Located within easy driving distance of both Montréal and Québec City – about a one-hour drive southeast of the former and around 140-150 miles from the latter – the destination’s four main winter resorts make for a great day in the snow for those on a winter city break to the Francophone province.
The key sites are Mont Orford (which has the highest skiable peak in the Townships), Mont SUTTON (with its popular glade skiing), Owl’s Head (offering panoramic views over Lake Memphremagog) and Bromont, montagne d’expériences (the largest illuminated ski area in North America).
One of the reasons that skiing in the Eastern Townships is so popular is the fact that not only are the ski resorts within easy reach of one another but they also all have distinct characteristics of their own.
Overall, they offer visitors the ultimate winter experience – whether that be sampling family-friendly trails or technical runs designed for expert skiers.
And this year the snow arrived at the end of November, blanketing the mountains and triggering the resorts to start operating at the beginning of December.
With new activities and attractions, all four of the Eastern Townships ski areas have something fresh to offer visitors this winter.
At Bromont, montagne d’expériences, 15 new snow cannons have been added to the existing infrastructure to ensure consistent snow coverage (especially during mild spells). On the Mont Soleil slope, the Vallée des Bonbons, a fun course with modules and designed for the entire family, is once more open to skiers. And new lodgings have opened at the base of the mountain – the Residence Inn by Marriott. The ski-in/ski-out condotel has 134 units equipped with kitchenettes, as well as a restaurant and a spa.
At Mont Orford, the main chalet at the ski station is getting a facelift. The older section of the building, which houses the dining areas, Café Virage, Slalom Pub and the principal entrance, has been renovated from top to bottom!
At Mont SUTTON the snow coverage promises to be better than ever, thanks to the installation of a TechnoAlpin snowmaking system. The resort is also offering a choice of six new ski lesson options for adults, as well as a geocaching trail that can be explored on skis.
At Owl’s Head ski resort, which opened in December 1965 with six trails, now has 50, with many offering views of Lake Memphremagog.
For visitors, The L’Est Go card allows skiers to visit the four major mountains with a single pass. The card gives skiers the opportunity to experience diverse terrains and views and the unique ambience of each resort. Card holders are also eligible for discounts on regular prices, representing savings of up 38%!
In addition to downhill skiing, the region offers a range of other ski experiences such as cross -country skiing, ski touring, glade skiing, expert ski runs, family-friendly trails and more.
For example, Cross-country skiers can choose from over 1,000 kilometres of trails, with the most popular including Mont Orford National Park, with 76 kilometres of groomed trails), Mont Megantic National Park (13.8 kilometres) and the Franceville-Mégantic intersection, known for its spectacular landscapes.
And after a day on the slopes, après-ski activities include a local beer at a microbrewery, cuisine (at any number of restaurants), a Nordic spa. or even a visit a vineyard as some remain open to visitors even in winter for tours and tastings.
Unique and cosy accommodation options range from country inns in historic villages to cabins surrounded by snow-clad forest.
Skiing is an important economic driver in the region: the Québec Ski Areas Association (ASSQ) reported total revenues of $425 million for the 2024-2025 season in Québec.
