Hiking permitted at Mont-Orford: Access fee now applies

Mont-Orford will officially open its trails and paths to hikers and outdoor enthusiasts as of May 28. Admission will remain free for residents of the Memphrémagog MRC as well as 2020-21 ski season subscribers who purchased their season pass before June 1st. However, the Board of Directors has decided to introduce a new access fee effective June 20 for customers from outside the MRC.
The notable increase in traffic from citizens and tourists alike made it necessary to introduce an access fee to visit Mont-Orford in the summer and fall.
“A large number of people come to walk and train at the mountain and the majority of them want more services and facilities, not to mention the minimum maintenance work that must be done at all times. It is therefore in order to meet their needs, to supervise the practice of sports and especially, to improve their experience that a fee will now be charged,” commented Simon Blouin, General Manager of the Corporation Ski & Golf Mont-Orford in a recent press release.
The popular summer period is also an important source of revenue for the Corporation, which operates as a non-profit, and will allow revenues from the station for long-term vision and improvements. All the money generated by Mount Orford is automatically invested into the business and is used for the proper functioning of all seasons and all activities. During the summer, the fee will allow the mountain to offer bathroom and shower services, add and improve trail signage, provide the services of an employee to guide and inform hikers and maintain and protect the trails. It will also provide amenities at the base of the station on the outdoor terrace, eventually add new training modules, maintain and make the parking lots accessible.
Access will be free for residents of the Memphrémagog MRC for the summer of 2020, as well as for ski season subscribers who will have purchased their 2020-21 season pass during the 1st presale, that is, before June 1, 2020 (except for Flex subscribers). Starting in the summer of 2021 and for the following years, a 50% discount will be in effect on the rates for residents of the Memphremagog MRC.
The rate for visitors from outside the MRC and non-ski pass holders will be free for people 17 and under and $8 for Adults and students. Summer passes are available for $40 for adults and $30 for students.

For full story and others, subscribe now.