Business Story
For as long as he can remember, Jacques Desbois, founder of the Hôtel de Glace, has been
passionate about winter and the snow. In 1996, he established La Piste Desbois, an ecotourism
company operating in the design of interactive igloo villages. Nicknamed Mr. Igloo, Mr. Desbois
has worked hard to ensure the reputation of his company. Unique in Canada, La Piste Desbois
was involved in numerous festivals, cities and organisms over the years. For example, Québec
Winter Carnival, the Fête des Neiges de Montréal and the Musée de la civilisation of Québec
took advantage of the expertise of La Piste Desbois.
In 1996, Jacques Desbois read an article on the Ice Hotel of Sweden. Immediately, an idea
came to his mind: “If they can do it in Sweden, we can do it here in Québec, the snow capital
of the world.” he exclaimed. He decided to pack his bags and fly to Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, to
meet the creators of this magical structure with it’s touristic potential. After his trip and
feasibility studies, Jacques Desbois looked for good partners that would help him reach his
goal. Yvon Guérard and Michel Mordret were immediately fascinated by the idea and
possibilities of the Hôtel de Glace and decided to join the team.
Since the beginning of their association, it was obvious that the imagination and devotion
were essentials to complete this project. During the four years that were needed to start this
unusual project, many obstacles occurred. The promoters had tenacity to demonstrate the
technical and financial feasibility of the project.
In 2001, Québec, Canada and America discovered this incredible attraction recognized around
the world. Erected for the first time at the Montmorency Falls, the Hôtel de Glace was then
built at the Station Touristique Duchesnay for 9 years and moved again in 2011 on the old site
of the Québec Zoo.
In 2016, the Hôtel de Glace became a distinctive component in the winter offer of the largest
recreational tourism development project in Eastern Canada by joining the operations of
Valcartier Vacations Village. In the process of becoming a four-season resort Valcartier
Vacations Village is giving an extra dimension to its global offer while expanding its customer
base.
Over the years, the unique Hôtel de Glace has become one of the most famous images of the
Canadian winter. As a leader in the tourism industry for the region, the province and the entire
country, the Hôtel De Glace now welcomes thousands of visitors from around the world every
year.
Construction and Realization
Early December, when the temperatures are below zero for a week period, the construction of
the Hôtel de Glace begins. During 6 weeks, approximately 50 people will work on the realization
of the Hôtel de Glace. Thirty workers are on the production (or the Expertise team) and fifteen
sculptors decorate this masterful creation. Employees in all the team of snow, ice, machinery or
artists, everybody works intensely, day and night, on the site until late January. To celebrate the
last construction phase, a Grand Opening Night is organized each year.
The raw material of the Hôtel de Glace is the snow. This snow is made on-site with snow blowers
when the temperature is under - 5 °C. More than 30 000 tons of snow is needed to build the
Hôtel de Glace. Churned several times, this snow particularly humid and dense will become hard
as ice after a short period. Thus, we cannot take the snow coming from the sky because this snow
is too dry and airy to be used.
The first step in the construction of the Hôtel de Glace is the foundation of the “deck”, in other
words the floor of the hotel. This deck of 5 feet thick must be very hard and very strong to
support the heavy weight of the Hôtel de Glace (3000 m2).
The next step is to blow the snow on the molds made of metal. These molds of various sizes are
shaped in arch or in dome. Once blown, the snow is retained by a wooden wall to strengthen the
structure. Depending on the temperature, a waiting period of about three days helps to solidify
the structure. After that waiting period, the molds are removed and then moved elsewhere
according to the architectural plan. Once a section is completed, we move on to another and so
on. Removing the molds is quite easy because each of them is mounted on jacks that can go
down 30 cm. In addition, the molds have a ski base that allows the tractor to remove them by
dragging them on the snow. Once completed, the walls have a base of 1.2 to 2.4 m thick and the
top of the arch is 75 cm. The largest vaults of the Hôtel de Glace are over 7 m in height.
When a section is sufficiently achieved and that the molds have been removed, we bring in the
ice blocks produced by Glace Frontenac. These ice blocks weigh 500 tons are mainly used to
create the furniture (bar, night tables, chairs, etc.), columns, sculptures and ice glasses. Huge ice
walls at the ends of some corridors are also made to let the light enter and to create magical
effects.
Highlights
THE HÔTEL DE GLACE IS…
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The only ice hotel in America entirely made of ice and snow
500 tons of ice and 30 000 tons of snow
A surface of 3000 square meter (32,000 square feet)
Ceilings measuring up to 7 meters (23 feet)
44 rooms and theme suites
A Nordic area with hot tubs and sauna under the stars
An ice bar with a capacity of 300 people
An ice chapel
A Grand Ice Slide for people of all ages
Over a million visitors since the opening in 2001, of which 55 000 overnight guests
THE SERVICES
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Several restaurants and bars for your meal
Guided tours for general public every day from 12 pm
Guided tours for groups of more than 20 people
Self-guided tours
Evening entertainment for overnight guests
Ice sculpting activity
Fireworks
Corporate events
All-inclusive packages for weddings
Expertise and special projects
RATES
Guided Tours: Adults – $ 18,25; Students and Seniors – $ 16,25; Children – $ 9,25; Families –
$ 45,75 (CAD dollars prices. Taxes included)
Overnight stay: from 259$ per person
* Including a welcome cocktail, the nordic equipment for the night, the access to the spas and
sauna, breakfast and a room at Hotel Valcartier on the same night as your stay at the Hôtel de
Glace (luggage, shower, etc.).
Benefits and Partnerships
Traffic Statistics
Since it’s opening in 2001, the Hôtel de Glace has welcomed over 1 300,000
people from around the world. Out of this number, more than 55 000
people have decided to live the ultimate adventure of an overnight stay..
The original services developed by the professional team of the Hôtel de
Glace convinced more than 170,000 people to choose this unique place for
their special event such as weddings, birthdays, product launches,
advertising shoots, etc.
A major touristic attraction in the old capital
The Hôtel de Glace is internationally renowned and generates annually $ 10
million in economic benefits for the city, the region and the country. In
addition, the Hôtel de Glace is an important employer for the Québec City
area. In fact, about 150 seasonal and permanent employees work at the
Hôtel de Glace every year. In winter, the visitors of the Hôtel de Glace also
generate profits for many hotels and restaurants in the area.
Impressive media coverage
As the Hôtel de Glace is very unique and original, a lot of journalists from
around the world are interested by it. As soon as the Hôtel de Glace opens,
the project causes a worldwide media frenzy. The Hôtel de Glace is
everywhere from India to Qatar, in Australia and throughout Europe. Since
2001, the Hôtel de Glace identified nearly 13 000 reports worldwide. Each
year, more than 1 000 references to the Hôtel de Glace are mentioned in
print media, television, radio and website. This important media influence
led to a phenomenal influx on the Website of the Hôtel de Glace.
Approximately 5 million pages are read on the Website every year.
The support of valued partners
Numerous factors contribute to the involvement of the Hôtel de Glace’s
partners: the concrete collaboration of the government agencies and the
regional tourism industry and the impressive media coverage helps a lot.
Since the beginning, the Hôtel de Glace can enjoy valuable support from the
Québec government.
Also, the Québec Tourism Office has been a very important ally for the
realization of this exciting project. With the participation of these precious
partners, the Hôtel de Glace is now successful and its growing reputation is
the promise of a bright future.
On-Site Activities
Winter Playground
Discover the America’s largest winter playground with more
than 35 snow slides! From December to March, both kids
and adults will discover the joys of winter. Speed down the
Himalayas, the Everest or the Tornado for an experience
you'll never forget! The Winter Playground is open every day
from 10 AM to 9 PM.
Indoor Waterpark
This unique indoor water park will transport you to the
atmosphere of Polynesia with a temperature of 30oC yearround. Discover the large wave pool, more than 14 slides, a
family pool, a multi-activity adventure river, a double surf
wave, multitude of chairs and places for relaxation and 12
private cabanas.
Valcartier Spa
Located at the first level of Hotel Valcartier you’ll find a Spa
offering personalized body cares. It includes various baths
and an indoor/outdoor pool. The 6 000 sq ft Spa is proposing
: 8 care rooms,1 steam bath, 1 finnish sauna, 1 hot bath and
2 cold baths.
Games Area
This huge arcade with lots of games will entertain both
young and old.
Dogsledding (not on-site, shuttle available on-site)
Experience dog sledding excursions and enjoy the snowy
trails of forest. You will be accompanied by professional and
experienced guides and you will discover the Siberian
Huskies’ world.
Preparation guide for the
overnight stay
To help you prepare your nordic adventure at the Hôtel de Glace, it is recommended that you read the
information below. This preparation guide is essential and will help you plan your stay in this unique
winter environment. Have a good reading!
What to wear in the winter conditions
In Québec, winter temperatures outside vary from -25°C to 5°C (-13°F to 41°F), that’s why it is important to dress
properly. The three-layer technique is recommended.
The interior layer (undergarment) must allow humidity to escape your body. Synthetic clothing or a mix of wool
and synthetic fabric are recommended. Cotton is not recommended since it retains humidity.
The middle layer must isolate air and control humidity. Wool, flannel or polar fleece sweater is recommended.
The exterior layer must shield wind and humidity without affecting your comfort and movements.
Essentials accessories : hat covering your ears, scarf, gloves or mittens and boots (big enough so that you can
wear thick socks)
N. B. For the night, use dry, light and synthetic clothing which will not have been worn during the day. Very few
layers of garments are necessary to avoid being too hot. A high level of heat will create sweat which will then
transform into humidity and will make you feel cold.
Include the following in your suitcase:
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Alternate hat
Alternate scarf
An extra pair of socks
Alternate long underwear
A pair of mittens or gloves
A swimsuit
Sandals
Nordic Equipment
Even if the Hôtel and its furniture are entirely made of ice and snow, you will be getting a very comfortable bed.
Blocks of ice make the base of the bed followed by a solid wood base and a comfortable mattress. When the time
comes, a cozy sleeping bag, an isolating bed sheet and a pillow will be delivered to your room. Even the room
temperature stays between -3°C and -5°C (27°F and 23°F) no matter what temperature it is outside, the sleeping
bags are used for temperatures between -15°C and -30°C ( 22°F).
N. B. If you think you need a special sleeping bag (non-standard size), please notify the reservation department in
calling the following number: 1 877 505-0423.
Check-in
Between 12 PM and 5:30 PM, you can enjoy a passionate guided tour to learn more about this beautiful
ephemeral work of art. Discover the fascinating story of this structure made of ice and snow, see how the artists
create magical decor and admire this original winter universe. There is no extra charge for this activity.
Training Session
At arrival please book your mandatory training session. Our guides will invite you to a training session. They will
gladly explain the unique experience of sleeping at the Hôtel as well as give you all the important notions about
the equipment that will be made available to you.
Nordic Area
The Hôtel de Glace has an interior court in which is located the Nordic Area with its spas and sauna under the
stars. These are available to you from 9 PM until 9 AM. It is highly recommended using the Nordic area to warm
your body and dry you correctly before going to bed. Towels and bathrobes are available upon request.
Awakening and Breakfast
In the morning, it will be our pleasure to welcome you with a warm breakfast. It will be served in the restaurant
area of the Valcartier Hotel from 7 AM to 10 AM.
Parking
If you have a car, parking is free.
The entire team wishes you a great experience at the Hôtel de Glace!
Photo download instructions
PHOTOS
Please find our high-resolution pictures at the following link :
http://www.hoteldeglace-canada.com/hd.php?action=&langue=en
Password : glace2017
It is very important to keep the copyright of the photographer on the picture. Mandatory photo
credits must be given to the photographers in the following format: © Renaud Philippe, ©
Xdachez.com, © Clermont Poliquin or © Luc Rousseau.
VIDEO
Video available :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkRCTyalcao
For our archives, we would appreciate very much receiving the link to your web page if the
photos/video are used on the internet or a copy of your magazine or paper in which appear
photos at the following address :
By email : [email protected]
By mail :
Département des communications-marketing
Hôtel de Glace
1860 boulevard Valcartier
Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier, QC, CANADA G0A 4S0
Please remember that the pictures and video are for publication, editorial, and reporting
purposes only. Any other use like commercial projects must be pre-approved by Hôtel de Glace
: [email protected] / Sans frais : 1-877-505-0423.