This winter marked a big first for our family — our first season on the Ikon Pass and our first ski trip to Mont Tremblant. After years of sticking mostly to Vermont resorts on the Epic Pass, we decided it was time to branch out and try something new… maybe even a little adventurous.
Tremblant had been on my radar for a while. Friends kept talking about the charming village, the European feel, and how massive the mountain is. Add in the fact that it’s included on the Ikon Pass (with no blackout dates, which is huge), and it felt like the perfect place to kick off this new chapter of our ski life.
We’ve spent the past four Christmas breaks in Stowe, VT, and the weather there is always a gamble early in the season. So we figured, if we drive just a little farther north, maybe we’d finally get better conditions.
But this trip felt bigger than just chasing snow.
After missing last season entirely while recovering from an ACL tear from our Breckenridge trip in March 2023, this year felt extra meaningful. It was my first season back on skis, and I was determined to make it count — no icy wipeouts allowed.
And then came the warnings…
“It’s cold. Like, really cold. Be prepared.”
Message received. Loud and clear.
Mont Tremblant Ski Resort Overview
Located in Quebec, Mont Tremblant is one of the most popular ski resorts in Eastern Canada. Known for its walkable pedestrian village, diverse terrain, and reliable snow conditions, it’s a favorite for families and Ikon Pass holders looking for a true destination ski experience.
Why We Chose the Ikon Pass This Year
This season we finally pulled the trigger on the Ikon Pass. After years of buying Epic passes, we wanted to explore new mountains and mix things up.
The Ikon Pass is more expensive if you choose the unlimited version, but we opted for the lower-cost pass and decided to avoid busy holiday weekends. I’m writing this on MLK weekend — we just got fresh snow and it’s killing me not to be on a mountain. But when I see all the lift line videos on Instagram, I remind myself that holiday weekends aren’t always the best experience.
That said, Tremblant doesn’t have blackout dates, which definitely had me eyeing another trip for Presidents’ Day since the kids have a three-day weekend.
Travel Day & First Impressions
We were so excited to get on the mountain that we split the drive into two days. We left Christmas night (after presents were opened, of course) so the kids could test out their new gear.
Our Drive Plan
- Three hours north to Watertown, NY
- Overnight stay
- Back on the road by 7 AM
- On the mountain by 11 AM
Totally worth it for a half ski day.
Crossing the border felt like part of the adventure. The kids loved the French signage, and I loved that it already felt different from our usual trips.
When we finally arrived in the village — wow.
Colorful buildings, twinkle lights, skiers walking around in boots — it felt like a winter movie set.
The Mountain: Our Ski Experience
Now to the reason we came — the skiing.
Mont Tremblant is BIG. I’d compare it to Stowe, VT in size and trail variety, which worked perfectly for our crew since we all ski at different levels.
The mountain is easy to navigate. Most lifts funnel you to the summit, where you can access greens, blues, and blacks without much trouble.
What Stood Out
- Wide groomed trails for cruising
- Steeper runs for advanced skiers
- Tree skiing (my kids took off on their own adventures)
- Scenic chairlift views
I happily cruised blues and soaked in the scenery while my husband and kids searched for steeper terrain.
Lift lines were reasonable the first two days, but as the weekend approached, they definitely got longer. That’s Christmas week for you.
Weather Reality Check
Let’s talk about the cold.
The first day we arrived, it was sub-zero. My heated socks didn’t arrive in time, so I was already mentally preparing for frozen toes.
But we’ve skied sub-zero temps in Vermont before, so we knew the drill — layers.
Our Layering Strategy
- SmartWool base layers head to toe
- Fleece mid-layers
- Vests under jackets
- Under-helmet hats
- Neck warmers
- Burton fuzzy helmet cover (only if you’re 11 😉)
I ordered a massive box of hand warmers before the trip, and we all had them stuffed into our mittens.
My toes did get cold, but a quick lodge break warmed them right back up. Overall, I’d say we were prepared for the cold.
Here’s the thing though — if you’re not prepared, things can go south fast. We’ve had crying kids and frozen toes in the past. Lesson learned.
Pro tip: Always travel with backup gear. Wet mittens, lost neck warmers — it happens. Better to be prepared than pay resort prices.
Mont Tremblant Village Experience
Tremblant’s pedestrian village is truly something special. My kids said it felt like a Disney movie set.
Everything is walkable, which is perfect for families.
What We Loved
- Outdoor tables for our group of 11
- Quick service meals so we could get back on the mountain
- Après-ski energy — next level
- Watching football at dinner (Go Eagles 🦅)
- The nighttime vibe when everyone comes off the slopes
This was very different from our usual trips where we tailgate lunch at the truck and make spaghetti back at the Airbnb.
Was it more expensive?
Yes.
Did it feel like a vacation for this mom who just survived Christmas planning?
Also yes.
Will We Go Back?
Absolutely.
I’m already browsing Airbnbs for Presidents’ Day weekend. Next time, we’ll go more back-to-basics:
- Find parking where we can ski to the truck
- Bring our own lunch
- Skip the overcrowded summit lodge (too packed and overpriced)
Another highlight of the trip?
A French restaurant we visited with friends — hands down one of the best meals I’ve had in a long time.
Mont Tremblant FAQs
Is Mont Tremblant good for families?
Yes! The walkable village, beginner and intermediate runs, and wide variety of dining options make it very family-friendly.
Is Tremblant included on the Ikon Pass?
Yes — and it’s one of the only East Coast resorts with no blackout dates.
Is Tremblant colder than Vermont?
In our experience, yes. Wind chill makes it feel significantly colder.
Final Thoughts
Would we go back?
Without hesitation.
For our first Ikon Pass trip, Tremblant set the bar high. It offered something totally different from Vermont — more energy, more variety, and a true vacation feel.
And while the cold was intense, it didn’t ruin the trip.
It just reminded us that preparation matters — and sometimes the toughest conditions create the best memories.
What’s Next
In my next post, I’m sharing:
- Exactly what we packed
- What actually kept us warm
- What I’d buy again for extreme cold ski days
Because Tremblant cold?
She’s no joke.
Loved reading this. So well done!
Thank you!