Mont-Tremblant embodies the best of winter. Blanketed in snow, picturesque forests, lakes, hills, and villages, the gorgeous setting offers families, couples, and single adventurers plenty of opportunities to get outside and play.
In December, I travelled to Mont-Tremblant to investigate what drew visitors to the area. Here are my favourite winter activities to try before the snow melts.
1. Cross-country Skiing
With over 100 kilometres of trails, “ski du fond” is a popular pastime in Mont-Tremblant. There are five districts, four rental centres, and four ticket offices to go classic, skate, or tour cross-country skiing. Domaine Saint-Bernard offers the highest combined kilometres of easy, intermediate, and difficult trails, along which skiers can spot deer and friendly chickadees. After gliding through the trails, you can warm up in the rental centre’s cozy café.
2. Snowshoeing
“Raquette” has been a Quebecois method of transportation for hundreds of years. Today, it’s a great way for families and adventurers to experience pristine winter wilderness. A network of 36 trails extend throughout the five districts. Tackle easy trails such as Lac des Femmes or trek Sentir de la Roche for stunning panoramic views at Parc national du Mont-Tremblant. Every once in awhile, stop and listen to complete silence and watch softly falling snow.
3. Skiing and Snowboarding
Boasting 96 runs, 14 lifts, and 269 hectares of skiable terrain, Tremblant delivers an incredible experience for downhill skiers and snowboarders. Four mountainsides offer diverse slopes, ranging from steep groomed runs to long, winding paths, like the six-kilometre Nansen. When the sky clears, you’re treated to a panoramic view of Lake Tremblant and the village below, which brims with unique boutiques. Take the last lift for an unbelievable sunset ride.
4. Après-ski
When the lifts close at 3:30 p.m., gather at one of the many bars or restaurants for an after-ski bevy. I highly recommend the signature Caeser and house wings at Le P’tit Caribou. If you’re feeling a little rowdy, the red-light ambiance coupled with a DJ spinning until 3 a.m. gets patrons up and dancing on the bar and sharing ski shots with new friends.
5. Fat Biking
Wide tires are all the rage for traversing over sand and snow. Rent a fat bike at Cybercycle and pedal around Lac Mercier or all the way to the mountain. This sport is suitable for anyone who can ride a bike, but be forewarned: it’s a lot more work than cycling in summer!
6. Sleep in self-sufficient cabins
After a long day of exploring, there’s nothing better than unwinding in front of a log-burning fire in your own cozy cabin. The EXP Cabin comfortably sleeps two, and the loft-style Nature Chalet can accommodate four. Both are perched on the edges of lakes in Parc national du Mont-Tremblant.
This spacious building on the ski resort houses a variety of slot machines, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker, and Altitude Restaurant, which boasts the best view of the hill. Whether you want to try your hand at winning big or you’re simply searching for an impressive dinner spot with live music and events, hop on the free shuttle and check it out.
8. Place de la Gare, Le Village
The original village of Mont-Tremblant is located a stone’s throw away from the hill, but it offers much more serenity than the resort town. Visit the old railway station, which has been transformed into an art gallery featuring four local artists. Two working artists paint and sculpt masterpieces and talk to curious visitors on a rotating shift.
9. Discovery Centre
Browse outdoor apparel, cozy up by the fireplace, and connect to free Wi-Fi in the aesthetically striking Discovery Centre in the National Park. On-site staff can offer recommendations, directions, and outdoor-equipment rentals.
10. Dining
With all this exploring, you’re bound to work up an appetite. For the best daily soups and sandwiches, dig in at L’Arome. For a killer plate of nachos, visit Resto-Pub Au Coin, a meeting place for locals and tourists alike. And for dinner, visit family friendly Le Shack, where artificial trees poke through the ceiling.
For more winter activities, visit Tourisme Mont-Tremblant: https://mont-tremblant.ca
