The sky is in the lake
photo by name_2871

Mont-Tremblant is a small village in Quebec, Canada, known for the famous Mont-Tremblant Ski Resort. Located in the Laurentian mountain range, Mont-Tremblant ("Trembling mountain" in French) is surrounded by lush boreal forest and breathtaking views, standing at 875 meters (2871 feet).

Despite being a ski resort, in recent years, Mont-Tremblant has become a popular getaway for tourist and locals alike, whether in winter or in summer.

Understand

Mont-Tremblant is divided into two parts. The original village of Mont-Tremblant now goes by the name of The Village, but these days it's The Resort (aka the Pedestrian Village), some 13 km away directly at the foot of the mountain, where the action is. Built by Intrawest (the company behind Whistler) starting in 1992, the Resort is a somewhat Disneyland-y concoction of pretty pastel houses, but it looks improbably idyllic in winter with a light (or, not uncommonly, heavy) dusting of snow, maple logs on the fire and lights twinkling in the windows. Vehicles are strictly prohibited — hence the name — and many hotels can be reached directly on ski. A free gondola connects the lower hotels to the ski lifts.

Surrounding the inhabited areas is Mont-Tremblant National Park (Parc national du Mont-Tremblant), the biggest park in the SEPAQ network and the first national park to have been created in Québec.

There are also other areas besides The Village of Mont Tremblant that visitors and locals can live in. Domaine de la Forêt offers direct access to the ski trails and is nestled along the mountainside. Domaine Nansen area is a private, peaceful area that consists of a small cluster of homes hidden in forested south side. Le Domaine du Géant area features luxurious condos in a peaceful setting not too far from the village. Domaine du Diable area include luxurious homes featured next to the golf course. Versant Soleil is the newest addition to homeowners settling in Quebec's Laurentian Mountains.

Mont Tremblant is a part of the Laurentian mountain range. Its elevation is 875 meters/ 2,871 feet and has a south side vertical drop of 645 meters/ 2,116 feet. The ski resort's includes 654 acres of skiable terrain with 465 acres of artificial snow coverage. It has a massive snow system powering 1,037 snow guns that produces snow from November to April. Mont Tremblant contains plenty trails with its total trail length being 78.9 km/ 49 miles. The mountain is designated to handle 27,230 skiers per hour because of its 14 express ski lifts. The trails cover 17% beginner, 33% intermediate and 50% expert level. This beautiful mountain transports thousands of skiers hourly by their two gondolas, one cabriolet, five high-speed 4-passenger lifts, one 4-passenger chairlift and two 3-passenger chairlifts.

Getting there

By plane

Mont Tremblant International Airport (IATA : YTM) has seasonal direct flights to and from several US cities, such as Philadelphia and Dallas. Continental Airlines operates scheduled service to Mont Tremblant airport from Newark, and Porter Airlines from Toronto.

The nearest major airport is in Montreal.

By car

Mont-Tremblant is most easily reached via Autoroute 15 North from Montreal to Sainte-Agathe, where it merges with 117 for the last 30 km (still four-laned highway). Take exit 119 (Montée Ryan) to Chemin Duplessis and follow indications for Tremblant Resort. The trip takes about 90 minutes.

From the west (Ottawa and Toronto), it's possible to use smaller roads to shave a few kilometers off the journey, but the roads are very small at times and may be snowed in during the winter. Detouring via Montreal is thus, in all likelihood, the faster option.

If you are driving in the winter remember Snow Tyres are now Law in Quebec! (Only mandatory for vehicles registered in Quebec.)

Car Rental really is essential if your looking to maintain your independance in and out of the resort, but prices vary dramatically between operators so do your homwork on price comparisons. Firms like AVIS also do deals with local hotelier's that can be accessed via simple link throughs and can really be worth checking out - try: http://www.avis.co.uk/avisonline/gb/ibe.nsf/reservationhomemicrosite?openview&MST=1B618EDABF897CB6C12573CB0043E4EC

By bus

Two intercity bus lines provide service into Mont-Tremblant. The primary service is operated by Groupe Galland between Montreal, Mont-Tremblant, and Mont-Laurier. There are generally six trips daily between Montreal and the St-Jovite section of Mont-Tremblant; some trips provide direct or connecting service to the Mont-Tremblant resort. Two of the trips continue beyond Mont-Tremblant to Mont-Laurier. Autobus Maheux also provides service to the St-Jovite section of Mont-Tremblant, but the service is restricted to carrying passengers only to points north of Mont-Laurier (local transportation to points between Montreal and Mont-Laurier is provided exclusively by Groupe Galland). During the winter ski season, Skyport provides direct service between the Montréal-Trudeau airport and the Mont-Tremblant resort.

Most bus travelers from Ontario and points west travel first to Montreal, then to Mont-Tremblant. However, it may be possible to save some travel time by going through Ottawa instead of Montreal. Voyageur operates one bus daily (two buses on Fridays and Sundays) between Ottawa and Grand-Remous, with a connection in Grand-Remous to Autobus Maheux for service to and from Mont-Tremblant. Check schedules carefully before travel.

Regional transit bus service is provided by Transport collectif intermunicipal Laurentides . There are six weekday and two weekend trips that provide service to all points between the St-Jovite section of Mont-Tremblant and Saint-Jérôme. There are also two weekday taxibus services to all points between Mont-Tremblant and Labelle. At Saint-Jérôme connections may be made with the rush hour only commuter trains between Saint-Jérôme and Montreal, operated by Agence métropolitaine de transport ; and also with daily regional bus service between Saint-Jérôme and the Montmorency Métro station in Laval, operated by C.I.T. Laurentides .

Within Mont-Tremblant, daily transit bus service is operated between the St-Jovite section and the Mont-Tremblant resort by a contractor to the local Chamber of Commerce.

See

Aside from mildly iconic clocktower in the lower village, there are no historic sights in Mont Tremblant. But what it lacks in history it makes up for in the surrounding natural beauty. Mountains, lakes and forests provide an idylic setting - especially in the more rustic northern side.

Things to do

Mont Tremblant is an internationally-renowned and multi award winning ski destination. It doesn't come cheap though: your basic day pass costs $70/day, plus possible high season surcharges. However, this is competitive to European resorts thanks to favorable exchange rates.

If you visit in the summer, the resort on the south side of the mountain is a great starting point for activities. As well as mountain activities there is cycle hire and an indoor pool, ‘Aqua Club de Source'. Try mini-golf or walk down to the shore of Lac Tremblant for water sports. At the top of the resort there is an ‘Activity Centre’ where you can book a huge variety of activities.

Nearby, Parc de Mont Tremblant is one of the major parks listed in the Parcs Quebec network and features camping, canoe-camping, well-maintained hiking trails, canoe rental. See the SEPAQ website (in French and English) for more information and rates.

If your looking for a more convenient Ski experience try the north side of the resort - not only does it have the best runs, but also an abundance of free parking that makes your walk to the ski lifts both shorter and easier. The North side also benefits from catering and equipment rental - great if you simply want to focus on what you came for and maximise your time on the slopes.

It's nice to soak your bones in a hot tub after hitting the slopes all day, either in a locally rented home (if your lucky enough) or in one of the half dozen or so spas in Mont-Tremblant.

  • Aquaclub La Source , Family-friendy spa and gym complex in the center of the pedestrian village, you can't miss the blue outdoor whirlpool from the gondola. Adult one-day pass to pool and gym $24.10, various discounts and multi-day packages available.

Winter activities

  • Mont Tremblant Resort gives you free unlimited access to sliding activities. They also give you the opportunity to experience First Tracks, which allows one to be on the slopes 30 minutes before anyone else.

  • Casino de Mont-Tremblant is a new friendly casino that is open 7 days a week. It is accessible via gondola running between Versant Soleil and the Versant Sud.

  • Ice Skating is available at the exterior rink right next to the chapel and guests who stay at the hotels can receive free rentals.

  • The Snow Parks attract experienced snowboarders and skiers with 18 acres of extreme park.

  • Cross Country Skiing in 65 km of fresh powder and ice climbing are available with no experience necessary.

  • Many spa and massages allow guests to relax in the dry sauna, Norwegian steam bath, outdoor hot baths and thermal and Nordic waterfalls. Experience pampering in the two spas in the resort for massages, body treatment, esthetic treatment or special spa packages.

  • They also have helicopter rides which is a unique way to discover Tremblant. Ten and twenty minute panoramic flights are offered seeing the Diable River and Village, Lake Quimet, Gray Rockers, St-Jovite village, Iroquois falls and much more.

  • If you don't ski or snowboard, there is a snow tubing park that consists of 8 trails and the activity is included in lodging.

  • There are many other activities to get involved in during the winter at your stay in Tremblant such as snowshoeing, dog sledding, paint balling, snowmobiling and horse back riding through the snow covered fields. If a guest gets sick of the cold weather, they can engage in the only golf simulator in the region.

Eat

  • Le Bernardin , (819) 425-3232, 1900 chemin du Village, Hotel Mont-Tremblant, Notionally Mediterranean hotel restaurant, popular with the locals for its set lunches: under $15 gets you soup or salad, the main dish of the day and coffee/tea. Don't miss the bison on Thursdays.

  • La Savoie, (819) 681-4573, 115 chemin Kandahar, Vieux-Tremblant, A small Swiss cabin tucked away in a corner of the village, this restaurant offers Savoyard fare like fondues and **raclette**. Expensive, but tasty.

  • Trattoria Di Lago, +1-819-425-5557, Winner 2 years in a row of the

Drink

  • Le Diable. Popular local microbrewery with half a dozen of their own brews, plus hearty portions of fare like ribs and sausages.

  • Le P'tit Caribou. Dancing and mingling! A great party place.

  • Le Shack. Right at the foot of the ski-lifts and a popular spot for apres-ski.

Sleep

Accommodation prices in Mont-Tremblant are highly seasonal: the same room that goes for under $100 on a rainy weekday in the fall may shoot up to over $400 on a holiday weekend in the winter. Book early!

  • Crystal-Inn Bed and Breakfast , (819) 681-7775, 100 Joseph Thibault, Inn with 4 large rooms, in a quiet pine forest. King-size beds, fireplaces, private bathrooms, generous breakfasts. Hosts arrange packages for skiing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, spa and helicopter tours.

  • Le Grand Lodge, 2396 rue Labelle, . A four season family resort on the shores of Lake Ouimet - just a few minutes from the base of the Mont Tremblant Ski area. Studios through 3 bedroom apartments are available. Their strong point is their location right on the lake and near a multitude of great golf courses. They have organized family activities and programs just for the children.

  • Residence Inn Mont Tremblant , 1 819 681 4000, 170 chemin Cure Deslauriers, Giant Marriott-brand hotel right in the middle of the pedestrian village, directly accessible by both ski and car, but it still manages to retain some rustic charm. The two-floor two-bedroom suites that can easily squeeze in four or even six people are a good deal. In addition to the usual breakfast buffet, free drinks, soup and snacks are served on weekday afternoons.

  • Fairmont Tremblant , (819) 681-7000, 3045 Chemin de la Chapelle, Mont Tremblant, Quebec, Canada J8E1E1, Enjoy the Fairmont tradition of impeccable service and quality amidst the majestic views of Tremblant and the pedestrian village at the Fairmont Tremblant Hotel and Resort. The 5-star Fairmont Tremblant hotel offers warm hospitality with 314 guest rooms, including 62 suites. Treat yourself to Fairmont Tremblant's spa, indulge in fine international and regional cuisine, or browse the arcade of shops and boutiques on your way to the pedestrian village. The Fairmont name stands for elegance and luxury, and the Fairmont Tremblant adds a unique Laurentian charm to the Fairmont stable.

  • Tremblant Living (Mont Tremblant) , 514 9321131, 319 Claude Lefebvre, Mont Tremblant, QC J8E1G3, Official website for Mont Tremblant Chalet Rentals Inc. - Exclusive luxury chalet and condo rentals in Mont Tremblant. Specialize in large groups, families and corporate accommodation.

  • Rendez-Vous Mont Tremblant , 1866 429 5111, 10 ch de Brebeuf, Rendez-Vous Mont-Tremblant offers a wide range of quality and affordable accommodation - 1 to 6 bedroom chalets, condos and townhomes at and around Mont Tremblant Resort. Rent a Tremblant vacation home for your next ski, golf or spa scandinave activity packages. Live the true Mount Tremblant experience in summer or winter with RVMT

Buy

The pedestrian village has a good selection of stores, with a predictable emphasis on high-end winter clothing, winter sports goods and maple syrup-themed souvenirs. There is also one smallish supermarket and several convenience stores for daily necessities. Prices for such convenience can be on the high side though, and you may be able to save quite a bit by visiting the original village or stocking up at nearby St Jovite instead.

Contact & location

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name_2871, name_6995, name_3102, name_2887, name_2645

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This travel guide also includes text from Wikitravel articles, all available at WikitravelView full credits

Claus Hansen, D. Guillaime, Marc Heiden, James Yolkowski, Jani Patokallio, Sotiris Spyrou, Andrew Haggard, Evan Prodromou, Marc Belanger, Ravikiran Rao, Niels Elgaard Larsen, Colin Jensen and Sharon G, Efedirko, Wilkirf, Canadianista, Tatatabot, Vacation Tremblant, Huttite, Nadeac, Morph and Mary Bowling

This travel guide also includes text from Wikipedia articles, all available at WikipediaView full credits

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