Chèvres de Montagne: Always a Magic Moment
It happened during a July heatwave, on a Thursday night. Summer 2018, Manue, the coordinator of the Chèvres de Montagne in the Laurentian region, welcomes me with a big smile to take me on my introduction class to outdoor rock-climbing at Val David Val Morin’s Regional Parc. I did not know what to expect. However, I knew that I was going to go on a new adventure that would fulfill my need to meet women who share the same purposes, ambitions and passions as me.
My friends and family often ask me: “Who are the Chèvres de Montagne exactly?” Well, Chèvres de Montagne is an initiative from Maryse Paquette who wanted to share her passion with other women who want to push their limits in search of outdoor adventures. Her goal was, and remains to this day, to introduce, bring together and educate women of all ages to mountain sport, winter or summer, safely and in a relaxed atmosphere. There are Chèvres de Montagne in all parts of Québec such as the Eastern Townships, Mauricie, Laurentians, Quebec and Gaspésie.
The Chèvres Community
In the summer they practice rock climbing, mountain biking, camping, white water kayaking and fishing. In the winter, backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, winter camping, ice climbing, fat biking and a whole lot more. All these adventures can be done in different packages such as weekly clubs, day trips or weekend getaways. All you need is listen to your adventurous inner voice and register!
Passion for the outdoors and the desire to give back to a growing outdoor community is what drives the Chèvres. In fact, trying a new sport is always an exciting and intoxicating experience for these women! That is why each person involved, either in event coordination or coaching, is there to make sure that women have the best experience possible and learn important notions relating to the sport. It’s the Chèvres’ job!
The community, which is now managed by Pascale Vézina Rioux and Émilie Richard, has more than thirty ambassadors all the way to British-Columbia. The events are more and more popular and more varied. Their implication and reputation in the outdoor community is also recognized. A Chèvre event is always memorable, magical, rewarding.
Meeting Passionate Women
Three years after my first experience in the rock-climbing club, my lifestyle completely changed. Meeting women that share my passion for the outdoors helped me move towards a life goal that had been calling me for a long time: get involved in the outdoor community.
It is a challenge to take on something new, to get out of our comfort zone. Thanks to the Chèvres, I meet a friend and adventure partner, Manue. I tried a whole bunch of sports that I was always interested in but had no idea how to start! And, so many women experience the same thing. Thanks to the Chèvres, I can now get involved, give back, share my knowledge, my passion and continue to learn by participating in workshops.
A delicious Oshlag in hand, skis and board proudly sticking out of the snow, we drink to the end of an awesome day, laughing and reminiscing on our experiences. We plan our new adventures. Bonds are formed. We’re together. Time spent with the Chèvres de Montagne is always a Magic Moment.
To see the program, visit the Chèvres de Montagne website.
Oberson is a proud supporter of the Chèvres de Montagne mission.
