Even if it is too slippery to stand, you can control a car with the proper technique
It’s all about control NOTRE-DAME-DE-LA-MERCI, QC – At Porsche Camp4, winter driving is all about control. Even when it is too slippery to stand, you can control a four-wheeled vehicle, with the proper technique. By Richard Russell ▲
More than just a fun time with some great cars Most Canadian drivers have experienced that instant, especially during winter, when they have lost control of the vehicle. For the fortunate majority, that moment is brief, recovery occurs with little input or effort or the vehicle slides to a halt. For others, however it leads to more expensive or catastrophic results involving damage, injury or worse. That’s why professional winter driving training, like that offered at Porsche Camp4 is more than just a fun time with some great cars, it can literally be a life-saver. ▲
Mecaglisse There are various winter driving programs available across the country, but it is hard to imagine one that offers a greater variety of surfaces, conditions and vehicles than the Camp4 experience. Most similar programs take place on a flat, frozen surface, usually a lake or vast parking lot. Camp4 is conducted at the extensive Mecaglisse facility in the Laurentians, about two hours north of Montreal and east of Mt. Tremblant. ▲
Extensive learning facilities There are some flat areas at Mecaglisse, and these are carefully groomed into a pair of 80-to-120 metre wide skid circles. But the remainder of the facility involves 15 kilometres of roads and trails, some paved and some dirt –all with either ice or snow covering the surface. Mecaglisse is used during the warmer months for rally schools, motorcycle and motocross events. During the winter it become a haven for practicing and learning winter driving techniques. The facilities are constantly groomed with plows and watering trucks ensuring the variety of surfaces and trails offer the ideal conditions for teaching car control. ▲
It’s all about control Porsche Canada has conducted its CAMP4 program here during the month of February for the past six years. During this four- or five-day program, participants are taught the proper techniques for coping with understeer and oversteer in a variety of the latest rear or mid-engine Porsche sports cars, with rear or all-wheel-drive and equipped with the latest safety features. Most exercises are conducted with the systems turned both on and off – quickly showing how effective these “safety nannies” can be. ▲
Not inexpensive Like anything Porsche, this is not an inexpensive program. The four-day Camp4 course costs $5,295, the five-day Camps4S is $6,495 and the advanced Camp4RS is $7,495. However, all include three or four nights and exquisite meals at the five-star Esterel Resort, about 45-minutes from Mecaglisse. ▲
Trio of models During a one-day sampler, we drove a trio of Porsches in four different exercises including a slalom and skid circles on flat icy surfaces and a pair of control lessons involving ascents and descents on heavily packed and hilly terrain. ▲
Smoothness equals control Throughout it quickly became evident the stab and steer technique so popular on television and in the movies is the quickest way to lose control. It can be dramatic and even fun if there are no hard objects within reach, but control involves minute and smooth inputs accompanied by looking well down the intended path. ▲
True four-season sports cars Whether you own or are considering a Porsche, this is an excellent way to learn that they are true four-season sports cars. But you don’t need to own one to enjoy the experience. ▲
A different type of holiday Camp4 is also a great way to break up your winter – a different type of holiday, with or without your spouse. Or, it could be used as an incentive, a reward for those within your organization worthy of recognition. For anyone, it is a high-end, extremely professional program that is not only enjoyable – but results in life saving skills. ▲
Keyword: At Porsche Camp4 winter driving is all about control