Head for the Hills
Skiing & Snowboarding in Québec's
Eastern Townships
Dotted with pretty little towns and chockfull of delicious food and wine, the Québec region known as the Eastern Townships is irresistible any time of the year.
In the winter months, it becomes a haven for snow enthusiasts, with four distinct ski and snowboard destinations within a short drive of each other. Each mountain has its own vibe and all are in close proximity to the Township's many great farm-to-table restaurants and local producers.
The joy of the Townships is that there's no need to rush — come for a few days and enjoy the hills, the food, and the company.
Bromont
Less than an hour from Montreal, Bromont is home to the most popular, and therefore the busiest, of the four Eastern Townships ski mountains.
Bromont, montague d'expèriences is a 450-acre resort with 144 trails spread over 7 hillsides, with runs available for all ski levels. Part of the mountain is illuminated for evening skiing.
Photo: Bromont Montagne d'Experiences
Photo: Bromont Montagne d'Experiences
Photo: Jean-François Hamelin
Photo: Jean-François Hamelin
Photo: Facing Waves / Tourism Quebec
Photo: Facing Waves / Tourism Quebec
Photo: Bromont Montagne d'Experience
Photo: Bromont Montagne d'Experience
Bromont also offers Alpine Touring, which is an uphill skiing component that allows those with special equipment (skis fitted with climbing skins) to ski up the mountain before descending on one of the marked slopes. In Bromont, there are 12 uphill trails to try and you can even reach the summit of Mount Brome.
Owl's Head
You can't get much more scenic in the Townships than the view from the top of Owl's Head. Ski down one of the resort's 50 trails while admiring the beautiful panoramic views of Lake Memphremagog and the Saint-Benoīt-du-Lac Abbey in the distance.
The resort is home to the fifth-highest skiable summit in the province, with a vertical drop of 540 metres. Owl's Head also offers Alpine Touring, as well as fat biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
Photo: Sebastien Larose
Photo: Sebastien Larose
Photo: Destination Owl's Head
Photo: Destination Owl's Head
Photo: Destination Owl's Head
Photo: Destination Owl's Head
Photo: Destination Owl's Head
Photo: Destination Owl's Head
Included in Destination Owl's Head's 109-acres of skiing terrain are 15 runs that are perfect for beginners. In an attempt to cater to as many needs as possible, the resort also works closely with Fondation des sports adaptés to offer a program for people with reduced mobility.
Sutton
Mont Sutton is famous for its glade skiing and for good reason. Nearly half of its 60 trails are set in glades — that is trails in wooded areas — with runs for many different skill levels.
Once you're up on the mountain, the downhill options are seemingly endless thanks to the 204 trail crossings. Choose your own magical forest adventure with each run.
Photo: Mont Sutton
Photo: Mont Sutton
Photo: Bernard Brault
Photo: Bernard Brault
Photo: Mont Sutton
Photo: Mont Sutton
Photo: Mont Sutton
Photo: Mont Sutton
Mont Sutton also has three Alpine Touring trails that give climbers access to off-track slopes. And the best part about skiing on Mont Sutton is that it has its own microclimate with lots of snow so it is like skiing through a winter wonderland.
Mont Orford
If you're looking for height, you can't beat Mont Orford, which boasts the highest skiable domain in the Eastern Townships (the fourth highest in the province).
The ski resort is located inside the Parc National du Mont-Orford and houses 62 trails on three mountains and a large uphill skiing network for those who enjoy Alpine Touring. You'll even find shelters at the summits.
Photo: Alexandra Racine
Photo: Alexandra Racine
Photo: Corporation Ski Golf Mont Orford
Photo: Corporation Ski Golf Mont Orford
Photo: Ian Roberge
Photo: Ian Roberge
Photo: Corporation Ski Golf Mont Orford
Photo: Corporation Ski Golf Mont Orford
Those coming with young children will enjoy the Beginner Zone at the base of Mont Giroux, which comes complete with a covered magic carpet.
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