There’s not much I love more in this life than taking to the mountains in northern Vermont with my man and kiddos. For me, riding is a family affair. But when I saw snow in the forecast for the Montreal area Tuesday and Wednesday, I decided to plan some solo weeknight riding at Bromont, less than an hour drive from my office in Montreal. I loaded up my gear Wednesday morning, and when the clock struck 5 pm I pointed my car south on highway 10 towards Bromont.
I arrived at Bromont a little after 6:30 pm, suited up, and headed out for my first run. From village chair #4 I started down Fulford, a wide-open back diamond that offers incredible views of the village lights below, Montreal in the distance. It was a bit icy for my comfort level, so I took a quick break to catch my breath and grab a bite to eat.
I first visited Bromont about five years ago, to reconnect with old friends who were renting over the holiday break … “we’ve got condos, bring the girls!” After the kiddos were tucked in, and with lots of other ‘adults’ on hand to keep an eye, I ran out for the last chair and rode Brome, a wide, gentle, snaking green run. I set out to rediscover Brome, and that’s where I stayed for the rest of the night, surfing the banks and soft snow to skiers right, nothing but me, the mountain, the lights below.
When I got back to the city I called my man to tell him what I great night I’d had at Bromont. He reminded me of something that I’d kind of lost sight of. It is in riding alone that you find him, Animal Chin, and you relive why you fell in love with riding in the first place, exploring and surfing the mountain.
All in, a great night. Bromont is an unbelievable, modern facility, offering the most varied night-skiing terrain in North America. The staff is friendly, helpful, and professional. Merci, Ski Bromont! I’ll see you soon on my next solo momma riding adventure!
THE GOODS –
Elevation: 1,693′ at the summit
Vertical drop: 11,52′
Trails: 142 trails, including 32 glades, and 102 lit trails spread over 7 hillsides
Lifts: 9 lifts and more than 1275 snow guns
THE CONDITIONS –
Bromont is reporting the following conditions for today, Friday, Feb. 21:
Surface: Groomed snow
Base: Firm base
Coverage: Complete
Snowfall 24 h: 0 in.
Snowfall 48 h: 4 in.
Snowfall 7 days: 7 in.
Snowfall season: 111 in.
THE LOCAL CELEBRITY –
Bromont is the home mountain to celebrated Canadian snowboarder Max Parrot. A seven-time X Games champion, and Olympic silver medalist, Parrot was born and raised in the area and still rides at Bromont on the regular!