Frequently Asked Questions
Here’s our Frequently Asked Questions page. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you can’t find what you’re looking for. There’s also our POLICY page with more info on payments, cancelations, COVID…
COVID
WHAT IS YOUR POLICY
We are currently working with the government for approval of our policies and procedures. We will post them on our website as soon as everything is confirmed and follows the government’s rules.
RESTAURANT/ FOOD
Your packages includes lunches, but is it possible to get take out meals for autonomous trips?
Yes, please advise us a day in advance and it will be our pleasure to prepare sandwiches and other snacks for a day out on the mountains.
Do you have meal options?
We offer hot breakfasts that can vary a day to another, with a continental style buffet. Lunches includes take out sandwiches and snacks, and/or a hot meal on site. We usually have 2 options for lunch and dinner; meal of the day and a vegetarian option (please advise ahead if special needs). Lunch and dinner includes soup and dessert.
Our meals vary one week to another, here’s a few examples;
Breakfast: eggs, sausages, bacon, potatoes, fruits, egg sandwich, omelette, crepes, waffles…
Lunch : Burgers/ Lasagna / Home made Pizza / Panini
Dinner : Flank steak/ Chicken curry / Osso buco / Pulled pork burgers / Quiche
IF I HAVE A SPECIAL DIET, CAN THE KITCHEN ACCOMMODATE MY MEALS?
Concerning allergies and intolerances, please contact directly the reception and our team will coordinate with the kitchen so we can securely offer you meals. It’s possible to have vegetarian options, simply communicate with the reception at 418-784-3311.
LODGING
DO I HAVE TO BRING MY SHOWER TOWEL?
Yes, we do not provide shower towels. You also need to bring your own soap an shampoo.
ARE BED SHEETS SUPPLIED IN THE BEDROOMS?
Yes, all bed sheets and linen are provided, including pillows.
ARE ANIMALS ALLOWED AT THE CHIC CHAC?
Unfortunately, for now, animals are not allowed in our facilities. Support animals are authorized in our private homes under condition to present a valid card when making a reservation.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ECONOMIC, COMFORT & VIP?
The difference between our 3 categories is based on the type of lodging chosen; lodging residences (Chic Chac, Presbytery) or the private houses. The lodging residence can be Economic or Comfort, while the private house can be Comfort or VIP.
Lodging residence:
An occupation said to be Economic is when you occupy more than 50% of the total capacity of the bedroom. As an example, a stay for 2 people in one bedroom with one double bed is Economic. A comfort occupation is when you occupy 50% or less of a bedroom’s capacity. As an example, a stay of 2 people sharing a room with 2 double beds is Comfort.
Lodging in a private house :
A comfort occupation is when you’re staying in one of our private homes. A VIP occupation is when staying in our Big Bill house located at the foothill of Mont Miller which has been entirely refurbished. It’s our most luxurious lodging. A minimum of 4 people are required to book a private house.
SKI & TERRAIN
DO YOU NEED TO BE AN "EXPERT" TO SKI IN THE CHIC-CHOCS?
No, the Chic-Chac makes it our mission to offer terrain for all ski levels. Whether it’s your first time the backcountry, or looking for a big thrill, we have access to all types of terrain. Our guides will be more than happy to recommend the best lines according to your capacity.
CAN WE GET OUR SKIS WAXED AND TUNED AT THE CHIC CHAC?
No, we don’t offer this service on site. It’s recommended to have your equipment tuned before your trip.
ARE POWDER SKIS MANDATORY?
No, but it’s highly recommended to use wider skis than normally used on groomed slopes. We have Salomon and Armada skis, and Burton splitboards available for rental. Quantities are limited so be sure to reserve what you need when booking your trip.
CAN I RENT SKI/SNOWBOARD BOOTS ON SITE?
No, we don’t have boots for rent. You need to bring your own. Our skis are made to fit with regular ski boots, and not “tech” boots made for touring. If you’re missing some backcountry and snowboard gear, please visit our retail partner ALTERNATIVE 113
HOW MANY RUNS CAN WE DO I A DAY OF CASTKIING?
It’s possible to do on average 6 to 10 runs in a day of catskiing. The number of runs vary on the ski level and speed of the group, sunset on that day and snowfall. In fact, the bigger the snowfall, the slower the catski can advance, however more snow means more fun 😉
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PORPHYRE AND MT YORK?
Mount Porphyre is accessible to the public and maintain by the FQME. You can procure yourself a daily pass or annual membership on their website, or when at the Chic Chac reception. The Porphyre is an intermediary to expert level mountain adjacent to Murdochville, making its accessibility very easy using skins, or catski.
Mount York is an exclusive mountain to the Chic Chac. It is further in the backcountry, only accessible by catski and takes about 45min to get there. Ski touring is forbidden. The York has more trails, glades and platforms than the Porphyre. Platforms, are wooden structures built by the Chic Chac to simulate cliffs and drops, making your descent that much more fun and exciting!
IS THERE DESIGNATED DAYS FOR CATSKIING?
No, the catski can operate any day of the week. Only require a minimum of 4 persons to take out a catski. Call us for availability 418-784-3311!
DO I NEED AVALANCHE SECURITY EQUIPMENT FOR MY GUIDED SKI TRIPS?
Avalanche security equipment (ARVA, probe & shovel) are included in your guided activity, but if you have your own, please bring it with you. The backpack is not included, you need to bring your own.
WHERE CAN WE GO IN A GUIDED TREKKING TRIP?
It’s possible to do guided trekking trips in many sectors around Murdochville, or in the Gaspesie National Park (about 45min drive from town). The mounts Lyall, Hog’s Back, Champs-de-Mars, Vallières are a few examples of nearby mountains.
WHERE CAN WE HELISKI?
Many summits are accessible, the main ones being are Mont Miller, the Porphyre and York Mountain.
LOGISTICS / BOOKING / OTHER
IS IT MANDATORY TO BOOK A DAY OF GUIDED ACTIVITY?
No, it’s not mandatory to book a guided activity, but it is highly recommended to ensure a seat in the castki. Seats are limited and so are guides for trekking trips.
WHAT GROUP DISCOUNTS DO YOU OFFER?
We offer 10% for groups of 10 or more, 20% for groups of 20 or more.
Discounts on guided trekking are as follows.
If purchased “à la carte” :
- Groups of 5 to 6 persons : 15% discount
- Groups of 7 to 8 persons : 20% discount
- Groups of 9 to 10 persons : 25% discount
- Groups of 11 persons or more : 30% discount
If booked within a package :
- Groups of 5 to 7 persons : 5% discount
- Groups of 8 to 10 persons : 10% discount
- Groups of 11 persons or more : 15% discount
WHAT SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE IN MURDOCHVILLE?
All the basics; A CLSC (Local Service Community Center) with a doctor available 24/7, a grocery store with small SAQ selection, Desjardins ATM, post office, a pharmacy, gas station, gym and local indoor ice skating arena.