Celebrating MontTremblant 75th Anniversary in style #VisitTremblant
CanadianMomEh.com was invited to celebrate Mont Tremblant’s 75th Anniversary this year. We love how it’s only a short hour and a half drive away from Montreal, under two hours from Ottawa and a short flight away from Toronto (though still entirely driveable). It is hands down our favourite Canadian vacation spot year round. While it’s known for its skiing and winter activities, you must have read what a fabulous time we had in the summer as well.
Post by CanadianMomEh.
Skiing
Mont Tremblant has been voted as one of the top 10 most scenic ski resorts in the world by USA Today. Visit once and you’ll know why. Think absolute pristine ski conditions, expertly groomed trails and the highest peak in Eastern Canada. Many people think that all mountains are the same but I don’t agree with that at all. Every mountain has its own unique qualities in its number of trails, quality of care, slopes and terrain. It snowed 15 centimeters overnight while we were visiting and the next morning, all you saw was artistically groomed trails, fluffy white powder and snow capped trees as far as the eyes could see from the top of the mountain. It is this attention to detail, combined with the bounty of activities to choose from that makes Tremblant the ideal vacation hot spot this side of the equator.
Ski School
Mont Tremblant’s ski school is world class for a reason. Their instructors offer private and group lessons, imparting knowledge and skills gained over decades of experience (our instructor had over 30 years of experience) with an emphasis on mountain safety. They provide priority access to the mountain and everything you need to know to ski safely and comfortably. I love the flaikTM GPS system which offers real-time tracking of the wearer and lets you know exactly where your kid is on the mountain. Skiers and snowboarders can access their daily statistics on Internet. It is complimentary for kids 12 years old and under in most programs and lessons with the Tremblant Snow School.
Ski Patrol
Tremblant has an incredible ski patrol. It’s not uncommon for people to get injured or anxious when up on the mountain and Tremblant ski patrol is expertly trained to safely transport visitors down safely.
Spag & Co
We were invited to dine at Spag & Co during our stay. It is a great Italian restaurant located at the foot of Mont Tremblant at the entrance to the Pedestrian village. Its ambiance is welcoming and trendy and each of the staff members are attentive and friendly. Think high end cuisine without the formal dress code. We thoroughly enjoyed all the items on the menu that we tried but I went absolutely gaga over the one item I didn’t think to photograph. The meal is preceded by complimentary, warm soft white ciabatta buns sitting on top of small packets of melted butter, they are accompanied by a luscious, velvety olive oil/fresh herb mixture. It’s not quite a pesto, but just the most eclectic melody of green herbs. It’s the perfect consistency to be sopped up by the soft, warm, bread and makes you (want to) eat way more bread than you might expect to. The food is great, homey and delicious and is rivaled only by the wonderful service. Be sure to check this place out.
Sleigh Ride
This was one of my favourite activities of our entire visit which is saying a lot. Sleigh rides take place multiple times a day depending on season and demand and can be booked through the activity center at Mont Tremblant. I’m a huge fan of horses to start with but our tour guide Richard went above and beyond in informing and entertaining us. We climbed aboard the sleigh and were instantly handed warm checkered blankets to keep us toasty warm. We were then introduced to Buddy and Brad, our two horsepower (I loved Richard’s sense of humour) mode of transport. While it obviously wasn’t planned, the light fluffy snow that fell throughout the entire ride felt entirely magical. It was like a sleigh ride inside of a snow globe. We were serenaded by Richard’s harmonica, fiddle then bells and tambourines. He was entertaining yet not overbearing. The sleigh ride lasted an hour and took us through the forest and up and down small hills. We paused about midway for some hot chocolate (kept warm in a large canteen-like thermos) followed by fresh, maple butter made with concentrated local maple syrup, served on popsicle sticks. We were then each handed an instrument and told we needed to make “good music to ‘elp the ‘orses up the ‘ill). All in all the hour flew by but the experience will not soon be forgotten. It should definitely be on your list of things to do with your family.
Pizzateria
We were hosted at Pizzateria, a classic Tremblant hotspot located in the heart of the Pedestrian Village on invitation of Mont Tremblant. It was like seeing an old friend who had a makeover. We were thrilled to be invited to sit on the patio (this is winter after all). I might have looked a little puzzled which is why the owner told us he had a massive renovation of electronic retractable windows installed all around the patio. He had also added a gorgeous fireplace, and ceiling heaters to make you feel as if you’re sitting out on the patio on a warm Autumn day. I was impressed. While the food was nice on our last visit, it was exceptionally delicious this time around. The vegetables on our pizza tasted so fresh you’d think they were just picked, the crust was thin yet not overly crunchy and the salads were generous. Pizzateria is a great place to hang out as an après-ski (after ski) or to grab a quick bite with friends. It is located near the top of the hill and super convenient to check out on a full day of outdoor activities. Their patio temporarily took me back to warm summer days when we’d dine on the terrasse (summer is only…how many months away?!)
Skating
We love to skate as a family and recently started a tradition of weekend skating with the kids so naturally, we took our skates on vacation with us. Tremblant recently invested in a Zamboni which allowed them to expand and better resurface their ice rink located a short distance away from the main parking lot. They offer complimentary skate rentals (which is awesome!), an outdoor fireplace and benches to warm up at, not to mention a beautiful view of the mountain. Nothing compares to skating outdoors at the base of one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. Do check it out.
Tobogganing
Tobogganing down a hill of snow and shrieking with delight is the stuff Canadian childhood memories are made of. Tremblant offers evening tubing throughout the winter (weather permitting) and it’s a blast! Few things better use a bunny hill better after hours, then combing it down for tubing. It’s fun, exhilarating and something that kids of any age are sure to enjoy
AquaClub LaSource
It’s great to spend the day outdoors and on the slopes but if you want to take a break from the cold weather and just relax, I highly recommend AquaClub La Source. It’s an indoor pool complete with Tarzan rope, bridges, hot tubs and slides and the best part is, it’s snuggled right in the heart of the village. It’s the perfect way to warm up even when it might be -40 outdoors.
Mont Tremblant is proud to celebrate 75 years of fantastic activities year round for the whole family and we were honoured to celebrate along with them. March break is coming up, do yourself and your family a favour and book your trip to Mont Tremblant. It’s fun for the whole family and you’re guaranteed to have a fabulous time.
I’ve only been to MontTremblant once but absolutely loved it. It’s such a gorgeous area of Quebec and the mountain itself is stunning. It was my first time skiing so I took advantage of the beginner class and slope they run. (It was mostly kids learning beside me but adults were welcome too!) It wasn’t too long before I was comfortable enough going down the actual slopes. It was a really great experience I would love to repeat!
Awesome Elizabeth. Our private ski instructor was so attentive to every detail and patient. There’s no better place to learn.
It looks like a lot of fun! My son would love the sleigh ride.
The sleigh ride was our favourite part! It was everything you could want out of a sleigh ride 🙂 Down to the hot chocolate.
I haven’t been to Mont Tremblant yet with the kids but hear it is fantastic for people who love winter activities (I’m slowly growing to love it ;))
Sounds like you had a fantastic time — and the food!! What kind of cheese is that? I want some 🙂
Cheryl it was a baked brie that just oozed out when you cut into it. SO good with homemade pickled onions and baguette.
It sounds like a great place for everyone, even for those who aren’t the best skiers (aka me). I would just sit back, have some wine and food 🙂
I hear you Randa. I love the number of restaurants Tremblant offers. There’s so much variety, even for regulars.
We always talk about making the drive from T.O. Looks similar to Blue Mountain here in Ontario.
Wow! Your time at Mount Tremblant looked fabulous! Loved seeing all your great pics! I had no idea that MT was under 2 hours from Ottawa. I love downhill skiing. I may just have to visit sometime!
Thanks Sandy. It is. We met quite a few people from Ottawa while we were there. They recently completed a new route that makes it even easier to get to. I’d definitely suggest you check it out.
I have not been to Mont Tremblant since highschool which was a really long time ago. I really enjoyed the glimpse back into my way back machine as I call it in your post. I really need to plan a visit again with my own family.
I’m sure you’d fall in love with it all over again if you went back with your family. I love watching my children’s excitement when we’re there.
What a wonderful way to spend quality family time. I have never been, but hubby used to ski there growing up, and we have often talked about taking the kids – it just hasn’t happened yet.
I love that there’s something to do for every family member, year round. It’s the main reason why we keep going back.
the sleigh ride and food are more my style, I have only tried skiing one time as an adult and it went horribly wrong lol I was a mess! lol
Then you’d love the abundance of after ski restaurants, bistros and cafés Tremblant has to offer.
Oh Fariha!! I am so excited to read this. As I am reading this I am on the train making my way to the airport where we are being flown to Tremblant to experience ski school and all the other great things Tremblant has to offer!! I can’t wait to actually try some of this. My kids are ecstatic. I too like to skate with the entire family.
Awesome! So happy to hear 🙂 If you end up writing about your experience, please be sure to share it my way!