Sometimes, simply named Tremblant, the actual Mont-Tremblant means so much more than the ski resort.  Let me clarify…  Mont-Tremblant is the name of a municipality in the province of Quebec where you can find the famous ski resort under the same name. In addition, you can find a National Park bearing the same name as well. So, going to Mont-Tremblant can mean going camping in a wild area or staying in a luxury chalet next to the mountain.

How to get there

By car, the ski resort is about 1h30 – 2hrs from Montreal without traffic and with perfect road conditions.  A small airport is in the area and flights are available during the winter months.

When to visit

There are activities year-round, it depends on you. Winter can be very cold but can provide excellent ski opportunities on the highest mountain in the region. In summer, you can appreciate a nice round of golf, see a festival, walk the trails on the mountain or nearby national park. Be informed that in June there are a lot of mosquitos. The fall can be nice for the changing of the colors.

Villages within the town

In Mont-Tremblant you can find:
• Downtown Mont-Tremblant (used to be known under St-Jovite): the charming downtown St-Jovite has restaurants, cafes on the main street (rue Principale), grocery stores if needed, local stores, banks and a beautiful hidden walk.  The Passerelle du Ruisseau Clair is not a long walk but has a cute water cascade. Look behind the Metro grocery store to access this place.

• The old village of Mont-Tremblant (a few minutes by car from the pedestrian village): The old village has its appeal facing Lake Mercier. In the summer months, cruises are available, a beach and art galleries. You can see the reconstruction of the old train station and have access to the trails of the P’tit Train du Nord.

• The pedestrian village (at the bottom of Mont Tremblant – ski resort):  The pedestrian village is a condensed area that combines hotels/condo rental options with restaurants and stores.  Two lakes with seasonal options are accessible on foot.

More on the pedestrian village

You do not need to be a ski expert to visit the village. It is accessible year-round and the area generates healthy active vibes.

In winter, walking in the village can be an almost instant freeze moment. The fact that the area is condensed softens your evening dining options. Also, fireplaces are dispersed in the walking areas to keep you warm while you continue to circulate in the village squeezed between the colorful bright buildings and beautifully contrasting white snow.

In the village, you will find many accommodation options. Some are ski-in/out. There are more expensive ones that can be considered for a useful stay in the village. Many rental units include a kitchen/kitchenette for your convenience. Restaurants are popular and reservations were needed even before the pandemic hit to avoid long wait lines in the cold. A beautiful micro-brewery, La Diable, deserves your attention.

Tasteful treats in the village include Rocky Mountain Chocolate factory, Place Bonbon (Candy Shop), Queues de Castor, SAQ (alcohol store) and David’s Tea.

If you are looking for activities other than skiing or want to stay inside while staying in the village, there are some creative work opportunities.  The Studio Créatif is a painting studio where you can make your personalized pottery. There is the Univers Toutou, a plush factory for a cuddly souvenir and the T Bar where you can create your custom-made t-shirt.

Clothing stores are also dispersed in the village and many are for outdoor activewear.

For those of you interested in gambling, there is a casino open from Thursday to Sunday and a dedicated gondola behind the “Sommet des Neiges” complex at the complete right of the mountain will take you to your destination.

The Saint-Bernard Chapel is a beautiful, small, red-roofed catholic building. Next to it, you will find the ice rink in winter, if conditions allow it.

Parking and access to the pedestrian village and the ski resort

There are a few parking spots at the bottom of the pedestrian sector with a shuttle service and if you are staying at a hotel it might be better to pay for parking when available. 

From the bottom of the village, you can access the top section of the village via an open-air standing gondola. The Cabriolet is free to use. It will get you near the Mont-Tremblant ski ticket booth.

Skiing in Mont-Tremblant ski resort
Mont-Tremblant certainly offers a great downhill experience on the highest ski hill in the Laurentians. Ski lessons are available and there is a learning hill.  I would not recommend the mountain for first-timers without training. You need to be able to control your skis. 

Alpine skiing (open from 8:30AM to 4PM only)
• Ski conditions vary daily.    
• 102 tracks from beginners to experts
• The north side of the mountain closes at 3h30PM.
• You can buy your tickets at Costco with lunch coupons, to save some dollars.

First tracks
The first tracks ticket is a free option included with your stay at some hotels in the area.  The ticket allows you to take the Gondola at 7h45 on the south side of the mountain which gives you an early start and avoids the first crowd. It is fun but note that track access is limited.

The Gondola
Available at the top of the pedestrian village, the 8 people maximum gondola gets you to the summit in a close environment protected from the outside conditions and wind. It is included with a ski ticket.

During other periods of the year, it is possible to pay for a single ride to the top to admire the surroundings.

At the summit
• Le grand Manitou (rest area / cafeteria / fireplace –  If you need a break it is the place to go.
• Information board – you can find the open chairlifts and the waiting time at each of them.  It is useful during the day and may determine your next descent.

The summit can be cold and windy. You are at 875 meters (2870 feet) after all.

Other winter activities at the ski resort mountain
Evening sliding
From 6PM to 8PM the mini-tubing is open at the bottom of the mountain.  It is free to access when you stay at some hotels but the lines can be long.  If I had to pay… I do not think I would go. 10 minute line-up and not necessarily fast or long tracks.
The activity is open to kids 4 and over and kids must be a minimum of 13 years old to go alone.  It is canceled when the temperature drops below -25°C or when it rains.

You can buy your tickets at the Centre Aventure ticket office every day from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Mountain trails – hiking, snowshoeing
Special tracks for hiking and snowshoeing are available in this nice environment. You will get a nice workout in these beautiful surroundings.

Mini-snowmobile
In the evening, mini-snowmobiles are available at the bottom of the mountain for young kids. It is a small circular track where the vehicles can generate stinky fumes.

Other activities at the ski resort mountain

During other periods of the year, walking trails will lead you to the summit. It is beautiful with some creeks and small water cascades and the fall colors are awesome.

Biking trails are available.

Other outdoor activities in Mont-Tremblant

While the winter activities are concentrated around the ski mountain, during the summer the town has a wide variety of options in a large territory:

• Water sports and beaches: You can find public beaches in the region: Lake Mercier, Lake Mirror, Lake Tremblant, plus the ones in the National Park are options.
• Cruise or rafting
• Biking: mountain or P’tit Train du Nord trails
• Golfing: 3 golf courses in the area
• Trails for ironman training : follow the signs
• Hiking / walking
• Spa
• Helicopter rides
• Dog sledding
• Domaine Saint-Bernard: snowshoeing