Camp Fortune

Camp Fortune is the closest ski mountain to the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau, at only a 15-minute drive away. The mountain features a wide variety of trails, spread over 3 distinct mountainsides. Each side offers something different, from the family atmosphere to more challenging steep and higher speed trails, to long intermediate cruisers, Camp Fortune has it all, with 27 trails, 13 of which are open for night skiing, served by 8 lifts, consisting of 4 quad chairlifts and 1 triple. The mountain also features 2 base chalets, offering options for where you want to start and end your day.

Located in Gatineau Park, Camp Fortune offers great ski conditions all season long thanks to snowmaking coverage on almost all trails.

The Mountain and the Ski Trails

The Valley is the main side of Camp Fortune, and is home to the large main chalet and all the services of the mountain. As its name implies, this area is formed inside a Valley with skiing on three of its sides. Starting with the Pineault sector, you will find the main beginner trails as well as the snow park. Clifford sector has beginner to advanced trails, and are also very popular for race training and competitions. Two magic carpet lifts can be found at the base of this area. Finally, the Alexander t-bar side offers a more retro skiing experience, with no snowmaking and operating only on weekends and holidays.

The Meech side of the mountain features two trails, both intermediate in difficulty. Paradis, the longest trail at Camp Fortune, offers several constant pitches over the course of its descent. North American is more of a natural snow trail, frequently left ungroomed, allowing bumps and moguls to form. Despite only having two trails, the lift lines on Meech are always short to non-existent, even on weekends.

Skyline, the third side of the mountain is actually the first you pass when driving to Camp Fortune. This side has a small chalet, offering lighter snacks, meals and drinks. Skyline features the most challenging and expert terrain, with the highest vertical drop. Heggtveit, a double diamond, offers consistent fall-line skiing from top to bottom. Other trails such as Canadian and Bud Clark, offer steep drops and high speed, culminating into a bowl-shaped area near the bottom where most trails converge. Sparks, the sole intermediate trail, winds its way down around the outer perimeter of Skyline, and offers plenty of turns and action. The best views can usually be found on Skyline thanks to its orientation towards the city.

There are a few gladed trails spread across the mountain, ranging from intermediate to expert. To the side of Marshall you will find a glade that is relatively tame, while on Skyline passing just under the chairlift, you will find one that is narrow and steep.

Unique Features

Camp Fortune offers the longest ski season in the Ottawa/Gatineau region. Consistently the first to open mid-November with the Pineault trail and the last to close with the Skyline side of the mountain, usually mid to end of April.

The mountain features two chalets, offering options for where to park and start your day. Skyline is the first you pass as you arrive and if you are the type to put on your gear and set up outside your car, you may be better-served parking here as the lot is much closer to the lifts and fills up less than the other side of the mountain. For all the services offered or if you are coming as a family, then the Valley side is your place of choice. The lodge is spacious, offering views of the beginner areas.

The three sides of the mountain make Camp Fortune very unique in the region. With different orientations to the sun, you can surely find snow conditions and sun exposure to your liking any day you visit. From the more bustling family-oriented side of the Valley, to the quieter and more natural slopes of the T-Bar, to the more challenging and advanced Skyline, to the long cruisers of Meech, each side is unique and gives Camp Fortune a mini-resort feeling all over.

Camp Fortune's proximity to the city, at only a 15-minute drive away, makes it an ideal choice for skiing after work in the evening. With all the main trails lit for night skiing, the fun lasts until 10 pm, Monday to Saturday.

Why visit Camp Fortune?

Camp Fortune's mountain layout offers something for everyone. Whether you want a quiet day on the groomed slopes, to a more adventurous time on the steeps, or lessons for your family and children, Camp Fortune is the place for you. Each area offers something unique and different from the rest, while all remaining easily accessible to enjoy and discover. 

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