Frequently asked questions...
...and other info...
Are you ready for a great backcountry experience?
Welcome to The Sled Den Lodge, your home away from home. We are easy to find on Route 132 and on your way to us, it’s not unusual to spot seals resting on the rocks or ice floes as you drive along the coast of the St Lawrence River.
We have plenty of parking and upon arrival, you can stow your riding gear in our custom-built dry room. Bring the rest of your stuff up to your assigned room then come back down to unwind and meet the guides and the other guests. If you’ve been here before, you know the routine: unpack, make yourself comfortable and relax. There’s the fridge and ice machine for your beverages. Coffee, tea, Coke & Ginger Ale are complimentary and available any time. As we say, if you need something, ask, we’ll be happy to try to accommodate.
Our rate includes accommodations, all meals, guiding and pics / videos.
Absolutely not! We welcome all skill levels.
We don’t require a minimum amount of people in a group. As a matter of fact, we have quite a few single riders who come to us. We do have a minimum of a 2 night stay.
Apart from your sled, gear and toiletries, it’s a good idea to have a folding saw, shovel, radio (if you don’t have your own, we can lend you a radio), a gas can to fill up your sled at the end of the day, and if you want, your favority teddy bear!! We provide the bed linens, towels, pillows – feel free to bring your own pillow!
We encourage responsible drinking. If you’re crossing the border, feel free to bring the legal limit. In Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, there is an SAQ (liquor store) as well as Épicerie Thibault, a specialty beer convenience store. Otherwise, there are convenience stores selling beer and a limited amount of liquor within a 15 minute drive of The Sled Den Lodge.
Many travel quite a distance to get here and winter conditions can play a part in determining arrival time. We understand and are flexible. Please let us know your expected arrival time and keep us informed of any significant changes. Checkout is generally by 10 am unless other arrangements have been made.
We can take reservations up to a year in advance and we encourage larger groups to reserve as soon as dates are known.
Deposits are refundable up to one month prior to date of arrival.
On your way to us, Sainte-Anne-des-Monts has multiple gas stations and convenience stores as well as a major grocery store (Metro). Otherwise, there are convenience stores and gas stations (with diesel) all within 10 – 15 minutes from The Sled Den Lodge.
There is no additional registration in Quebec. However, off-road vehicles (snowmobiles, snowbikes, etc.) must be registered or licensed somewhere (with your own government authority is fine). THE SLED DEN DOES NOT ACCESS ANY FCMQ TRAILS, therefore no permit is required. Proof of insurance is a good idea to have.
Any exhaust modification is illegal in Quebec. Run at your own risk.
It’s expected your buddies will help tow you out, if needed. However, the beauty of being at The Sled Den is that it’s like a family. If your sled breaks down, our guides can lend a hand and it’s been our experience that many of our guests will happily join in. If it’s beyond repair, we have rentals to help you out. We also carry a limited selection of consumables in our Boutique: spark plugs, oil….
Backcountry road riding in the Chic Chocs usually starts in November & December, perfect for getting in those first rides or breaking in that new sled! Off trail starts whenever the snow is deep enough, about a month after the first snowfall. During an average season, January onwards is great! Powder riding is usually until the third weekend in April or so – sometimes later and can run through end May.
Our guides’ priority is our guests. Unless you are staying at The Sled Den Lodge or at our rental house, sorry, we cannot accommodate.
Please let us know in advance. We are quite accustomed to gluten free, lactose free and vegetarian diets. Please feel free to bring any of your own specialty foodstuffs.
We have a ‘Rideability Policy’. If two days before your expected arrival, we believe the conditions will be questionable, we’ll contact you (or you can call us) and let you know the situation. You’ll have the choice of keeping your reservation and taking a chance on the conditions, rebooking subject to availability or cancelling outright. If the adverse conditions are sufficiently severe – if there is any question of safety – we will cancel you. In either case of cancellation, your deposit is refundable.
No exceptions – to ride an FCMQ trail, you must have an FCMQ permit – regardless of whatever else you may have heard. Permits are available on line at the FCMQ site.
The Sled Den Lodge is at 592 rue Principale E, Riviere-a-Claude, Quebec G0E 1Z0. Our rental house is right next door at 588.
We hope all stays well with your loved ones. However, as life is unpredictable, we can be in contact with our guides in the backcountry during the day to notify you of any urgent message from home. We hope it would not be necessary, but in case of need, the closest airport with regularly scheduled flight is Mont Joli .
We have an onsite Boutique with a selection of items from Sled Den merchandise, sledding clothing and gear, to spark plugs and oil. If we don’t carry it or have it on hand to lend to you, we can check with one of the local stores.
Generally, breakfast is ready between 8 & 9 am when (most) everyone is downstairs. Groups depart The Sled Den Lodge (with a sandwich wrap for lunch) around 9:30 ish with a 10 – 15 minute drive to the launch point. Play in the backcountry all day then return from the mountain is about 45 minutes before sunset (your guide will let you know). For safety and security, you should be back at the launch point by dark. Snacks on arrival back at The Lodge and dinner at is around 6:30 – 7 pm. The rest of the evening is free to socialize, relax, tend to your sled……It’s up to you….
