The lack of snow makes itself felt in the eastern Townships for the release

News 5 March, 2018

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Shanny Hallé

Monday, march 5, 2018 19:39

UPDATE
Monday, march 5, 2018 19:41

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The ski resorts have had to redouble their efforts to preserve covered in snow. Despite all that, the snow gives way to grass in the eastern Townships, a situation far from ideal for spring break.

At mont Orford, the parking lot was crowded, Monday. The surface was grainy, but the skiers were still at the rendez-vous.

“For the past few weeks, it is spring skiing. It is ideal for small families. People are often at the last minute. If the weather is nice, they come, otherwise it is something else,” explains Melanie Morier, of the Mont-Orford.

Elsewhere, the icy path of Magog is on the asphalt in many places. Tobogganing and ice-skating rinks in the region are closed. Families must be creative in order to find a plan B.

Games modular, inflatable games, swimming pool and spa, the Chéribourg, Orford, draws its pin from the play. Usually full during the week of spring break, the hotel is occupied at 70 % this year.

“We are very close to mount Orford. So when it is closed or that the weather conditions are bad, we feel. It is also why we have set up the room of games,” said Isabelle Côté, coordinator of the groups at the Chéribourg.

At St-Hubert (Quebec), the economic consequences are felt. Sales typically increase from 15 000 to 25 000 $ for this week, but not this year.

“Outdoor activities do not work, people are wondering what to do, it does not help us. It is too bad, because the world counts on it. So we hope it is going to recover,” said Caroline Proulx, owner of the restaurant St-Hubert Magog.

The school break has a significant economic impact in the eastern Townships. This represents 350 000 visitors, 25 % of the turnover of ski resorts, and $ 10 million in economic impact.

Failure to play in the snow, many families prefer indoor activities such as the cinema, the Laser, the bowling or the Museum of nature and science in Sherbrooke.