Hello Darlings, This winter has been a snowy one and not very kind to drivers. The other day as I was driving home in yet another snow storm when I encountered black ice. Despite having winter tires and a four wheel drive car, I quickly began to lose control. Luckily, despite the momentary panic I knew exactly how to respond. It came as an instinct.

My instincts followed the very steps I learned back at Porsche's Camp4 Canada as a guest of Porsche  Centre Oakville.When a movement is repeated over time, a long-term muscle memory is created. It allows you to perform the task without conscious effort. It decreases the need for attention and creates maximum efficiency within the motor and memory system. It's just like riding a bike or typing on a keyboard. When the car was losing control, my reflexes kicked in allowing me to handle the situation without much conscious effort.

So what is Camp4? It is an introductory winter driving program organized by Porsche. It started in Finland back in 1996 with the launch of Carrera 911 the all-wheel-drive option and then expanded to Switzerland, Italy, China and Canada. Snow, ice and other treacherous conditions serve as a playground to learn and experiment on. We not only learned the basics of safety but also driving dynamics while putting the theoretical skills to a test with an instructor on an organized course. In order to turn reactions into reflexes one must practise, and practise we did!

For the first time in my life I was packing up my Mukluks and Colmar parka with the same enthusiasm as I do my bikinis and sunblock. While most are looking to escape our dreadful winters to sunnier destinations, I was looking forward to heading up North!

The Camp4 program is set in the picturesque countryside of Quebec. The driving is done at Mécaglisse which is constructed specifically for cold-weather testing and performance. With two circuits, two large skidpads, and two handling courses you're sure to have the thrill of a lifetime. When you're not on track, you'll be surrounded by the unforgettable scenery of two lakes and miles of forest at the luxurious Esterel Suites Spa & Lake.  An ideal relaxing retreat after day of excitement.

Definitely appealing for a car enthusiast, it is a unique adventure unlike anything I've ever experienced. Ideal as a fun solo weekend, friends escape or a couples retreat - it’s hard to imagine who wouldn't enjoy it. Adrenaline rush filled days and evenings with blissful relaxation! Would I do it again? In a heartbeat.

Many Thanks to Porsche Centre Oakville for one of the most memorable experiences I've had. Also to our instructors and personnel for the patience and knowledge.

With Love...

Marta