As the unbelievably hot summer and cool fall turn into the typical New England winter, one can already notice the smiling faces of a number of HBSers on campus. These are the avid skiers, waiting in anticipation for the first snowflakes to fall. Well, in case you missed it, they have already fallen and some New England ski resorts are now open for business. Many of you skiers will undoubtedly travel to some of the regular destinations: Killington (of course), Sunday River, Sugarloaf, Okemo, Mount Snow, Stowe, Sugarbush, and Stratton, to name a few.
But there’s one resort just north of New England that you might want to add to your list (for the more adventurous type): Tremblant in Quebec, Canada-rated the “#1 Resort in the East” for the last six years (1998-2003) by Ski Magazine!
Tremblant is one of 13 resorts owned and managed by Intrawest Corporation, a leading Canada-based owner, developer, and operator of village-centered “destination resorts” across North America. Some notable Intrawest resorts include: Whistler Blackcomb, Copper Mountain, and Mammoth. Since the acquisition of Tremblant by Intrawest in 1991, close to $800 million has been invested to create this genuine mountain paradise. Central to each Intrawest resort is the “village,” which includes visitor accommodations, restaurants, shops, and activity centers.
But the village is just the aprŠs-ski destination. Mont Tremblant boasts some of the best skiing and snowboarding the northeast has to offer.
With a summit elevation of 2,871 feet, 610 acres of skiable terrain, and 47 miles of trails, there are ample runs for skiers of all levels. For expert snowboarders, Tremblant offers its Snow Park-Parc Gravit‚-as well as its “Mini-Park” for beginners. Worried about enough snow?
Don’t. Tremblant’s average annual snowfall is around 150 inches (that’s almost 13 feet)!! In fact, Tremblant gets so much snow that its ski season can last as long as 7 months. Of course, it still operates its snow blowers all season long to ensure the best snow conditions for its skiers.
Don’t feel like skiing? Tremblant’s Activity Center offers a veritable bevy of winter activities to choose from, including: snowmobiling, dogsledding, tubing, snowshoeing, ice climbing, sleigh rides, Scandinavian baths, and spa services (to soothe your aching muscles). While at Tremblant, you can take the opportunity to visit Montreal, one of Canada’s most vibrant cities.
So what is the downside? Tremblant is not a day-ski resort. You’ll have to make a (long) weekend out of it to truly enjoy all it has to offer. This is especially true given it is an 8 hour drive from Boston.
So if you are feeling adventurous this ski season, why not give Tremblant a try? You won’t be disappointed.
For information on, or to sign up for, the HBS Canadian Club Tremblant Ski Trip, contact your localCanadian club co-president.
