Joie De Vivre At Mont Tremblant

BY: Gordie Bowles

Gold, red, and orange leaves still dot the Laurentian mountains, but the webcams and snow guns also don’t lie. Mont Tremblant is under a white siege.

One of Canada’s most picturesque mountain resorts opening day is Nov. 26th, but excitement at the charming Quebec resort – which was again named as the No. 1 ski resort in eastern North America by SKI Magazine readers – is peaking.

We all know there’s much more to Mont Tremblant than poutine, foie gras, crêpes and tire d’érable (maple syrup on snow) –although those are all good options to explore.

There’s the energetic vibe that exudes through the slopeside plaza, which is connected by rows of shops and small boutiques, with the ever-present aura of Quebec’s hospitality and culture.

Getting there from Toronto is as easy as pie, with Air Canada offering its regularly scheduled non-stop flights from Pearson to the Mont Tremblant International Airport in only 65 minutes.

Once you arrive at Mont Tremblant, the laid-back terminal with wooden accents and peak designs remind you it’s time to drop your shoulders and prepare to ski, eat, drink and generally be merry.

Great eats: When in Rome, eat in Sicily. Try the Spanish-inspired Gypsy.
Après: Try a microbrewery (ale or lager) at Microbrasserie La Diable.
Shop: Prêt-à-porter apparel (Canadian style with a hip and quirky twist).
Pick-me-up: Try a vitamin-rich drink at Marie-Claude’s Juice Bar.
Best means of transportation: By foot! (no need to drive here).
For the family: The Sommet des Neiges is right next to the Kidz Club.
Exchange rate: Pack your bags USA brethren, it’s a good time to travel North!
Important deets: Four mountain faces, 662 skiable acres, 96 trails. ‘Nuff said.
Don’t leave here until: You’ve tried the maple taffy.

EVENTS – 2015-16 season:

Tremblant’s events last well into April and start the early season with the most sought-after charity event in the industry – Tremblant’s 24h (Dec. 4‒6). And along come the holiday season’s festivities, the Super Demo Series (Dec. 12 & 28, Feb. 6 & Mar. 5), Alpine Touring Festival (Jan. 8‒10), Legends Classic (February 27), Burton El Nino (April 3) and the acclaimed Caribou Cup that wraps up the season (April 2).

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