Skiing

The largest mountain in the Laurentians, Mont Tremblant is Quebec's No. 1 ski destination and provides 94 trails over 660 acres with something for everyone. No matter what the skill level, there is a wide range of novice and intermediate runs alongside miles of expert terrain. Whether an accomplished skier or a family of beginners, Mont Tremblant will provide an exhilarating experience for all.

The region boasts a long season. The natural snow fall in Mont Tremblant means the lifts open from late November and with the support of extensive snow making facilities, they are open right up to the end of April.

For those who prefer to venture off the beaten track, a network of cross-country ski trails is a great way to view the spectacular scenery of the national park and beyond. For a taste of a traditional Tremblant, winter visitors can try dog sledding, or for those who seek more of an adrenaline packed activity, Tremblant offers the largest network of snowmobile trails in the world. Throughout the ski season there are also night skiing events including the famous 24 hour ski-a-thon charity event.

South side:

• Beginners - Nansen - Green Run down the outside of the piste (on the left as you look at the map) is a great long, wide and very gentle pitch. It has a childrens play area (forest fort styled) just near the bottom of the run which the younger ones love. Especially as they get quite tired

• A step up would be Beauvallon - Blue Run number 8. This run can get quite busy but it allows a good progression from Nansen, still a gradual pitch but nice and wide. Just best to avoid it at 3.30 when everyone is heading down for the last run. They do monitor the speed of other skiers in this area as some were always a bit quick using it as a throughway. They now fine people if the are speeding on these routes

• Versant Soleil (right hand side of the piste map) has some great rollers down it - Tapecul and Toboggan are both blues and would be are a fun challenge for the kids if they progress well. Quiet slopes fun in the trees

North Side:

• Very easy to recommend this side. As you look at the map, the left hand side is predominantly double black diamonds for the advanced skiers. It's good to show the kids these mogul fields when going up the Duncan Express lift, you can see some entertaining falls from skiers trying their luck

• The right hand side has a great network of greens and blues enabling you not to worry about picking a wrong turn and going down an unsuitable run. Beauchemin Haut / Bas is one of our favourite runs. It works well as it starts as a blue and then turns into a green. Great to build beginners confidence on. Generally the north side is much quieter as well.

Mont Tremblant was built be Intrawest in the 1980's and the ski facilities are new, clean and work effortlessly. The ski lifts are designed to handle 27,230 skiers per hour so unlike the crowded European resorts, queuing to get up the mountain is not something you need to factor into your ski break.

Mont Tremblant is host to the British run Ski Le Gap program, where 200 Gap Year students learn to become fully qualified ski instructors over a three month period. Their choice of destination is an indication of the quality of the skiing and facilities that Mont Tremblant has to offer.

Pure Destinations says...

"Getting to Tremblant is easier than people think. A 6hr flight and just a 90minute transfer at the other end means you leave the UK mid afternoon and arrive in time for dinner at your cabin. As long as it takes to get to some European resorts, but without the constant changing plane, train, automobile!

Often clients question the temperature. Yes it is colder than Europe but the snow is sure and the resort is catered to take care of skiers in this environment. It is a dry cold and you do not get the winds often found in the Alps.

For the children Beauvallon is a fantastic, long blue run that enables them to really master their turns. Intrawest are well known for creating safe, fun environments in which to learn to ski and Tremblant is no exception. For the more energetic there are the infamous double black diamond runs with moguls the size of the local bears!"

Chris