Written in collaboration with Geneviève L., a local mom.
Taking a child skiing for the very first time brings equal parts excitement and questions. Whether you’re discovering Tremblant for the first time or know it almost by heart, putting your child on skis completely changes how you experience the mountain.
“Before having children, everything was simple: we parked, strapped on our skis, and went,” says Geneviève. “But with our first child ready to ski, I admit I had a thousand questions.”
This is exactly what many parents experience: what to wear, where to go, what to book, how to manage fatigue or cold… The good news is that Tremblant is designed to make all these first-time experiences easier.
Preparing for the First Day on the Slopes
For a first ski day, booking your accommodation, lift tickets, and, if needed, rental equipment is enough to get started. At the South Side, the Snow School offers a reassuring environment, where many families choose to let their child take their first runs. The magic carpets, located near the pedestrian village and open to anyone with a ticket or pass, also provide a more relaxed and gradual introduction.
When it comes to clothing, the rule is simple: warmth and comfort. A warm base layer, windproof snow suit, cozy neck warmer, waterproof mittens, and a properly fitted helmet.
“Having candy in your pockets has also saved many a run,” adds Geneviève.
Young skiers quickly find their footing in the learning areas: a few runs to balance themselves, and suddenly the idea of going a little higher becomes thrilling. Nansen, long and gentle, is often the first “real” trail for families. You can also start from the top of Flying Mile, making the run shorter and connecting to Tam-tam, a trail full of little surprises that naturally captivate children.
Demystifying Logistics: Parking, Shuttles, and Getting Around
What worries parents the most? Logistics. This is true for everyone, even experienced skiers tackling their first family ski season.
“For two years, we always parked on the North Side. It was our routine: close to the car, simple. When it came time to take our three-and-a-half-year-old skiing, I was convinced the South Base would be too complicated. In the end, it was the opposite.”
The P4 lot on the South Side became their go-to. Plenty of parking just steps from the shuttle stop, and crucially, the first stop on the return—everything changes when little legs are tired.
“When we arrived, I worried the kids would drag their feet. In reality, the shuttle became the first highlight of the day. They were excited as if we were going on an expedition.”
Before 10 a.m., the shuttle drops skiers directly at the gondola base, eliminating any walking. Later, the Cabriolet takes over, quickly becoming a beloved ritual.
“It was almost like they were coming to ski for the bus and the little gondola!”
With a two-year-old and a five-year-old, Geneviève quickly realized the stroller becomes less practical on the snow. Still, it’s handy for getting around the village after skiing. On the mountain, most families keep essentials in a small backpack: a water bottle, snacks, hand/foot warmers… A hiking-style backpack proved more efficient and simplified several transitions. “I would leave my bag at the top so I didn’t have to carry everything between runs,” Geneviève explains.
Finding Your Rhythm, One Turn at a Time
Once on the snow, every family finds its rhythm. A few runs on the carpets to warm up, then a gentle trail. For warming up, the lodges at the summit and North Base provide real moments to relax. And sometimes, the best option is simply to ride the gondola down and return later.
“What I discovered is that the mountain isn’t more complicated with kids. It’s just different. Slower, yes, but so much richer. Tremblant helped us without us even noticing: simple routes, an accessible village, perfect learning trails.”
For some families, ski lessons become a valuable addition. In Geneviève’s case, learning took a unique turn: “I bought a pass for my mother so she could spend a day each week with our son. It was their special time. And he improved so much.”
A First Season That Leaves Its Mark
Whether you’re discovering Tremblant or have been skiing there for years, your child’s first season creates a new connection to the mountain. You slow down, observe differently, and every small improvement becomes a shared victory.
As Geneviève sums up: “With a bit of preparation, a few tricks, and the right pace, everything becomes simple. Tremblant is truly a welcoming place to learn to ski, for both kids and us, the parents.”
Discover more tips : First on-snow experience
