Discovering the Summits of Bromont Through Alpine Touring

The winter of 2020–2021 marks the opening of the third alpine touring season at Bromont, montagne d’expériences. Since the 2017–2018 season, skinning enthusiasts have been able to practise their sport here. Indeed, it has become enormously popular over the last few years.

A Few Tips Before Leaving Home

First, before skinning up the mountain, I make sure I’m carrying at least 750 ml of water and some snacks (a Cliff bar, for example). I always carry a good size backpack which can hold a bottle of water and some food, but also a jacket to keep me warm while I ski down the hill. In fact, I suggest packing several layers of clothing to stay comfortable going up the slope as well as when you’re heading down.

Which Trails Should You Take?

I’ve been able to explore all four alpine touring trails several times and have a clear opinion when it comes to each their assets.

The Aigre-douce, the most popular trail, is rated as an intermediate route and is accessible by the Versant du Village (P1). This rather straight-to-the-top trail is perfect for those who wish to reach the summit as quickly as possible. More experienced climbers will complete the route in 40 minutes, whereas others with less experience will take about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Alongside the Aigre-douce, you have the BBQ trail which is slightly longer, but will have us greatly appreciate nature since you’ll find much less traffic here. This is also an intermediate level trail, but I suggest to those who wish to initiate themselves to the sport to start on the BBQ. Normally you’ll reach the top within an hour and a half.

L’Épicée, my favourite trail, can be found on the Versant des Épinettes (P5). It’s rated as difficult because it’s quite a demanding route even for the most experienced among us. Although the trail represents quite a technical challenge, it’s by far the one that allows me to enjoy nature to the fullest. Because it’s set in a much less developed sector of the mountain, we’re surrounded by nothing else than the forest throughout the 45-minute climb to the top.

The fourth trail, La Mielleuse, starts out at the Versant de la Côte Ouest (P7). It’s the shortest and easiest trail of the mountain. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the summit. This trail seems to have been traced on an old ski slope, making the experience less of a “nature” outing. However, once you’ve reached the top, the view is breathtaking.

Operating Hours, Tickets and Season Passes

The trails are accessible when there’s enough natural snow coverage, starting an hour before the centre opens until an hour before it closes. It is forbidden to head up the mountain outside these hours.

To access the Bromont ski resort’s trails you must purchase your alpine touring season pass or daily ticket. Both are available at the mountain’s two ticket counters (P1 and P5 parking areas) for $50 or $12. The alpine touring pass is included for those who have an alpine skiing season pass, but members must still go to one of the ticket counters.

Have a great climb!