Nicole, a local skier and longtime mountain regular, shares her tips for making the most of a day on Tremblant’s slopes. This is the mountain she has been skiing for decades and where her children and grandchildren ski today. For Nicole, Tremblant is not just a destination. It is a playground, a gathering place, and a routine she knows inside out.
Her advice covers everything, from the first coffee at the summit to the last run of the day, for a full, smooth, and memorable mountain experience.
Start Early for First Tracks
For Nicole, the key to a great day is taking advantage of the First Tracks. Arriving early allows you not only to avoid the crowds but also to ski in the best possible conditions. Thanks to Tremblant’s exceptional grooming team, the trails are always well prepared, even after challenging weather such as rain, wind, or storms.
“There is nothing like those first runs before the mountain wakes up. The snow is perfect, and it feels like you have Tremblant all to yourself.”
Although First Tracks is available from the South Side as well, she tends to start her day on the North side, arriving at the Duncan lift around 7:45 in the morning. Her first three runs are her favorites. She often goes for Supérieur, Jasey-Jay Anderson, or Devil’s River via Duncan. These trails offer a perfect mix of flow, vertical drop, and calm skiing at this hour.
Read more about: Ski Runs for Every Level at Mont Tremblant
Exploring the South Side
When the South side opens at 8:30 a.m, Nicole changes scenery. Moving between sides is part of her strategy to follow the best snow conditions throughout the day.
“Skiing fresh snow on the South side feels like discovering a well-kept secret. Every turn is a little gift, and the morning sun makes it even better.”
A couple of runs on fresh snow give her a real boost of energy and let her enjoy varied landscapes. Her picks for this part of the morning are Taschereau, McCulloch, and Kandahar. These are wide, enjoyable trails perfect for taking in the morning light and skiing untracked snow. She says “I also have a soft spot for the Erik Guay trail on the South side. It is a nice nod to our local hero and a run I always love to rediscover.”
Back to the North for New Runs and a Coffee Break
By 9 in the morning, Nicole heads back to the North side to catch the first tracks from the Expo chair, one of her favorite areas for its atmosphere and the quality of the runs. Around 9:30, she moves on to the Edge chair to continue taking advantage of the good conditions.
At 10, it is time for a coffee break at the Grand Manitou summit. This is a key moment in the day, not just to warm up but also to chat with other skiers. The mood is relaxed, smiles are everywhere, and just being there together makes it special.
After that, she enjoys the Soleil side, skiing trails like Algonquin or Toboggan, which are perfect when the sun is fully out. Depending on conditions, she may also explore quieter trails on other sides, like Marie-Claude Asselin, which are often peaceful and ideal for a calm late-morning session.
“I love discovering less-known trails. It is a small pleasure that only regulars truly appreciate.”
Lunch and the Last Run
For lunch, Nicole heads to the base of the South side to enjoy the variety of restaurants in the pedestrian village. Whether she is grabbing a quick bite or taking a more relaxed break, she enjoys the moment to recharge and soak up the lively village atmosphere.
After lunch, she returns to the North side for one last run, often a gentle P’tit Bonheur. Fatigue may start to show, but the enjoyment is still there. This is usually when the day winds down, leaving a sense of satisfaction from having fully enjoyed the mountain.
Nicole’s Tips
- Choose trails that match your ability to enjoy every run and keep smiling all day.
- Check in with the ski Info-Ski, at the summit and on the trails, to know the snow conditions and the weather.
- Follow the Christmas Tree signs! The illuminated board at the summit, commonly called the Christmas Tree by locals, shows lift wait times and helps avoid congestion.
- Trust the trail signs. They are clear and there for your safety.
Following Nicole’s advice means adopting the rhythm of the mountain, choosing your runs wisely, and savoring every moment. From the first tracks in the morning to the last run in the afternoon, Tremblant is best experienced one run at a time.
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