There are days when time goes by so fast, you even get out of touch with the real world. This is one of those times I seem to have been going so fast I've even left cyber space behind, due mainly because there wasn't able to log onto it.

It's been a whirlwind tour that began last Thursday at Saddleback Mountain in Rangeley, Maine and ended up yesterday at Stoneham Mountain, Quebec, Canada. The week's events were part of an Eastern Ski Writers Association (ESWA) conference.

Saddleback has added a new quad chair to replace the old Kennebago T-bar that makes access near the summit very easy. Several new trails have been cut and new condos and private homes are being built close to the mountain. On Thursday evening, we enjoyed a wonder hospitality hour and dinner at the Loon Lodge Inn.

The towns, villages, B&Bs, hotel, condos and mountain visits have gone by like a blur. began with a pre-trip to Saddleback Mountain, staying over at the Saddleback Motor Inn. This writer then traveled to the Eastern Townships of Quebec to a town called Magog. My two day stay was at A Tout Venant B&B that included a trip to a Nordic spa. On Saturday, our itinerary included skiing at Owl's Head and Mont Orford on Sunday.

After our official ESWA Conference ended Sunday morning, several members traveled to Quebec City for a post trip, where we hosted by Richard Seguin, representative of the Quebec City of Tourism, to see what Quebec City is planning for the future. Our hotel accommodations were at the wonderful Hotel Manoir Victoria located in the heart of the Old City of Quebec. Everything in the Old City is a close walk from the front door. Many of their rooms have been redecorated and others are being done so at this time. You can spend time in their lovely pool or work out in their gym. From their bountiful buffet breakfast to dinner, you'll enjoy a wonderful meal at affordable prices.

Skiing is what we came for
Monday, our group was shuttled to LeMassif Mountain. We were greeted with moderate snow falling, covering the trails with a beautiful white blanket.

Tuesday, was a bright, bluebird sky day. This was the day several in our group had the opportunity to ski the Charlevoix Trail, rated a triple black diamond. It is one of the steepest trails in North America. We were the first skiers to take our turns this season, and the course was freshly groomed. Our guide, Lisa Rice gave us final instructions before making our decent to the river's edge. It was a 'rush' I can't really explain.

We continued several runs with Gold Medal Olympic mogul skier, Jean Luc Brassard. It was a treat to ski with the 36 year Gold Medalist. It was wonderful to young children especially older girls that were drawn to him like a magnet. Brassard competed in four Olympic Games, winning two Gold medals. He is a classic example of what an ambassador can do for a mountain's image.

Wednesday, our group visited Mont-Sainte-Anne, a very skier friendly family mountain that has first class accommodations at Chateau Mont-Sainte-Anne. Skiers and riders can make turns from early morning to late night under the lights. We got the opportunity to ski with Yves Juneau, Director of Sales and Marketing, Samantha McKinley, Public Relations Manager, and Sebastian Roy, General Manager of Chateau Mont-Sainte-Anne.

Our group went on their separate ways after this ski day, but I chose to lay over a couple more days to ski a wonderful family ski area just 25 minutes from Quebec City called Stoneham. From the approach to the mountain, you may have second thoughts, as all you see are about four trails. But as you arrive in the parking lot, many other trails come into view, along with their newest addition of a permanent Olympic Super-Pipe laid out right in the middle of the mountain. The half pipe is one of the largest in the East.

It was a great time to take some runs with Lisa Marie Lacasse, Communications Coordinator, getting the grand tour of the trails and even a trip to the Sugar Shack to get a lick of maple syrup poured on snow and rolled up on a stick.

Friday morning it is snowing hard with about a half foot already on the ground. I made some last turns in the powda' before heading back to Maine.

Back at home now, I'll be providing details of this special trip in upcoming columns to whet the appetite for you to plan a trek to visit new friends in the Province of Quebec. It's close to home and Quebec is a skier's paradise.

Ski and ride safely. Use your head and don't forget to wear a helmet.