The Top Things to Do in Mont-Tremblant for Skiers and Non-Skiers

The Panoramic Gondola is open year round to ferry visitors from the base of the mountain to the summit of Mont Raoul-Blanchard, the highest peak of the surrounding Laurentian Mountains. As well as offering access to many walking and snowshoeing trails, the alpine views the gondola provides are stunning. At the top, there’s a 360-degree observation tower offering panoramic views across the mountain range and a cafeteria to refuel after a hard day’s hiking. Recommended by local insider Tess Boissonneault

As you might expect, Mont-Tremblant has some pretty top-notch snowmobiling. But why not try something different? A wintry dune buggy tour shows off these frosted peaks from a different perspective – rushing through snow-covered forest and over rugged snowy terrain on the edge of a national park. There’s the opportunity to drive the dune buggy for yourself, too – a whole new way to get the adrenaline pumping that doesn’t involve skis or a snowboard.

Going for a ride on a husky-drawn sleigh is a popular Canadian bucket list experience. Sign up at the Activity Centre in Mont-Tremblant and you’ll be pulled by an enthusiastic pack through the lush forest, plunging valleys and wide-open spaces of the Laurentian Mountains. Hold on tight for the undulating peaks and dips – it’s a family-friendly ride, typically suiting children aged three and up, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a thrilling adventure.

Combine the great outdoors with a dash of glamour with a stay at these futuristic glamping domes on the shores of Lake Tremblant. Featuring bay windows so you can gaze out lakeside in the evenings and see starry skies from the comfort of your bed; steamy, inviting hot tubs; and a clubhouse offering a pool, sauna, wellness centre and tennis courts. This is the ultimate destination for those who want to explore the mountains whilst maintaining some creature comforts. Recommended by local insider Caitlin Stall-Paquet

There’s more fun to be had on ice than you might think. Learn to catch pike, perch and smallmouth bass on an expert-led ice-fishing outing – a traditional pastime that’s still popular in some of the country’s remoter quarters. Your guide will help you drill fishing holes through the thick lake ice, then set up your wooden rods for a couple hours of lazy fishing (if you catch anything, you’ll release it afterwards). When you start feeling chilly, you can warm up in a toasty tent on-site.

It may not sound like a mountain-resort must-do, but wait until you see the views. Alpine-style Casino de Mont-Tremblant overlooks the surrounding flanks and peaks – exhilarating stuff in itself, before you even consider the 500 slot machines, two bars and a stage hosting weekly performances. The Altitude Seafood Bar and Grill is a destination in its own right for its five-course discovery menu, but don’t miss Sunday brunch. Free-flowing mimosas, flaky French pastries and filling omelettes all add up to a worthy spread.

If strapping a pair of planks to your feet and pointing them downhill doesn’t get your heart racing enough, your next port of call should be Ziptrek Eco-Tours. Their course is the longest in Quebec and offers visitors five ziplines, each with panoramic views over the surrounding Laurentians. The longest spans 3,500ft (1,070m) and will provide ample thrills for even the most fearless outdoors enthusiast. Book in advance to both guarantee your spot and to take advantage of pre-booking discounts. Recommended by local insider Tess Boissonneault.

Yes, you can hike in winter. And in Mont-Tremblant, your efforts won’t go unrewarded, as you’ll enjoy breathtaking mountain scenery, frozen forests and icy lakes. Take the D1 Trail in Le P’Tit Train du Nord’s Linear Park, and you’ll cross from the Laurentian Mountains over to Mont-Tremblant. Prefer a shorter circuit? If so, set off from Domaine Saint-Bernard’s ecotourism center for a 1mi (2km) trail to a lake. Finally, try the 4mi (6km) of trails that lead to idyllic lakes and over groomed slopes in Mont-Tremblant National Park.

Even if snowboarding and skiing don’t float your boat, you can still revel in the mountainside fun that Mont-Tremblant is famous for. Visit one of the resort’s popular snow-carved slides and barrel down the slopes in an inflatable tube ring. Aventures Neige has eight different slides to choose from, with the added benefit of mechanical lifts so you don’t need to climb to the top. Meanwhile, Mont-Tremblant Resort also hosts free family-friendly sliding evenings at the base of the mountain.

Crossing the ‘Vache Noire’ rock face at an altitude of 656ft (200m) is a unique way to experience Mont-Tremblant’s mountain scenery. Traverse specially designed routes with the help of steel cables, rungs and ladders, aided by a guide, while enjoying views over the Laurentians and the Diable River. There are a range of tours available to suit all levels of climber, from first-timers to seasoned enthusiasts. Recommended by local insider Tess Boissonneault

A big part of a holiday in Mont-Tremblant is the après-ski scene, and there are bars, restaurants and nightclubs aplenty where you can unwind. Just because you’re a non-skier doesn’t mean you have to miss out. Drain a craft beer or two at Microbrasserie La Diable (a side order of nachos is optional) or devour a decadent cheese fondue at La Savoie.

While you might struggle to pedal your everyday two-wheeler across Mont-Tremblant’s snowy landscapes, you’ll have no trouble spinning a fat bike – these thick-wheeled numbers give you the grip you need to power through the powder. D-Tour runs twilight electric fat-bike tours from Domaine Saint-Bernard, along the Diable River, but don’t miss out on the 37mi (60km) or more of well-maintained trails around the resort – you can hire your own fat bike at one of the rental services in the village to go exploring on your own.

Sometimes the best thing to do in Mont-Tremblant is nothing at all. Book into the luxurious Scandinave Spa, next to the steely Diable River, and spend a day kicking back and rejuvenating, without worrying about activities or sightseeing. Hop between the Scandi-style saunas and the hot and cold baths, taking in the soothing surroundings. A roster of massage treatments and packages are available so you can maximize your downtime.