Located near the Quebec/Vermont border in the Eastern Townships and not far from Sherbrooke, family-orientated Owl’s Head, named after an Indian chief, has some fantastic ski and snowboard runs with something for all levels of ability. Some of the most redeeming features of Owl’s Head are the awesome views of Lake Memphomagog and the surroundings, and the excellent snow park.

Owl’s Head was developed over 30 years ago and is a very relaxing resort, even if somewhat rustic. Accommodation is in bed-and-breakfasts, inns and self-catering apartments, and there are a couple of restaurants in the lodgings. Après-ski is a bit on the thin side and provided by the bar, with its karaoke facilities. Childcare facilities are on hand as well.

There are 27 slopes at Owl’s Head, with terrain divided equally among beginners, intermediates and experts. Eight lifts, including a high-speed detachable quad, have an hourly uplift capacity of 10,000 people and run across the 540m of vertical to all slopes, the longest of which is four kilometres.

For alternative skiing and snowboarding, Mont Orford is just northeast of Owl’s Head and has 54 slopes of long runs and tight tree-skiing. It also boasts one of the highest vertical drops in eastern Canada, as well as two terrain parks with half-pipe. There is also some pleasurable driving to be had around this area, while those into the big city scene can head for Montréal.

The ski season begins in December and usually runs to mid-April, and the resort is open daily from 08:30 to 16:00. The most convenient way to get to Owl’s Head is to fly to Montréal and hire a car for the transfer.