Sometimes, a closed ski trail may look perfect at first glance. So why can’t you ski it? The decision to close a trail is based on several factors — hidden hazards, unfavourable snow conditions, or reduced visibility, to name a few. Above all, these closures are meant to keep skiers safe. Each morning, the Ski Patrol inspects the mountain and evaluates every trail based on specific safety criteria. If a trail is closed, trust that it’s for a good reason!.
Snow Condition Quality
Weather conditions vary tremendously from one day to the next in Tremblant. A run that had beautiful conditions one day can be closed due to ice or icy crust the next day.
Presence of Unidentified Hazards
Some hazards can be hard to detect and put skiers at risk on the slopes, especially at the beginning of the season or after a snow storm or important temperature variations. Rocks, tree roots, holes or drainage channels can blend in the white snow.
Trail Work
Runs can sometimes be closed because snowmobiles or snow grooming machines are present. These daytime operations are not as frequent, but can be necessary to offer optimal snow conditions. Never enter a closed trail, especially when you see a Winch cat at work sign.
Snow-grooming machines use a winch with a cable endangering anyone using the trails. This steel cable attached to the snow-grooming machine is under high tension and can be extended to a length of 1 km. It is often invisible, as it cuts under the snow, and it can remerge suddenly while strongly whipping everything on its path. Never enter the trails after opening hours, because your life could be in danger!
Snow Cover
It is difficult to fully estimate the size of mount Tremblant: there is a huge difference between the bottom and the top of the mountain. Sometimes, temperatures can vary of as much as 5 degrees Celsius between those two points! That is why a run can be open at the top, but closed at the bottom for lack of snow. A run could also be closed because the bottom part of the run doesn’t provide an exit. For example: the Supérieur trail could be nice, but still closed if the snow at the bottom of the Jasey-Jay Anderson trail does not offer enough cover.
Poor Visibility
Going down the hill while visibility is poor can be very dangerous. One of the main causes of poor visibility are snow-making machines in operation. To maximize snow production, snow guns may have to be running for 48 hours straight in certain areas. On the other hand, significant variations in temperature or meteorological conditions can also cause natural fog in some areas of the mountain. These phenomena mostly arise when Lac Tremblant is not yet frozen.
About Alpine Touring Trail Closures
The alpine touring trails are closed when the lifts are not operating. This rule applies to all skiers and snowboarders on the mountain, hikers, and those in alpine touring. Using the trails outside of opening hours is prohibited. The ski area could take legal action against you.
Additionally, during mountain operating hours, please check the opening status of our designated uphill areas on the Conditions page by selecting “Alpine Touring only” filter.
In short, always pay attention to signage and never engage in a closed trail. Do not forget, trails are closed for your safety!
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