB) Viewed 3990 times
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