Winter Van Road Trip: The Ultimate Ski Adventure in the Eastern Townships
Quebec offers an exceptional playground for outdoor enthusiasts, and what better way to experience it than with a van road trip? Ferreol Skis, a 100% Quebec-based eco-friendly ski manufacturer, and Bromont Campervan, a fully equipped van rental company, have teamed up to offer an adventure combining alpine skiing and ski touring in the heart of the Eastern Townships mountains.
Friday Night: The Adventure Begins
With the workweek behind us, it’s time to hit the road. We pick up our camper at Bromont Campervan in Bromont. Their vans are perfect for this kind of trip—fully equipped for a quick and easy departure to any outdoor destination. Just pack your clothes and sports gear, and you’re ready to go.
A quick stop at L’Étrier, a restaurant and boutique less than 2 km from the Bromont Campervan hub, allows us to stock up on gourmet supplies.
On the menu: forest soup packets, sous-vide osso bucco, fresh pasta, smoked salmon—L’Étrier offers delicious, easy-to-prepare van meals made entirely with local ingredients.
Next stop: Mont Sutton, our campsite for the night. The resort not only welcomes vans year-round but also offers electric charging stations—perfect for us, as our van is 100% electric.
Saturday: Sunny Slopes at Mont Sutton
After enjoying a protein-packed breakfast in the comfort of our van, we’re ready for first tracks. La Niña (see our previous article) has blessed the region with great snow coverage, despite recent temperature fluctuations. Mont Sutton is a must for tree skiing, and Ferreol Skis’ Explo 86 are the perfect match for maneuvering through the glades.
Mont Sutton is part of the L’Est Go multi-resort pass, which also includes Owl’s Head, Bromont, and Orford—ideal for adventurers looking to plan a similar ski road trip.
The mountain vibe was festive. 15°C, bluebird skies, and outstanding conditions. We wrapped up this perfect day with an après-ski gathering alongside the local Sutton community.
Sunday: Spring Ski Touring at Owl’s Head
After a second night in Sutton, we hit the road toward Owl’s Head. Along the way, we stop in Mansonville at Café Torréfacteur Les Appalaches. A favorite meeting spot for locals and visitors alike, this charming café is also a strategic stop for many regional athletes, especially road cyclists. Located across from a public park with picnic tables and charging stations, it’s a perfect spot for a future summer getaway.
Fully recharged, we set off for a ski touring ascent at Owl’s Head.
We often hear about Owl’s Head’s breathtaking scenery, and this spring day was no exception—melting streams and waterfalls, vibrant green moss on the rocks, and the stunning Memphrémagog Lake visible nearly the entire way up. Ferreol Skis’ Explo 96 and Surfeur 112 provided exceptional grip and stability for these spring conditions.
Gearing Up for a Winter Road Trip
To handle cold nights or mild spring temperatures, layering with technical clothing is essential, along with a reliable heating system. A propane stove or portable cooktop and high-energy meals are also must-haves. Bromont Campervan provides a glamping-level experience, making it easy for first-time vanlifers—everything is set up upon pick-up, from kitchen equipment to cozy bedding.
Eco-Friendly Winter Travel
Traveling in an electric van allows for a lower environmental footprint while embracing a minimalist lifestyle. By following Leave No Trace principles, it’s possible to enjoy the snowy landscapes responsibly.
Bromont Campervan, which offers 100% electric vans in the Eastern Townships, has also recently launched a rental hub in the Quebec City region. Skiing can be enjoyed consciously, and Ferreol Skis is committed to minimizing its carbon footprint through sustainable initiatives such as: Using flax fiber instead of synthetic materials, 100% local production, sourcing local wood, prioritizing durability and timeless design, developing partially recyclable ski prototypes
A huge thank you to Tourisme Cantons-de-l’Est, Mont Sutton, Owl’s Head, L’Étrier, and Café Torréfacteur Les Appalaches for their warm welcome!
Text and photos by Julie Tardif
