Sara Eaman

The Eastern Townships have appeared in many recent articles as a travel destination for 2023. The New York Times rated it in their ‘52 Places to Go in 2023’ and the Toronto Sun reported the area being ‘Fantastique’ boasting of the culinary delights and the superb skiing. While it has been a dreadful start to the ski season this year we are fortunate that the Townships can also brag that our ski hills have excellent snowmaking and grooming facilities, which is an important selling point in this climate. 

Bromont has three peaks to delight skiers and snowboarders. With 110 trails to ski day or night, a ski school for the kids, and panoramic views from the Chalet du Sommet, there is something for everyone. Its proximity to Montreal makes Bromont a popular destination as does its night skiing and Nuits Blanches. However, what makes it all possible is that the mountain also boasts powerful snowmaking & grooming capabilities, making skiing available despite almost any weather condition. Day tickets for adults begin at $75, night starts at $54, with many promotions to take advantage of on http://www.bromontmontagne.com 

Mont Sutton boasts glade skiing with 45% of its 60 trails being sous-bois, while also offering a good variety of open trails to all levels of skiers and boarders. There is also a sense of respect for nature: the trails don’t just to get you down the mountain, there is an intact tree canopy and winding trails that let you really feel enveloped in nature. The hill has 10 lifts, a good family-friendly attitude and of course great snowmaking facilities. Day tickets begin at $84, but you can take advantage of their Tues-Weds-Thurs promotion and ski for $48 when you buy in advance at http://www.montsutton.com 

Owl’s Head peak rises above Lake Memphramagog and is as impressive for its grand panoramic views as it is for its wide open and consistent to ski down. A new ownership group took over in 2018 and while keeping the family-friendly atmosphere they have updated the resort and have also invested considerably in snow-making which can provide snow coverage to 90% of the mountain. Owl’s Head has 6 lifts, 50 trails to choose from for all abilities and Alpine Touring for any experienced backcountry skiers. Weekend day tickets for adults begin at $78, or only $58 for a full day during the week at http://www.owlshead.com 

Mont Orford is the oldest ski area in the Eastern Townships and has the highest skiable summit in the region. This ski area opened in 1938 and was a venture by the Quebec provincial government to bring winter recreation to the area. Today it has grown into a family-friendly ski facility with 3 summits, 4 slopes, 44 trails, and extreme skiing on their double diamond glade trails. Daily tickets for an adult begin at $74, visit http://www.montorford.com for other options. 

If you are up to the challenge of skiing all four ski hills this season, there is the L’EST GO card. Valid anytime day or night with no blackout dates you can buy lift tickets to any of the hills at reduced prices. Visit http://www.easterntownships.org for details or http://www.lestgo.ca to purchase.