Snowboarding at Mont Tremblant: Everything You Should Know
Mont Tremblant holds a special place in my heart.
I grew up riding Tremblant in the Laurentian Mountains of Quebec Canada. As a kid from Ottawa, it was one of the best spots. Why? Wide variety of terrain, challenging slopes, and the highest peak in Eastern Canada - plus it's only an hour-and-a-half from the city of Montreal. Where a lot of my riding buddies lived.
For me, an ideal Saturday morning started at 5:30 a.m. I'd throw my snowboard in the back of my rusty Subaru and drive until I hit the Laurentians. Back then, the highway from Ottawa to Tremblant wasn't open fully open. I'd fill my leaky gas tank in Montebello and head up the winding country roads North, toward bigger hills and better snow.
I didn't appreciate this until I was older, but it's also a place known for its cultural history and apres-ski activities. Today, having lived in the region for several years, I'm still impressed by the place. Here's a guide to everything you need to know about snowboarding at Mont Tremblant, straight from a local's perspective. Let's get into the details!
Table of Contents:
Mont Tremblant Statistics
Mont Tremblant has been rated the #1 ski area in eastern North America for several years running. The regional language is French, however in Saint Jovite and most of the touristy areas, staff will speak English.
Elevation: 2,871 feet (875 meters)
Number of runs: 102
Average snowfall: 150 inches (381 cm) per year
Number of lifts: 14
Opening date: November 24
Closing date: Early to mid-April
Best Runs at Mont Tremblant
Whether you’re an experienced rider, or just getting started, there’s something for everyone. The peak is accessible via the Telecabine Express Gondola from the base of the South side, or the Duncan Express from the bade of the North. Except for the best tree runs and Expo, all these runs are accessible from the peak:
Best Beginner Run: Nansen
Lower Nansen in the spring slush
This run is dedicated to Kare Nansen, a Norwegian skier and builder who helped Joe Ryan, the founder of Tremblant Resort, develop the area. It's the ski area's longest run at 6km long, but it's a slow 6km. It's tough to build real speed along the trail, which is why it's ideal for beginners.
Back-dropped by a beautiful panorama of Lac Tremblant, you'll first drop into the Upper Nansen. Next, the Lower Nansen snakes from top to bottom along the South Side through the Prestige Panache neighbourhood and finishes at the bottom of The Flying Mile chairlift.
You can also get a great introduction to tree runs in this area, just off the left side of the bottom half of Nansen at the children's "Tam-Tam" zone.
Honourable mention: P’tit Bonheur
Lower P’tit Bonheur on a cloudy day
Honourable mention goes to P’tit Bonheur, Nansen's North Side counterpart. The four sides of Tremblant (North Side, South Side, Versant Soleil, and The Edge) often have vastly different weather and conditions. If Nansen is icy, closed, or crowded, check out P’tit Bonheur on the North Side of Tremblant.
Best Tree Run: Reaction Glades
The Reaction Glades can be one of the best places to snowboard on a powder day at Mont Tremblant. The glades are found off of The Edge chairlift. I recommend hitting "Action," the area's only well-groomed run, where you can dip into the Reaction Glades on rider's right, just before the fall line gets steep, to weave between well-spaced white birches.
Once you're in the Reaction trees you can continue straight - or slightly to rider's left - down the fall line for a long, drawn out, mellow tree run. For steeper terrain and tighter trees, dip into the trees on rider's right of Reaction. You'll be spit out onto Petit Bon Heur at the bottom of the LTE Express lift.
Honourable Mention: Emotion
If you're feeling adventurous and the snow coverage is favourable, check out Emotion. This tree run (or glades) begins with a mellow, easy spacing of trees and ends in an almost-mandatory cliff drop that can be a thrill with fresh snow. You can see the cliff behind you as you ride up the LTE Express.
If you aren’t interested in hitting the cliff (pictured on the right) just be sure to stay on riders left of the lower section of the run. This will bring you around to the ride-out.
Best Park Run: Sissy Schuss
Sissy Schuss is not the XL snow park run, it's for beginners. But it's also probably the most fun of the mountain's parks. It features ride-on boxes, small and medium sized jumps, and a relatively flat park run. You can access Sissy Schuss off the Expo chairlift on the North side.
This baby park is a great place to learn freestyle basics, or warm your park legs up after a summer layoff. There's also a fun boarder cross course on the upper quarter of Sissy Schuss that can be a lot of fun!
Honourable Mention: Cure Deslauries
If you are looking to hit XL park features - make your way to Cure Deslauriers on the South Side via the Flying Mile chairlift. This is the premiere park, which features XL multi-kink rail features, wall rides, and a three pack of XL jumps. For extra showtime status, the XL jumps are positioned directly under one of Mont Tremblant's most popular chairlifts.
Best Difficult Run: Expo
This run is so steep that the groomer's got to grapple from an anchor at the top of the run so it doesn't lose grip and tumble away. For the best experience, hit Expo first thing in the morning before it gets icy. There's nothing quite like those fresh chords and heart-pounding angles in the early morning. You can access the Expo trail off the Expo chairlift from the base of the North Side.
Honourable Mention: Ryans
Located off the Express Gondola, Ryans is a season-long ungroomed run that snakes along looker's right of the South Side of Mont Tremblant. Snow conditions have to be good. If they are, it's worth a traverse across (on rider's left) once you've entered the thick of the run. There you'll find untouched snow between narrow birch trees until you hit the main run again.
Best Hotels & AirBnBs at Mont Tremblant
Mont Tremblant has a variety of hotels and AirBnB's to choose from. If you're willing to drive 10-15 minutes in the morning, you can also choose from hundreds of places to stay near Lac Superior, Lac Ouimet, La Conception, and St Jovite.
If you're looking for a room that's ski-in/ski-out, you'll have to stay on the South Side of the hill. That's also where the majority of services are, so it's a convenient place to be. If you want solitude after a day of snowboarding, Lac Superior, near the North Side, will suit your mildly-misanthropic ways (don't worry, we get it).
Best Budget Hotel: Auberge le Manitonga Hostel
With rates as low as $79/night, the Auberge le Mantonga Hostel is one of the most cost-effective places to stay near Mont Tremblant Ski Resort. Auberge le Manitonga is a five-minute drive from the Old Village (or as the French say, Le Village). It's home to locally-owned pubs, pizzerias, and sandwich shops.
If you are looking to park on the South Side of Mont Tremblant, the Auberge le Manitonga is an eight-minute drive to most of the free parking lots at the base of the South Side. The hostel also has free parking and wifi, so you'll be able to easily contact friends and check the winter weather report for the next day.
Best Luxury Hotel: Fairmont Tremblant
The Fairmont Tremblant is located at the base of the South Side, with easy access to ski lifts directly from the hotel. The Fairmont's reputation precedes it. Tons of room options, stunning views of Mont Tremblant and Lac Moore, two outdoor hot tubs, restaurants, and a spa. Damn. The Fairmont Tremblant is one of the most luxurious places to stay at Mont Tremblant. Rates for this hotel range from $149/night in low season up to around $350/night during peak times.
If you are familiar with the Fairmont chain then you know what to expect when you book. One of the hallmarks of the Fairmont brand is luxurious consistency, whether you are in Paris, Banff, or Mont Tremblant. Mont Tremblant's Fairmont is at the bottom of the South Side chairlifts. Remember that if it's your first time at the resort. You need to take the village gondola to get to back up to the hotel, but the Cabriolet Gondola shuts down at 11 p.m., leaving you with a walk of shame uphill to your far-away luxurious bed. This has caught quite a few first-timers. Ensure you protect yourself!
Best Value Hotel: Residence Inn by Marriott
Located at the base of the pedestrian village, the Residence Inn by Marriott offers great value for your money, especially considering the overall expense of visiting Mont Tremblant. Every room includes continental breakfast, hot tub, underground parking, snowboard storage, and even lift tickets during certain promotions. Keep an eye out for those upcoming events for the Residence Inn guest rooms to nab the deals. Relax after a day of snowboarding in the Residence Inn's outdoor pool and jacuzzi, or walk across the street for a pint at some of the best apres-ski bars in the pedestrian village.
Rates at the Residence Inn range from $119/night in low season to $189/night during peak times.
Unique AirBnBs at Mont Tremblant
Hotels not your jam? Change it up and try an AirBnB to satisfy that itch. You can stay at a rustic old farmhouse on the edge of Lac Superior or a cozy log cabin nestled in the woods near St Jovite. This is one of the areas where Mont Tremblant shines - the region's long history means there are unique gems to discover all over.
Rates per night vary depending on location, time of the year, and size, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $75 up to $250.
Lac Superior Condo with Spa, Pool Table, Sauna, and Fireplace
Located on the fabled North Side, this quiet and tranquil location will help you unwind after a long day on the slopes. Lac Superior is about ten minutes from the base of the North Side of Mont Tremblant - which many locals consider to be the best side of the mountain.
Old Village 2 Bedroom Apartment
A five-minute drive from the base of Mont Tremblant's South Side and a two minute walk from many of the best dining spots in the Old Village, this AirBnB is a great getaway for a young family or a group of friends who don't mind sharing some beds.
Best Restaurants at Mont Tremblant
No appetite for apres-ski at a bar or pub? There are plenty of great restaurants for dinner. From "cheap eats" to classic French bistros to trendy sushi bars, Mont Tremblant has something everyone will dig.
Best Quick Breakfasts: 83 Nord
Great locally-sourced groceries and some of the best coffee in St Jovite. If you're searching for a relaxed environment to enjoy a book or a quick pit-stop on your way to the hill, 83 Nord is your jam.
While living at Mont Tremblant, this was one of my most frequently visited places. Whether I was too lazy to make my morning caffeine, or was looking for a quick dinner on the way home from the hill, 83 Nord was always a safe choice.
Best Apres-Ski: Le P'tit Caribou
Le P'tit Caribou is a classic apres-ski bar at the base of the South Side. It's claim to fame is that it used to host the final leg of the famed "Caribou Cup" events. Today, they have unique cocktails, great food and fantastic live music. Get there early if you plan on staying late - Le P'tit Caribou stays open until 2am during peak times.
Best Pub: Pub Du Coin
Relaxed atmosphere, plenty of beer, pub fare, and less teenage energy than the main village: that's the Pub Du Coin. Located steps from the Lac Mercier beach and Place de la Gare park, Pub Du Coin has room for your whole group and rarely requires a reservation.
While it doesn’t have live music or any special events, the pub does have pool tables and darts to keep you entertained. But you may need to drive from the base of the South Side or take a bus to get there, depending on where you're staying.
Best Fine Dining: Le Forge
This classic French bistro has been open since 2002. It's built in an old forge, hence the name. Le Forge offers classic French dishes with a modern twist - think bouillabaisse and cassoulet, but prepared with local Quebec ingredients. The lower level pumps out pub vibes, but the upper level is one of the best fine dining experiences you'll find in Mont Tremblant. It's ideal for special events, anniversary dinners, or an over-the-top first date. They boast one of the best wine lists you’ll find anywhere in the region.
Mont Tremblant Hidden Gems
If you’ve done all the runs and explored the best spots to eat, there are still plenty of hidden gems to discover around Mont Tremblant. Mont Tremblant experiences more annual tourists than Whistler Blackcomb with about 6x less skiable acreage.
That means a lot less undiscovered secrets as over 2.6 million tourists visit this small town in the Laurentian Mountains. That's not to say there's nothing left, you just need to look. Let's check out a few local secrets:
Off Hill Activities: Domaine Saint Bernard
Looking to escape the city and go rural? Drive down to the end of Saint-Bernard road, where you'll find amazing hiking trials in the summer and fantastic cross-country skiing in the winter. You can scope some killer views by snowshoeing up the Geai Bleu trail. You'll be greeted by a beautiful vista overlooking the area's race track and Le Diable golf course.
Saint Arnould Brew Pub
Saint Arnould makes some of the best local beers available in the region. With their vast line up of different kinds of beer, even the twistiest moustached folks will find something they like. The burgers and fries are also incredible.
This spot is in Saint Jovite, close to most of the towns grocery stores and services. If you’re staying on-mountain, make sure you have a ride back.
Best Parking
If you're staying anywhere close to the South Side of Mont Tremblant and you're an early riser, try the paid parking just above P9 where you'll park just steps away from the base of the Express Gondola and Flying Mile Chairlift.
If you're more of the free parking persuasion, try P2 at the bottom of the Porte De Soleil. If you park there past January you can usually catch a chairlift directly from the parking lot. If not, there are free local buses that drive to the base of the South Side every 10 minutes.
Best Overnight Parking
Got a campervan to park? The North Side parking lot will be your best bet. More specifically, the furthest back you can go behind the North Side lodge. This will usually bring you near some snow plows and tractor trailers. You probably won't get any trouble, but if you do, just pretend you don't speak the language.
If you are looking to park a campervan overnight, turn left as soon as you get into the North Side parking lot and drive as far as you can go. Late season, this area of the parking lot is a vibe. Music and BBQ's leave everyone waiting in line at the bottom of the Duncan Express with a strong sense of FOMO. Make sure you learn a couple of French phrases to get by with the locals.
Unique Runs: Tam-Tams
Tam-Tams is a child-oriented tree run off the beginner run Nansen at Mont Tremblant. Whether you're looking to introduce your kid to tree runs, unique obstacles, or carved wooden owls the Tam-Tam run on the South Side is a unique experience for adults and kids alike.
Unique Locations: Upper Erik Guay
Named after the Olympic athlete who trained riding the trials of Mont Tremblant, this challenging run on the South Side of Mont Tremblant offers panoramic views of Lac Tremblant and Lac Mercier as you traverse to the main run. It also hosts a few picnic tables if you are looking for a beautiful place to stop for lunch while riding.
Final Thoughts
Like I said, Tremblant is close to my heart. Great runs, great services, great amenities, and great accommodation. It's a worthwhile visit whether it's winter or summer. The Laurentian area is building new facilities every day to welcome outdoor enthusiasts of all seasons. Beginner or expert, Mont Tremblant has snowboarders covered, winter or summer.
Remember the hidden gems:
Reaction.
Upper Erik Guay.
Ryans.
What are you waiting for? Dust off your French and get boarding.
Happy Adventuring!