Quebec is the part of Canada and North America that is different to the rest of the continent.
The best bits of French culture are strong here, although most residents are bilingual, and while the big-name destination resorts of Western North America have sometimes announced plans to create “a European style village” at their bases, Quebec has a quite naturally European feel.
But that’s blended seamlessly with the North American concepts of quality and service that draw us across the pond. So in other words this is the blending of the best of both worlds. Indeed it’s the best without the bland.
And, as well as being one of the best options in North America, Quebec can in some ways offer a better “French” ski holiday than some of the less welcoming, more corporate ski areas in France itself. Those North American concepts of a friendly welcome and great service mean, for example, your French meal in Quebec may be bigger and better, for less, than in the French Alps.
The province has more ski areas than almost any other region or state on the planet – nearly 100 in fact, spread through the ancient Laurentian mountains. Snow conditions are almost always good as low temperatures at this northerly latitude help ensure light, fluffy powder, so skiing and boarding is a very reliable winter pastime for locals and visitors alike.
One of these areas is particularly well known. Tremblant (sometimes Mont Tremblant) has topped skier popularity polls in North America for several decades now, like Whistler in the west, which for many years had the same management and has proved more popular than many US resorts with US skiers and boarders too. It is also one of the world’s most popular resorts year round, attracting millions of visitors every year.
For British skiers and boarders, flying to Montreal has many attractions. Firstly it’s one of the closest parts of North America to us – meaning a shorter flight, far shorter than other resorts, and a smaller time difference. Secondly there’s the value factor – this is one of the more affordable North American destinations. Thirdly there’s the welcome – no need to purchase visas in advance like you do south of the border, and it’s rare to find a lengthy queue on arrival at immigration. Getting to Tremblant from Montreal is quick and easy too, just 90 minutes from the airport on fast, modern, illuminated four-lane roads for most of the way. Then there’s the culture, the food and the snow as mentioned above.
Tremblant
Tremblant has long been one of the most popular resorts in Eastern North America. It celebrated its 75th season last winter, but in recent decades its global success has come down to the creation of the perfect base village, a colourful and atmospheric faux ski town modelled on traditional Quebec architecture with cobbled streets and quaint buildings housing shops and restaurants, leading some to compare it to Disneyland.
Unlike many purpose-built resorts in the Alps, Tremblant has been created to look like a traditional resort but to act like a superbly designed ski destination resort with all facilities (rentals, restaurants, childcare, shops, lifts …) a few steps from your accommodation, and ski-in, ski-out access to almost all properties.
It has been voted the best resort in Eastern North America by readers of the leading US ski magazine every year for the best part of two decades, with 2014 no exception, and has also been listed in the world’s great ski towns by National Geographic magazine.
Tremblant’s Slopes
Tremblant’s slopes are easily accessible and its four mountain faces – Versant Sud, Versant Soleil, Versant Nord and Edge – provide some of the most extensive skiing in Eastern Canada. There are nearly 80km of runs divided into 95 runs with terrain to suit all ability levels. The longest trail, Nansen, is 6km long and the maximum skiable vertical is 675m. There are also three terrain parks.
For more advanced skiers the steepest run pitches at 42 degrees, and glade skiing on open, thinly wooded slopes is popular here too. Tremblant has added eight acres of new glades for 2014–15 located next to the Tunnel trail.
If you sign up for Tremblant’s First Tracks programme, you can enjoy the newly groomed trails and fresh powder in the glades 30 minutes before the lifts open to everyone else.
Families
Tremblant is a particularly good choice for families – easy to reach and pedestrianised with all facilities close at hand thanks to its great design, it is one of the world’s best bets for a low-to-no-stress family ski holiday.
On the mountain there’s lots of family-friendly terrain, and new for 2014–15 is the Tam Tam Adventure Zone for kids aged 3–12, accessed via the Lower Nansen, which includes turns, features and obstacles and covers some educational aspects of the Mountain Code of Conduct in a fun way. Off the mountain there’s lots to do including a great swimming complex and lots of affordable dining options.
Not Just Snow Sports
Tremblant is busy all year round and has some major attractions you can enjoy off the slopes, or if you’re travelling in a mixed group with non-skiers. These include a modern casino and a superb spa and water play area, the Aquaclub La Source, which combines adult pampering with an adventure pool for all the family.
Sleigh rides, snowmobiling, dog sledding, horse riding and snowshoeing are all available along with ice skating on Lac Miroir.
The resort also makes great efforts to interject a little “joie de vivre” into the holiday atmosphere, and there are often live music performances as the slopes close in central areas. There’s also a continental culture in play as you wander the cobbled streets window shopping and passing one enticing café or restaurant after another.
Add On Montreal
Montreal, host city of the 1976 Winter Olympics, is a vibrant French Canadian city, and it’s easy to spend a few days here in addition to your stay in Tremblant.
A city of many parts, the Old Town, rich in history with its atmospheric cobbled streets and buildings, spreads along the banks of the St Lawrence River. There’s also the modern city with a bustling downtown complete with galleries, world-class restaurants and shopping, and a complete underground community with dozens of miles of inter-linked underground malls.
