Canada:

Tremblant

►  Photo by Tremblant/Le Photo Shoppe

Located in the Laurentian mountains 1.5 hours north of Montreal the Tremblant experience is unique in North American skiing.  One reason is the French language and culture, but another is the incredible transformation that has taken place since Intrawest purchased the resort in 1991.  At the turn of the century, nearly a billion dollars will have been invested here.

Real estate is a hot commodity at Tremblant and new condominium developments at the base continue to sell out in a matter of hours.  But all the hype aside, the skiers coming to the area give the overall experience very high marks.

The skiing and snowboarding experience on the mountain is typically eastern with tree lined trails and 80% of the terrain serviced with snowmaking. But Tremblant has addressed shortcomings of the past like icy conditions with sophisticated snowmaking and grooming techniques.  The lift network, including 5 high speed quads get you up the mountain quickly and when you choose to take a break or wrap up the day on the mountain, the accommodation at the base is a pleasure to return to.  Added to the list of first class options this year is the Kandahar and whether you stay her, the buildings around Place St. Bernard or one of the two ski in ski out hotels, a wide variety of packages are available. If you're looking for the best value, January rates can be as much as 35% lower than regular and holiday periods.

The kids club is located near the base of the Tremblant Express and offers a range of programs with a teaching slope and new magic carpet lift, making the trip up and down fun and easy. The Tremblant Ski School is one of the best anywhere and they have redesigned the group lesson to ensure closer personal attention.

Tremblant apres ski
Located right below the cabriolet and behind the Marriott Residence Inn, La Source is an aqua club and workout facility at the heart of the resort. The fully equipped exercise room looks out over the pool area uniquely designed for fun and relaxation and after rejuvenating in the waters the village comes to life in the evening with bars and restaurants of all descriptions where you will experience the Quebec Joie de Vivre.

The terrain at Tremblant
Certain areas of the mountain have been designated for specific activities. Cossak on the North Side is a mogul zone where the World Cup mogul event takes place each year. Here budding Jean Luc Brassard's can bump it up and take air to tunes blaring on the P.A. System just like the big event. Off the Edge and Expo chairs also on the north side you can do a little tree slalom in the glade zones and for the latest craze, snowblades, the Simon Cooper on the South side and the CBC on the North are designated blade zones. In the adventure park on the flying mile, snowboarders traditionally reign, but when the sun goes down, anything goes in the X Zone!