Mont Tremblant Review
Written by Brian Babcock, Tuesday, 27 October 2009
Looking for a great value in your next Canadian ski vacation?
This may read like an advertisement, but we wanted to share our ski trip with anyone that may have been disappointed with a past ski vacation. It is true that people will tell their friends about a bad experience but somehow the good times and great deals don’t garner the attention they may deserve.
Looking for a great ski vacation at a reasonable price? You want things to go as planned with no “surprises” or corporate screw-ups?
My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our 4-day, all-inclusive trip to Quebec’s Mont Tremblant, just north of Montreal in Eastern Canada. From the first contact with Ultimate Travel Group in Mississauga, Ontario, we somehow knew that this ski trip would be a winter highlight. Any and all subsequent contact was polite and professional.
Flying out of a smaller terminal at Toronto’s Pearson Airport is a huge plus. EASY parking and access make the flight so much better. You simply put your bags and skis on the baggage cart, which is taken out to the plane as you board (no worries about lost luggage, or your much cherished ski boots not arriving with you).
The flight is over quickly and after a brief “Welcome Toast” (with or without alcohol) at Tremblant’s picturesque log cabin terminal, everyone is escorted to the shuttle, which drops everyone at the door of his or her individual hotel. Within ½ hour, your luggage and Skis are delivered, and any feelings of anxiety quickly subside as you stroll Tremblant’s classic “Ski Village” and start your quest for food (don’t forget the Liquor store and their more than adequate selection, including some unique wines).
We chose The Country Inn from four hotels that were offered on our trip. A bar fridge and microwave were both included, as well as a free continental breakfast buffet. The room was clean and comfortable, but remember that you are in Quebec so most of the TV will be in French. You’re not really coming to watch TV are you? Bring your iPod & a good compact speaker system. Turn off your cell phone and enjoy being disconnected as you anticipate your “Ski Time”.
The village itself is an architectural delight, with more shops and eateries than most visitors will discover during their first visit. I can report with complete honesty, that we did not have a bad meal during our stay, and considering the food and service at most other ski areas, we look forward to a return trip to Tremblant. May we humbly suggest the “Rack of Ribs” at Casey’s and the “Calzone” at Pizzateria? The Bull’s Eye Steakhouse is a bit pricey for what they offer, especially when compared to so many other choices. If I’m going to pay Harry Barberian’s prices, I want his steak.
Lift tickets are issued for your stay and need not be replaced every morning. A free Cabriolet cable car shuttles you up and down the village and right up to the lifts and there are enough lifts and lots of varied terrain for all skier types. We preferred to ski the backside and the newer “Edge” portion, which does take you away from the Gondola, but offers better trails with no lift lines.
Bottom line: Ultimate Ski Vacations, at Ultimate Travel Group really know how to put together a great ski vacation at a reasonable price. From the moment the team from Ultimate meets you at the Airport, until you arrive home again, it’s all good. We hope your trip is one of your fondest ski memories. We absolutely loved it.
Thanks to Ultimate Travel Group! We look forward to this winter and another Tremblant trip.
AND…no we don’t work for them, nor are we related in any way.
Brian & Grace Babcock