MONT SUTTON: A SKIING PARADISE

There are places in the province of Québec that I find charming because of the beauty of the attractions they offer. In this respect, Mont Sutton has a special place in my heart. Here are the many reasons why Mont Sutton, in my opinion, is the spot par excellence for your next ski outing in the Eastern Townships.

The mountain, a veritable playground for skiers

During my day on the mountain, I had the pleasure of criss-crossing the ski slopes in the company of my friend, who’s an avid telemark skiing enthusiast, along with Mireille, Mont Sutton’s communications coordinator.

At the time this article is being written, we were graced by an abundance of fresh snow (25 cms. in 24 hours) to further enhance the experience of the mountain. The mountain benefits from a unique microclimate for heavy snowfalls, which is a huge advantage for the ski station. While it was raining in other parts of the Townships, the mountain unveiled a fluffy white carpet.

With its 60 trails and 230 acres of skiable terrain, Mont Sutton provides skiers of all abilities with an infinite source of pleasure. For example, I’m an intermediate calibre snowboarder who is usually skittish about taking the glades. But the configuration of some of the glades allows the more fainthearted skiers such as myself to hone their skills while indulging in the joys of nature. My friend, meanwhile, loves the diversity of the trails and the snowy blanket of the mountain.

And for Léo, my little 21-month-old ball of energy, being able to access a magic carpet and a learning zone provides an introduction to skiing. And he loves getting on daddy’s skis!

Chalets that exude cosiness and comfort

I love the main chalet, especially on the upper floor As soon as I set foot in the chalet, I can’t help but feel a sense of comfort, the type of feeling you get when you have a home-made soup or when you swaddle yourself under the warm covers. You feel at home.

There are plenty of reasons why I have this feeling of contentment in a vintage chalet:

• The food: while my friend Marc regaled in a steaming bowl of chili in a bread loaf, I devoured a sugar-shack-style meal (Just so you know, there are savoury healthy meal options, too!)
• Le Petit Tucker: the place to go to order lattés, an espresso and sweet, delicious small pastries.
• Bar Le Tucker: for a friendly après-ski spot where you can knock back a pint of beer while playing a game of foosball with your friends (or with your son, if you so wish!)
• The staff: with a son that wriggles and runs all over the place, I have the opportunity to deal with the staff on a frequent basis. Whether it’s the people at the reception with their orange coats, the cashier at the cafeteria or the person in charge of housekeeping, everyone treats you in a polite, kindly manner.

And what can you say about the Chalet Alt.840m with its central fireplace and spectacular view. Simply wow!

For a great spring-break week!

Short of ideas and still wondering what to do for spring-break week? Don’t worry, Mont Sutton goes out of its way to make your spring break an unforgettable family time!

Here is a list of activities being held at the mountain:

• A spring-break camp at the ski school for an activity-filled holiday week;
• A day-care school program for the little ones;
• An introductory special deal for a first experience on the slopes, on skis or snowboard;
• A family guided tour with an ambassador guide;
• Giant volleyball games on the snow;
• A treasure hunt on the ski slopes for the family;
• A series of activities with friendly competition games in the snow park;
• Arts and crafts at the day care;
• A sugar shack-style meal at the Chalet Alt.680m on March 5-6;
• A custom graffiti on ski helmets session on March 4;
• A tasting of Vermouth Lab from the Val Caudalies vineyard, March 6;
• Après-ski entertainment at Bar Le Tucker (children are welcome!);
• Delicious taffy on snow ($).

While you’re in Sutton, take advantage of your time there by savouring a coffee or having a beer in one of the many bars in the area! Have a great spring-break week!