The Eastern Townships, also known as Estrie, transform each winter into a vast playground where skiing, snowshoeing, gastronomy, and relaxation come together harmoniously. Located less than two hours from Montreal, this hilly region offers a concentration of winter activities that few destinations in Quebec can match. From the ski slopes of Mont Sutton to the Nordic spas of Magog, along the Wine Route and through picturesque villages, the Eastern Townships charm visitors with their diversity and appeal.
This guide reviews everything the region has to offer in winter: ski resorts, outdoor activities, local gastronomy, and chalet accommodation options. Whether you are planning an active weekend with friends, a gourmet getaway as a couple, or an active family vacation, you will find the information you need here to create a memorable winter stay in the Eastern Townships.
Ski resorts: three mountains, three personalities
The Eastern Townships have three major ski resorts, each with its own identity and distinctive strengths.
Mont Sutton: the king of glade skiing
Mont Sutton is the benchmark for skiable glades in Quebec. With its 60 runs and trails spread across 230 acres, the resort offers natural, varied terrain that appeals to intermediate and expert skiers. Founded in 1960 by the Boulanger family, the mountain has retained its authenticity and family-friendly character. Its 460-metre vertical drop and generous natural snowfall (350 cm on average per season) make it a reliable destination throughout the winter.
The village of Sutton, at the foot of the resort, adds a cultural and gastronomic dimension to the experience. Restaurants, cafés, art galleries, and craft shops bring life to the streets of this village, which follows the rhythm of the mountain. For a ski stay at Mont Sutton, our Le Mont Sutton chalet provides an ideal base near the slopes.
Bromont: the versatile resort
Bromont, montagne d’expériences, is the most accessible resort from Montreal (approximately 45 minutes). With its 141 runs, night skiing (the largest illuminated ski area in North America), and world-class snow park, Bromont attracts a young and dynamic clientele. The resort excels at night skiing: racing down the slopes under the floodlights, with the city lights in the background, is a unique experience.
The village of Bromont has developed around the mountain with condos, restaurants, and shops. The Chocolaterie de Bromont and local microbreweries are must-visit stops after a day of skiing. The nearby Balnea indoor water park offers an exceptional Nordic spa experience.
Owl’s Head: the lake panorama
Owl’s Head stands out for its spectacular location on the shores of Lake Memphremagog. The runs offer panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains, a setting that few resorts can provide. With a vertical drop of 540 metres (the greatest in the Eastern Townships), the mountain offers challenging skiing on slopes that are often naturally covered in snow.
The atmosphere at Owl’s Head is quieter and less commercial than at the larger resorts. It is the destination of choice for skiers looking for a preserved natural environment and uncrowded slopes. Lift lines are rare, even on weekends.
Comparison of the three resorts
| Criterion | Mont Sutton | Bromont | Owl’s Head |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of runs | 60 | 141 | 50 |
| Vertical drop | 460 m | 405 m | 540 m |
| Night skiing | No | Yes (the largest in North America) | No |
| Glade skiing | Exceptional (30+) | Good | Good |
| Distance from Montreal | 1 hr 30 min | 45 min | 1 hr 45 min |
| Atmosphere | Family-friendly, authentic | Young, dynamic | Quiet, natural |
Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing: the other side of winter
Alpine skiing is not the only way to enjoy winter in the Eastern Townships. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing offer more contemplative and equally rewarding experiences.
Snowshoeing: trails for all levels
The region has hundreds of kilometres of marked snowshoeing trails. Mont-Orford National Park offers 25 km of trails through a mixed forest, with viewpoints overlooking Lake Stukely. The Les Grandes-Fourches trail, which connects several municipalities, offers routes from 2 to 20 km suited to all levels.
Snowshoeing in the forest is a particularly soothing activity. The silence of the snow-covered forest, the crunch of snow beneath the snowshoes, and the beauty of frost-laden trees create a meditative atmosphere. It is an activity accessible from the age of 5-6, making it an ideal choice for families.
Cross-country skiing: the Estrie network
The cross-country ski centres of the Eastern Townships offer meticulously maintained trails. The Sutton cross-country ski centre offers 25 km of classic and skate-skiing trails in a mountain setting. The Magog-Orford centre provides a 40 km network with heated shelters along the route.
Cross-country skiing is one of the most physically complete winter sports. It engages the entire body and can be practised at a leisurely or athletic pace, depending on your preference. Estrie’s trails, with their moderate elevation changes, are suitable for beginners and experienced cross-country skiers alike. To go beyond alpine skiing and discover all the winter activities accessible from a chalet in Quebec, our guide to winter activities at the chalet without skiing in 2026 covers snowmobiling, fat biking, ice fishing, and Nordic thermal circuits.
Winter gastronomy: the Flavour Route
One of the main attractions of the Eastern Townships in winter is its culinary scene. The region is known as Quebec’s richest terroir, and winter is the ideal season to explore its flavours.
Wineries in winter
Although the grape harvest has been over since autumn, several wineries remain open in winter for tastings. Ice wine, a Quebec speciality, is made from grapes harvested while frozen on the vine. This sweet, concentrated nectar is one of the region’s flagship products. Wineries in Dunham, Orford, and Magog offer tastings and guided tours even in the middle of winter.
The Eastern Townships Wine Route connects around twenty wineries along a 120 km circuit. In winter, the route takes on a different appearance: snow-covered vines, white-lined country roads, and fireside tasting rooms create an intimate and welcoming atmosphere.
Cheese makers and local producers
The Eastern Townships are home to some of Quebec’s best cheese makers. Cheese from the Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac, cheeses from Fromagerie La Station, and creations by Fritz Kaiser are renowned nationwide. A day spent visiting cheese makers, combined with a wine tasting, makes for a first-rate culinary tour.
Chocolate shops, artisan bakeries, and microbreweries round out the offering. After a morning of skiing or snowshoeing, sitting down in a local restaurant to enjoy a hot meal prepared with regional products is one of the great pleasures of winter in Estrie.
Christmas markets
From late November to late December, several villages in the Eastern Townships hold Christmas markets. The Magog-Orford market is one of the most renowned in Quebec, with its dozens of artisan and producer stalls, performances, and enchanting atmosphere. The Christmas markets in Knowlton, Sherbrooke, and Bromont are also well worth a visit.
Nordic spas: relaxation after exertion
The Eastern Townships have some of the best Nordic spas in Quebec. The Scandinavian concept of alternating between heat and cold, practised outdoors in a natural setting, has found a natural home in this region known for its pronounced winters.
Balnea: Located on the shores of Lake Gale in Bromont, Balnea is an award-winning spa offering hot and cold outdoor pools, with panoramic views of the lake and mountains. The winter experience is particularly striking: immersing yourself in a pool of hot water as the snow falls gently is a moment of pure bliss.
Spa Eastman: A pioneer of Nordic spas in Quebec, Spa Eastman offers a complete thermal circuit in a forest setting. The outdoor hot tubs, Finnish sauna, and river pools create a relaxation experience that can fill an entire afternoon.
Several chalets in the region also offer private spa facilities. Soaking in a hot tub on your chalet’s terrace, under the stars, after a day of skiing is an experience visitors often describe as the highlight of their stay.
Chalet accommodation: the options
The Eastern Townships offer a wide variety of rental chalets, from rustic cabins in the forest to fully equipped contemporary chalets.
Sutton area
The Sutton area is the most popular with skiers. Chalets are plentiful, well maintained, and often located just a few minutes from the Mont Sutton slopes. Sutton’s village atmosphere adds a welcoming dimension to the stay. Our Le Mont Sutton chalet provides an excellent starting point for exploring the mountain and its surroundings.
Magog-Orford area
The Magog and Mont-Orford area offers chalets with views of Lake Memphremagog or the mountains of the national park. The proximity of Magog (a town of 30,000 inhabitants) ensures easy access to restaurants, shops, and services. It is a good choice for families who want to combine nature with urban conveniences.
Bromont area
The Bromont area appeals because of its proximity to Montreal and the ski resort. Chalets there are often more modern and better equipped, but prices are also higher. It is the ideal destination for short weekends when driving time matters.
What to check before booking
For a successful winter stay, check these essential points before booking your chalet:
- Heating: The heating system must be efficient and reliable. A wood-burning stove or fireplace is an asset but should not be the only source of heat.
- Snow removal: Confirm that the access road to the chalet is cleared regularly.
- Parking: A cleared parking area for at least two vehicles is important.
- Storage facilities: A drying rack for ski clothes and storage space for boots and skis make the stay considerably easier.
- Proximity to the slopes: If skiing is your main activity, choose a chalet less than 15 minutes from the resort to avoid long journeys in winter conditions.
For a broader overview of ski destinations and chalets in Canada, our article on the best ski chalets in Canada is a useful complement to this regional guide.
Winter events and festivals
The Eastern Townships enliven their winter season with several events that are worth attending.
Bromont Chocolate Festival (February): A weekend dedicated to chocolate in all its forms, with tastings, workshops, and demonstrations by chocolatiers. The event attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Magog en Fête (December-January): Downtown Magog lights up and comes alive with performances, family activities, and a Christmas market that continues until early January.
Sherbrooke Carnival (February): Estrie’s capital holds its winter carnival with sporting competitions, ice sculptures, and musical performances.
Ice fishing tournament (January-February): Several lakes in the region host ice fishing tournaments open to everyone, offering a friendly way to discover this typically Quebec activity.
To discover other cultural horizons, the Héritage Russe website offers interesting perspectives on the winter traditions of other regions of the world.
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Conclusion
The Eastern Townships in winter offer a rare combination of sport, gastronomy, culture, and nature. The presence of three ski resorts with distinct personalities, a network of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails, world-class Nordic spas, and an exceptional culinary scene makes this region one of Quebec’s most complete winter destinations.
Whether you are a passionate skier, a food lover, a spa enthusiast, or simply someone who loves nature in winter, the Eastern Townships have something to offer you. Book your chalet, prepare your warm clothing, and let yourself be charmed by the winter magic of this region with its countless attractions.
To deepen your understanding of Quebec’s 4 seasons from a chalet, read our interview with Isabelle Fortier, nature and ecotourism guide.