Hello BGSA Community,

The weather has turned and we are now on our way to the festive season. As such, the 7th annual BGSA winter retreat is inching closer and closer. Get out your skates, skis, snowshoes and winter attire for some classic winter fun. This year we have booked an Auberge in Eastman, QC for the weekend of February 5th-7th. (No more crossing the USA border, time saved, visas spared). It is located in the scenic Eastern Townships near lake Memphremagog.

There is a wide range of activities you can participate in over the weekend, so there will be something for everyone! Big cottage in the heart 100 hectares on the edge of a private lake. The chalet is situated on a large lot in the middle of maples. The cabin is also a 15 minute drive from Orford which offers skiing (both XC and Downhill), snowboarding and Snowshoeing!

If you don’t have your own gear that is not a problem, there are always rental stores at the ski stations. The McGill Outdoors club also rents gear: http://www.mcgilloutdoorsclub.ca/.

For those that prefer something more low key the Auberge is located close to the quaint town of Magog and a variety of hiking trails around the Eastern townships or you can always sit by the wood fire with a book, playing boardgames or building puzzles.

This will be a great opportunity for new students/postdocs to meet people in the department and serve as a nice winter getaway for all!

If I have not convinced you yet, there are pictures from previous BGSA winter retreat in the Adirondacks. The location might be different but the conviviality never changes!

Ok, now that you are all excited to go, here is what you have to do:

1. Sign up by filling out the information on this spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1cdtUngMXNYsZcYA4OXtNsmZVdiOyGwwCXd0_Ofna5Lg/edit?usp=sharing
2. Bring a $20 Deposit to Scott (Stewart N5/5), Allen (Bellini 234) Nic (Bellini 235) to reserve your spot. There are only 32 official spots after which there will be a waiting list.
3. Show up on February 5th The cost of the trip is about $75-85 This cost will include the cost of the cabin, food ($10-$15each) splitting the cost of rental cars (those who drive their own cars will not have to pay for this), and gas (this will be calculated before we leave the cabin on Sunday). Additional costs will include any gear rental/lift tickets depending on what you choose to do, and any extra snacks and drinks you choose to bring for the evenings.

Friends and significant others are welcome but priority will be given to BGSA members. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me.

Nicolas Soubry/BGSA execs