Discover

40 years of history

This summary is presented by

Also in collaboration with the Musée de l’ingéniosité J. Armand Bombardier, holder of our archives.

Our story

1983 to 1992

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1982
The Start of the FIM as told by Marcel Perreault

In 1983, the first International Snowmobile Festival was held. Adélard Ratel – formerly general manager of the Grand Prix Saint-Laurent – is in charge of the race program..

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1983
Climate changes for the Birth of the GPSV.
It hard to believe that climate changes was part of the formation of the GPSV. Yet it is.
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1983
Story of the Ski-Doo Bonhomme!
Ski-Doo Bonhomme is close to 55 years old!
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1983
The first edition!
On February 11, 12 and 13, 1983, the first edition of the FIM was held, thanks to Bombardier, which immediately gave its support to the project as a major partner. And it was an incredible success!
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1983
First Festival – Discovery of the Program!
Are you one of those who were escorted to Valcourt from the satellite towns? Many activities were on the program, some of them unusual!
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1983
Mass: a custom throughout the years
Have you ever attended one of these masses?
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1984
The first educational snowmobile centre in North America
An infrastructure built on the site of the Bombardier test track in Valcourt (Maricourt) and on the surrounding land.
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1984
An outstanding second edition!
The second edition will be marked by the 25th anniversary of the snowmobile. Personalities even come to visit!
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1985
Honors and awards through the years
Over the years, the organisation of the Grand Prix Ski-Doo de Valcourt and its members have been awarded 9 times
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1987
First antique snowmobile exhibition

The Antique & Classic Club of Canada attends at the event. Many antique snowmobiles were on show.

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1988

The first Security Committee

In 1988 that the safety committee was created, lead at the beginning by François Ferland and Arsène Malenfant

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1991

From FIM  to Grand Prix de Valcourt

For a few years, it had become a challenge to manage two events, one under the name of “Festival” and the other under the name of “Grand Prix”. Changes were imperative for this major event.

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1991

FIM’s Activities  

The radar challenge, the taxi-doo, the ice castle, the waiter race, the torchlight ride, the mini-safari on snowmobiles, the champions’ hike, bingo, dog racing, arena shows and many more entertainment activites were offered to visitors during the first decade.

Photos / Souvenirs / Anecdotes

Be part of the story!

The Grand Prix is ​​synonymous with memories. For the youngest and the oldest, athletes and spectators alike. Be part of the story and tell us your anecdotes / memories.

Send us your text, your photos, we are excited to know your story!