As the seasons change, the urge for driving thrills behind the wheel of a Porsche sports car does not waver. The weather may become more unpredictable during winter months, so it’s imperative to know how to handle the elements. At the Porsche Ice Experience, the focus is on driving in a safe and sporty manner under extreme conditions, with programs to match every skill level.
The North American Porsche Ice Experience sits north of Montreal at the Mécaglisse Motorsport Park. Treacherous yet ideal conditions in January and February serve as the setting for an entirely different type of driving experience. The track is purpose-built for cold weather testing and performance driving, featuring two circuits, two skid pads and a variable handling course that will challenge even the most seasoned heel. Whether you’re in for one or three days of driving, Porsche Ice Experience has you covered with four different programs.
If you’re just wanting to get your bearings in the arctic atmosphere, an Ice Trial awaits. This one-day program acclimates drivers with proper winter braking, cornering techniques, drift angles and speed corrections. Like every program, a welcome dinner the night before and morning briefing at the hotel with expert instructors starts the events.
When one day isn’t enough, Ice Intro includes two days of driving on a three-night stay. Hill starts are added to the training and drivers get a chance to take on the handling circuit. Ice Experience is similar to Ice Intro yet moves onto even more advanced techniques, another full day of driving and requires the completion of Ice Intro. The Ice Trial, Ice Intro and Ice Experience all use 911 Carrera S and 911 Carrera 4S sports cars on either winter tires or 1.5mm spiked winter tires, depending on the module.
After getting the handle on winter weather driving with Ice Intro and Ice Experience, the steel-nerved can step up to Ice Force and sit at the helm of a 911 Turbo or 911 Turbo S on the slippery tracks. Focus turns from the basic skill set learned to working racing lines on the icy roads, and getting a variety of different runs on the mile-long handling circuit. With instructors still by your side, there are no limits to the driving possibilities. An intense driving experience on snow and ice - every second.
Once Canada has been conquered and the Ice Experience has yet to be satiated, drivers can head to one of the other worldwide Ice Experiences in Levi, Finland, Livigno, Italy, or Yakeshi, China.
The premier Ice Experience in the Finnish Lapland features the highest level of ice driving with the Ice Force Pro program. Put every bit of training to the test on long handling tracks while steering more powerful Porsche sports cars such as the 911 GT3 or Taycan Turbo S and even a race car in the 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport.
Info
Ready to make plans for the upcoming winter sessions? Head over to porscheexperience.ca for more information on availability and booking in Canada, or experience.porsche.com for progams in Finland, Italy and China.
