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Introduction
Tremblant has been the leading resort in eastern Canada for 70 years and for the past decade has been annually voted the best ski resort in eastern North America by US Ski Magazine readers.
The reasons for its success? Easy access from Montreal is a big plus, as is the northerly latitude with skiing on the region's highest mountain. An arsenal of nearly 1,000 snow guns is a big snow certainty advantage. But the billion-dollar spend by Intrawest, the company behind Whistler and more than a dozen other top North American, and now European, ski resorts, is probably the key factor.
Much of the money has gone on an ever-expanding, brilliantly laid out pedestrian resort village at the base of the slopes. There's a huge choice of accommodation, eateries and shopping all designed in a faux Quebecois architecture with carefully determined sight lines and vistas. The resort endeavours to offer something for all tastes and all budgets.
The reasons for its success? Easy access from Montreal is a big plus, as is the northerly latitude with skiing on the region's highest mountain. An arsenal of nearly 1,000 snow guns is a big snow certainty advantage. But the billion-dollar spend by Intrawest, the company behind Whistler and more than a dozen other top North American, and now European, ski resorts, is probably the key factor.
Much of the money has gone on an ever-expanding, brilliantly laid out pedestrian resort village at the base of the slopes. There's a huge choice of accommodation, eateries and shopping all designed in a faux Quebecois architecture with carefully determined sight lines and vistas. The resort endeavours to offer something for all tastes and all budgets.
Mountain facts
Resort elevation: 265m (869ft).
Top elevation: 875m (2,871ft).
Base elevation: 265m (869ft).
Number of lifts: 13.
Number of runs: 94.
Average annual snowfall: 3.8m (12.5ft).
Where in the world?
Tremblant is located in the heart of the Laurentian mountains, north of Montreal in the French-speaking Canadian province of Quebec.
Hit the slopes
The season typically runs from late November to early April.
It's possible to drive in beneath your apartment, take the lift up to your condo to drop your cases and put on your ski gear, then walk out the front of the building straight on to the lifts. If you haven't brought your own gear you'll find efficient rental outlets that feel more like shiny airport fashion stores than the usual smelly ski shops.
The ski slopes rising directly above the resort are known as the South Side and many skiers start the day in the queue-gobbling Express gondola, with eight-seater cabins, that whisks you to the top of the slopes. Here you have the option of heading back down the wide open, easier runs above the village or dropping down on to the North Side which has tougher terrain (and the best of the sunshine in the morning); half of it is graded advanced level, with pitches up to 42 degrees on the Dynamite piste. If there are queues for lifts, theme park style ‘wait time' signage advises accordingly.
The Versant Soleil ski area is the resort's newest, with 75% of terrain suited to ‘experienced' skiers. Tremblant also has a reputation for its terrain park features, which include a rare superpipe, typically the first to open in eastern North America each winter.
It's worth booking a ‘First Tracks' package to get the best start to the day. Participants board the gondola at 0715, enjoy a hearty buffet breakfast at the summit's Grand Manitou and are the first to hit the slopes at 0800.
It's possible to drive in beneath your apartment, take the lift up to your condo to drop your cases and put on your ski gear, then walk out the front of the building straight on to the lifts. If you haven't brought your own gear you'll find efficient rental outlets that feel more like shiny airport fashion stores than the usual smelly ski shops.
The ski slopes rising directly above the resort are known as the South Side and many skiers start the day in the queue-gobbling Express gondola, with eight-seater cabins, that whisks you to the top of the slopes. Here you have the option of heading back down the wide open, easier runs above the village or dropping down on to the North Side which has tougher terrain (and the best of the sunshine in the morning); half of it is graded advanced level, with pitches up to 42 degrees on the Dynamite piste. If there are queues for lifts, theme park style ‘wait time' signage advises accordingly.
The Versant Soleil ski area is the resort's newest, with 75% of terrain suited to ‘experienced' skiers. Tremblant also has a reputation for its terrain park features, which include a rare superpipe, typically the first to open in eastern North America each winter.
It's worth booking a ‘First Tracks' package to get the best start to the day. Participants board the gondola at 0715, enjoy a hearty buffet breakfast at the summit's Grand Manitou and are the first to hit the slopes at 0800.
Beyond the slopes
Tremblant is one of the few ski resorts that is a true year-round destination. A high percentage of visitors are happy to stroll around the shops and pavement cafes and take in the regular performance entertainment the resort lays on.
Non-skiers can visit the indoor pool, cinema or take a day trip to Montreal. On-snow and ice alternatives to downhill sliding include ice skating, ice climbing, horse riding, snowmobiling, dog sledding, snowshoeing and sleigh rides.
Acrobranche is an unusual option - an aerial assault course with ziplines 10 to 15m (33 to 50ft) up in the trees. It's popular at night, with headlamps on helmets, as an après-ski activity. Adult and family versions are available.
Non-skiers can visit the indoor pool, cinema or take a day trip to Montreal. On-snow and ice alternatives to downhill sliding include ice skating, ice climbing, horse riding, snowmobiling, dog sledding, snowshoeing and sleigh rides.
Acrobranche is an unusual option - an aerial assault course with ziplines 10 to 15m (33 to 50ft) up in the trees. It's popular at night, with headlamps on helmets, as an après-ski activity. Adult and family versions are available.
Family fun
Tremblant is an excellent choice for families with the pedestrianised centre, easy access to all facilities and a wide range of family-friendly activities and eateries on and off the slopes. The Kidz Club daycare accepts children aged one to six, with the ski school possible from age three.
Retail therapy
Some 50 shops and boutiques put Tremblant in the world top 30 for retail choice, and the resort has been designed as something of a mountainside mall. Les Trésors sur le Lac (place Saint-Bernard) sells gift items crafted by Québécois and Canadian artists.
Après ski
There are more than a dozen lively nightspots, as well as a good choice of quieter bars. The slopeside place St Bernard often has free live entertainment. Le Petit Caribou (Vieux-Tremblant) is one of the busiest spots and has been voted ‘Best in eastern Canada' by the locals. Le Shack (place Saint-Bernard) is a sports bar with big-screen TV.
Eating out
Spag & Co (place des Voyageurs) is a family-friendly establishment. Les Artistes (rue des Remparts) is Tremblant's Parisian bistro offering simple or gourmet cuisine including regional specialties. Plus Minus Café (Vieux-Tremblant) is located in Tremblant oldest's chalet and serves gourmet, organic food in an avant-garde style.
Getting around
Most of the accommodation, off-mountain facilities, and ski lifts are within the main resort village which is designed for pedestrian use - everything a short walk away. There is a regular free shuttle bus linking the outlying areas.
Splashing out
The multi-million dollar Aquaclub La Source is designed to resemble a Laurentian lake, but with the bonus of having a subtropical atmosphere and the latest spa facilities on site.
Accommodation
Luxury
Fairmont TremblantSlopeside pamper palace voted best ski hotel in Eastern North America by Ski Magazine and listed as one of the top 10 ski hotels in the world in a separate rating.
3045 chemin de la Chapelle
Tel: (819) 681 7000 or 1 800 257 7544 (reservations).
Website: www.fairmont.com/tremblant
Moderate
Place Saint-Bernard Les Suites TremblantPerfect location within steps of lifts and nightlife, with free entry to Aquaclub La Source.
place Saint-Bernard
Tel: 1 877 966 6873.
Website: www.lessuitestremblant.com
Budget
Hotel Mont-TremblantTremblant's original hotel, now a bed and breakfast, sits on the shores of Lac Mercier and first opened its doors in 1902.
1900 chemin du Village
Tel: (819) 425 3232 or 1 888 887 1111.
Website: www.hotelmonttremblant.com
Getting there
Nearest airports: Montreal (YUL); Mont-Tremblant (YTM).
Distance to resort: 129km (80 miles); 35km (22 miles).
Driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes; 30 minutes.
Distance to resort: 129km (80 miles); 35km (22 miles).
Driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes; 30 minutes.
Website
This resort is good for...
Experts, Non-skiers, Intermediates, Beginners, Après ski, Families, Snowboarders
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