I thought we had a lot of snow until I headed for Quebec City on Valentine's Day. The snow banks grew higher as we drove north on 201. Passing Baker Mountain just outside Bingham, we could see skiers riding the T-bar and skiing the open main slope.

Every time I pass by this community ski area I think that one day I must stop and ski there. Unfortunately, taking the time to boot up for a run or two during a six-hour drive would delay our arrival in the city to late in the day. Instead of arriving in mid afternoon we would find ourselves heading into the heart of the city during rush hour. So Baker Mountain will have to wait.

Once in the city I learned that the locals were hoping for 400 centimeters of snow to help celebrate their 400th Anniversary. By mid February, the greater Quebec City area had received 380 centimeters, and it was a sure bet to reach the goal. The 380 centimeters translates to about 12 and a half feet so we were assured of good skiing as well as joining in the Winter Carnival that transforms this city for the first three weekends in February (2/1-2/17).

Of course, as this is written I received an e-mail from Shawnee Peak saying they had picked up 170 inches or 14 feet to date. There is plenty of snow for all, and snow wasn't our primary reason for traveling to Quebec City. The annual carnival is a celebration of winter that includes snow sculptures, canoe races across the St. Lawrence, a huge parade and 17 days of special events and because of the 400th birthday it was bigger than ever.

The parade Saturday night required more than an hour and a half outside at -22 Celsius (close to 0 Fahrenheit), and we were joined by 100,000 people. The route was down Grand Allee where the sidewalk cafes of summer had been turned into ice bars for the 17 days. After the parade passed, we wanted some place warmer than an ice bar.

Every skier should join this celebration at least once and with Mont Ste. Anne, Stoneham and Le Massif nearby Carnaval can be easily combined with a ski trip, which is what we did. After two days in the city, we transferred to Mont Ste. Anne for two days of skiing, and on to Le Massif for a third day on snow.

With skiing on three sides of the mountain, Mont Ste.Anne has plenty to offer, but they keep adding, a number of glades in recent years and this year La Belle (The Beauty) and La Bete (The Beast).

The first is a black diamond glade and the latter a super steep double black pitch below. Alone it could be a destination but it also has Stoneham, part of the same company and not far away Le Massif, a separate entity. The biggest change is happening at Chateau Mont Ste. Anne, an on mountain hotel. The first stage of renovating all of the rooms is underway starting with the top floors.

At Le Massif we also learned of expansion plans. This resort right on the St. Lawrence has the greatest vertical drop in Eastern Canada and has a $230 million plan ready to go. The first phase will be rail service from Quebec City to Malbaie. Skiers will be able to stay in the city and take the train to ski or beyond the ski areas in Baie Ste. Paul and take the train back. There are also several lodging projects on the mountain and in Baie Ste. Paul along with more lifts and trails. It's an ambitious project that will make the Charlevoix region an even more attractive destination year round.

As much fun as Quebec was, that was February. Now we're into March and what could be the best ski month of the season. The snow keeps coming, and we could ski well into April. Put away the heavy parkas. The sun is high, the light stays good until the lifts close and the snow is deep on and off the trails. The Ski Maine Web site lists over 40 special events at ski areas this month (ww.skimaine.com for details).

I talked with Joan Taylor at Saddleback, and she told me it was great looking out at 12 inches of fresh powder. Among their events will be Maine day today where Maine residents ski for $25 and another April 6. The annual ski patrol reunion and auction is March 8, Family Fun Day the 15th and, of course Egg Hunts and other events the 23rd.

Note that date. For those who haven't checked the calendar, Easter is March 23 this year, about as early as it can be. Many years Easter marks the end of the ski season, but that's when it comes in mid April. This year we could be skiing at the end of April so Easter will mark the beginning of spring skiing rather than the end.

Check that Ski Maine Web site and click onto your favorite area for a full list of events. There will also be plenty of competition starting this week with the USCSA college championships at Sunday River and highlighted with the National Alpine championships at Sugarloaf March 19-26. We'll have details on that event later along with some Maine skiers to watch. Now get out and enjoy the sun and snow.