Preparation Guide for the overnight stay at Hôtel de Glace

In Québec, outdoor winter temperatures vary from -25°C to 5°C (-13°F to 41°F), which is 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. A 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 has not 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:

• Alternate hat
• Alternate scarf
• An extra pair of socks
• Alternate long underwear
• A pair of mittens or gloves
• A swimsuit
• Sandals to access the Nordic area with hot tubs and sauna under the stars
• Indoor shoes for indoor buildings

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, topped 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 though the room temperature stays between -3°C and -5°C (27°F and 23°F), no matter what the outdoor temperature is, the sleeping bags are built to resist temperatures between -15°C and -30°C (5°F to 22°F).

N. B. If you think you need a special sleeping bag (non-standard size), please notify the reservation department by calling the following number: 1 (888) 384-5524.

From 4 p.m., go to Hôtel Valcartier (2280, boul. Valcartier, Valcartier, G0A 4S0) in order to take possession of your room.
Your room at the Hôtel de Glace will be available and exclusively yours from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. the following morning.

Upon arrival, please book the time of your mandatory training session at the front desk of the Hôtel Valcartier. Our experienced guides will gladly explain the unique experience of sleeping at the Hôtel de Glace, and will give you relevant information about the equipment at your disposal. An attendance register will have to be signed before the mandatory training session.

Information Session Schedule: 

7 p.m.: French and English session

8 p.m.: French and English session

The Hôtel de Glace has an interior court in which is located the Nordic Area with its hot tubs and saunas under the stars. These are available to you from 9 p.m. until 9 a.m. It is highly recommended to use the Nordic Area to warm up your body and dry yourself correctly before going to bed. Towels and bathrobes are available upon request.

If you have a car, parking is free.