Chasing Icons : Bienvenue from Mont-Tremblant
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Mont-Tremblant is just north of Vermont in Canada, but one step in the European-esque village and you'll feel like you've been whisked away to a ski chalet in the Alps. Except with some added Canadian flair, like the delicious poutine.
We've made it to Canada for our first international stop on our road trip. -TGR Photo
With the intention of building a resort around his dream mountain, Joseph Bondurant Ryan installed the first lift in 1939. Making it the second ski chairlift operating in North America. The village was built with a French influence at its foundation.
Ryan even had a small chapelle—which is a traditional French Chapel—built at the base of the mountain which adds to the European charm of this resort. -TGR Photo
While Tremblant has grown to now encompass 14 different lifts and 96 different runs, the resort still honors Ryan's original dream. Many of the first buildings are still part of the current village, despite its growth throughout the years.
Next year they'll be celebrating their 80th anniversary, and the resort is excited to expand their lodges and develop new glades for riding.
"Tremblant is the most impressive resort by far in Eastern Canada, it has terrain on all aspects with a bunch of long, consistent, steep pitches."-Ligare TGR Photo
Patrick Lussier, who works as a ski guide for the mountain, loves the area because it's a year-round outdoor mecca. More than just a ski destination— whether you're a golfer or triathlete—there's a little bit of something for everyone here.
When it comes to the skiing, there's a lot to love. The classic runs of the mountain are Nansen for the longest and most scenic ride. Those looking to be challenged should head over to Dynamite for a 42-degree pitch. Moguls can be found at CBC, but this honestly doesn't even scratch the surface.
Lussier who was formerly on the Canadian Ski Team, now owns an outdoor team building company in the area with his wife. -TGR Photo
However, Lussier particularly loves the area for its vertical drop: it's the highest you'll find North of Montreal. This steepness coupled with such a diversity in terrain makes for a very playful mountain.
"The resort has so many hidden secrets as glades, fun lines, and a very extendable terrain if you are willing to skin for a bit, but for that, you really need to hook up with some crazy locals that could always be found in one of the many shops in the village"
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Langevin giving us a tour around Tremblant's impressive terrain park. -TGR Photo
So taking Lussier's advice, we not only connected with him but Frederic Laurence, Nicholas Chenard, and Phil Langevin from Armada.
"The Armada crew has a stronghold in Eastern Canada and I was psyched to get some runs in with a couple of the guys I haven't met in person." said Todd Ligare, who also is part of the Armada squad back in the U.S.
"It's such a family vibe with everyone in the Armada family, I'll definitely be in touch with these new friends in the future."
"Tremblant is kind of the mini whistler of the East coast. You get great terrain, park skiing, and always a ton of ambiance which makes it a destination of choice! The apres scene in Tremblant is definitely one to be a part of!" - Chenard TGR Photo
This kind of family vibe is not just limited to Armada but is part of the overall culture of the mountain. "Tremblant locals are passionate, no surprise there. We love people, we want people to love Tremblant and we all think we can ski any big mountain in the world" said Lussier. He's especially referring to the steep and consistent pitches, which has the potential to prep you for any challenge.
Nothing like some Canadian brews to finish off a full day of skiing. -TGR photo
There's plenty to choose from when it comes to après. We enjoyed the Le P'tit Caribou, which also is considered the 4th best ski bar in the world by Forbes. We will miss the poutine, but it's time to head to California! Au revoir Canada!
