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    A Casual Drive Through Deep Snow

    34.0165° N, 118.1138° W

    "Hibernot  hi·ber·not ˈhī-bər-ˌnät to spend the winter having outdoor adventures instead of sleeping or resting"

    It’s no secret that Canadian winters can be harsh. The cold temperatures, blowing snow and icy surfaces can push us to hide in our homes until spring time. Land Rover is encouraging the opposite with a quirky play on words campaign titled Hibernot. Not only is it a play on words but it speaks to luxury automotive brand’s ethos of adventure and exploration.

    We joined Land Rover in Montebello, Quebec and attended their Driving Experience school located at the Fairmount Château Montebello. The hotel was first built in the early 20th century in a record breaking four months. What was once an elite Seigniory Club is now a luxury hotel that is a fantastic getaway for anyone. It also happens to be the largest wood cabin in the world.

    The experience began with a horse carriage ride around the property, where we were given a brief history on the property, the famous people who have visited, and what major events the Château has hosted. As we stepped out of the hotel the following morning, we were greeted with a fleet of Land Rovers and Range Rovers. We spotted their Land Rover Discovery Sport, Range Rover Evoque, Range Rover Sport and LR4.

    As we drove away from the hotel, the clean roads were slowly disappearing and we eventually reach a secluded area that used to be a part of the Fairmont property. Now the 65,000 acre land is the home of Land Rover’s Off-Road Driving School and it’s made of an obstacle course and special trails that their vehicles can handle almost easily.

    After wrapping the tires in chains and a brief explanation on how to navigate the course, it was time for us to get behind the wheel. Our vehicle of choice was the Land Rover LR4, which is equipped with a supercharged 3.0L V6 engine that produces 340-horsepower with 332 lb-ft of torque. Once we switched the LR4’s Terrain Response to snow, we immediately felt the LR4 adjust to its environment. It drove up the steep hills and deep snow with confidence, meanwhile the Hill Descent technology keep the weight of the SUV in check as we drove down the near 65 degree angle mounds.

    Another highlight was driving their diesel Range Rover Sport. This vehicle sports a 254-hp turbodiesel 3.0-liter V-6 with 440 lb-ft of torque. We could feel the torque kick as we slowly pushed through the deep deep snow. The interior is also worth admiring as it was made up of quality materials ranging from subtle leathers to textured aluminum panelling.

    One of the biggest takeaways from this experience is that we shouldn’t be intimated by winter driving. The instructors emphasized taking things slow and steady, to be patient and to be aware of your surroundings. This works for any car that you drive. Although, tackling the inclement weather helps if you are in Land Rover.

    Learn more about the Land Rover and Range Rover lineup here.

    Check out their Off-Road Driving Schools here.

    Words & Photography: Jon Carlo Tapia

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