Bromont and Mount Sutton offer amazing outdoor winter adventure

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To say that the Eastern Townships have it all, is an understatement.

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There’s great mountains, stupendous skiing, fabulous restaurants, amazing accommodations and most of all great people.

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This isn’t just about skiing, it’s about a world-class experience. I call Eastern Townships “boutique skiing”, with mountains big enough for all levels, yet quaint enough to nurture its Eastern Township charm and vibe.

It’s an easy six-hour drive from Toronto, one hour from Montreal and it has been a long time since I enjoyed four wonderful resorts, all within a half hour drive of each other. Each resort has its own unique character, look, feel and charm with Bromont, Sutton, Orford and Owls Head.

The great feature: Being so close to each other, you can pick one of the many stunning boutique hotels or quaint Airbnb’s, then drive to a new resort each day for an experience you’ll never forget with picturesque lakes, rivers, farms, towns and forests.

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Oh yes, you can’t forget the many incredibly delicious home crafted chocolate and cheese shops or famous wineries (winery L’Orpailleur in Dunham).

The first resort you’ll see driving up Hwy 10 from Montreal is Bromont, the largest night skiing resort in North America with 101 lite runs, including their snowpark. Bromont is an impressive mountain with 450 acres, seven lifts and 141 trails for all levels of skier or boarder. There’s beautiful ski-in and ski-out Villas lining the beginner trail, plus an incredible and gigantic summer water park.

The trails are strong, interesting and challenging with some cut through the forest and others with open terrain. There’s no worries about conditions as they enjoy up-to-date snow making. I was also invited to their members opening night, an oyster party atop the mountain at Chalet du Sommet with some incredible views of night skiers and the town.

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If you’re looking for accommodation, I recommend the majestic Amerispa Domaine Château Bromont, proudly sitting on top of a hill overlooking the mountain. You can take a short walk to the hills or enjoy the hotel’s free one-minute shuttle ride to the main chalet. There are no taxis or Ubers in the area so this is a great feature for the hotel and getting into town.

You can’t visit Bromont ski resort without visiting the picturesque town of Bromont. The town reminds me of scenes from Harlequin movies with quaint restaurants, boutique shops, festive lighting and decorations lining the main street. I’ve enjoyed a number of outstanding dinners in the Village but my recent visit to Babar at 616 Rue Shefford, stands out.

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It’s a small quaint restaurant on the main street featuring Mediterranean sharing dishes with impeccable service. Try the shrimp to start, then the marinated octopus along with an amazing dish I’ve never experienced before called Halloumi cheese plate, baked with charcoal, served on a fennel, celery and dates salad. All in all, Bromont will never disappoint on or off the hills.

MONT SUTTON

My next stop was Mont Sutton, about a half hour drive from my headquarters at Bromont Chateau. I arrived for party time, a birthday celebrating the mountain’s 63rd anniversary with two large cakes set up in the main chalet being sliced by the owners to the sounds of happy birthday.

Sutton is another big mountain with over 70 runs and known internationally for its exciting glades skiing challenging even the best of skiers from around the world. Matter a fact, 45% of skiable terrain is covered by glades. A number of Canadian magazines have named Sutton the best glades skiing resort in all of Canada. It’s the only Canadian resort that’s listed in the top five of the best glades skiing in North Eastern America. What’s really cool, you don’t have to be an expert to experience them with a number of easier green and blue runs to enjoy.

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There’s something for everyone at Mount Sutton with 60 trails, five lifts and 204 junctions, including a snow park, the Family zone and abundance of chalets. I really like runs that are cut through the forest, flowing down tree-lined trails and the most unique winter art I’ve ever seen.

In honour of celebrating the most artists in any Quebec town, Sutton commissioned local artists to carve animals and species native to the area. There’s a bear cub, frog, squirrel and owl placed on trees and rocks along trails.

Food and drink are also abundant with four chalets, including the mountain top, historic Chalet Alt 840 M, with a large round fireplace and kitchen. The views and vistas from the observation deck are breathtaking, overlooking the sprawling park of Reserve naturelle des Montagnes de Sutton, the largest private protected area in Eastern Canada.

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Your day wouldn’t be complete without an apres stop at Bar Le Tucker’s, atop the main chalet for local brews and outstanding Mason Jar caesars. On the way home, do yourself a favour and stroll the beautiful main street soaking up Eastern Township culture, food and drink. A good spot for dinner is À L’Abordage Microbrasserie. I highly recommend the home made burger and fries for a relaxing way to end your ski day.

These two resorts were a perfect way to kick off my excellent Eastern Townships adventure. I’ll be back next week with the final two resorts in Orford and Owls Head.

Glenn Crotuer is ski reporter on Toronto 640 and Ambassador for the Canadian Ski Council.

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