Winter In Its Purest Form: Win Your Ski Getaway to Gaspesie
When you think of Gaspésie, you picture sheer cliffs plunging into the Gulf, coastal villages with colourful houses, and Route 132 winding its way around the storied peninsula. In summer, hikers and campers flock there to explore its untamed mountains and rivers. But come winter, Gaspésie shows a very different side. It turns into a vast, almost secret playground, where snow piles up deep and the mountains offer skiers an indelible, wild adventure.
A One-of-a-Kind Winter Destination in Quebec
Few places in Quebec offer so many mountains, so much snow, and such breathtaking scenery. Gaspésie is all at once the power of the Chic-Chocs, the quiet boreal forests, and the vast sweep of the sea. Far from the frenzy of big resorts, the mountaintops are earned here: you climb them under your own power or by snowmobile, and every descent feels like a true reward.
For backcountry ski aficionados, it’s paradise. The peaks, often buffeted by sea winds, collect deep, light snow rivalling that anywhere in the Rockies. From Mont Lyall to Mont Porphyre and the Mines Madeleine (to name just a few), routes range from wide-open slopes to technical couloirs and dense woods. Every run is its own adventure. What better way to experience winter at its peak in Quebec than to head into the backcountry? The silence there is unbroken, save for the whisper of climbing skins or the hiss of skis through powder.
The Chic-Chac: Where the Mountains Feel Like Home
In February 2025, three Oberson employees who live for skiing were lucky enough to receive an invitation from Armada for an unforgettable trip to beautiful Gaspésie. They say the drive alone almost made the trip worth it. Pit stops along the way, such as the Tête d’Allumette microbrewery and Fromagerie du Littoral, made it a next-level Quebec road trip. As enjoyable as the ride was, the thought of finally arriving had our travellers giddy with anticipation. And then, after hours spent talking gear, snow, forecasts, couloirs, and climbs, they reached the place their hearts and their passion for skiing had been leading them.
The Chic-Chac sits in the heart of Murdochville, a former mining town surrounded by mountains. For anyone dreaming of experiencing Gaspésie differently, it’s the perfect spot. But be forewarned: the Chic-Chac is no ordinary hotel. It’s a true base camp for adventurers—a place to sleep well, eat even better, and enjoy the friendly atmosphere after a day of intense skiing. Murdochville itself, tucked away deep in the Chic-Chocs, is a snowy kingdom with over seven metres of powder each winter. A down-to-earth hub of camaraderie and mountain spirit, the Chic-Chac fits right into this setting. It’s so much more than just a resort.
You can explore the mountain at your own pace on your climbing skins with a guided ski tour or feel the rush of a catski descent with a guide leading the way. Heli-skiing offers thrill-seekers an extraordinary skiing experience. After epic ski days, the all-inclusive lodging lets you refuel over a hearty meal, drinks, and lively conversations in the Chic-Chac’s cozy lodge. At its core, it’s a warm place that brings people who love the mountains together.
The Oberson x Armada 2025 Experience
In the winter of 2025, Armada invited a few Oberson employees to discover this Gaspésie gem. Between unforgettable runs, convivial evenings, and bursts of laughter, the experience left its mark on everyone. The employees who took part in the Armada adventure last winter say that catskiing at the Chic-Chac is something every snow lover should experience at least once.
But the trip was more than just a ski getaway. It was an immersion in a local culture infused with community spirit and a love of the mountains. Shared meals after a long day, stories swapped over a local beer (or the legendary Ouragan shot at the Quartier Général), and the simple joy of life’s little pleasures made the trip unforgettable.
Could Your Turn Be Next?
Good news! This year, Oberson is giving you the chance to experience all this for yourself. We’re launching a contest, and the grand prize is a two-night stay with meals for two at the Chic-Chac. As if that weren’t enough, the trip includes one day of catskiing and one day of skiing at Mont Miller. And the cherry on top? The winner will go home with a pair of Armada skis, bindings, and poles.
Picture this: you wake up at the foot of the Chic-Chocs, your skis are ready, and you set out to explore one of Quebec’s most incredible playgrounds. Every run is a blend of thrills and freedom, and every evening you return to the warmth of the Chic-Chac to swap stories and relive the day with fellow enthusiasts. It’s the perfect chance to rediscover Gaspésie—through hard-won descents, wild beauty, and easy camaraderie. And according to our team, it’s a trip you won’t soon forget.
