mag

We are 2 couples in our mid-20's (no kids) planning a ski trip for Christmas time. Bear with me as I have no idea what I'm doing in planning this trip! Here are some questions I have:<BR>-what are the good condos in the tremblant resort area? Ideally we'd like a 2 bedroom w/fireplace, and either a private hot tub or at least access to one on the property.<BR>We'd like to be somewhere that is centrally located so we don't have to drive a lot. <BR>-What airport is closest to Tremblant?<BR>-What is the nightlife in Tremblant? We aren't hardcore party people but we like to have restaurants and bars to go to. Are there a lot of Americans vacationing there or will we feel out of place not speaking French?<BR>-How is the snow in late December? We are 2 beginning skiiers (the wives-we'll need a lesson or 2) and 2 intermediate skiiers.<BR>-How far a drive to New York? We are thinking about driving down for New Years (we actually live in Florida).<BR><BR>I had been planning on Killington but after hearing/reading some less than favorable reviews on the snow (more like ice) and the crowds, and the favorable exchange rate with the CAD, I am thinking of Tremblant.<BR><BR>Thank you thank you for any information!

Ben

Mag:<BR>As a die-hard skier and Tremblant fan, I think I can give you some help.<BR><BR>Tremblant is a complete resort village, with a central core of hotels/condos and condo complexes in an area called "Domaine de la Foret." The central village condos are ski in/ski out, a real convenience. Most of the central village condos are part of a complex called Les Suites Tremblant. There's also a Marriott Residence Inn, a Country Inns and Suites Hotel (which used to be the Kandahar), a Westin hotel and a Fairmont hotel. The three times that I've skied Tremblant, I've stayed at the Lodge de la Montagne, the Plaza St. Bernard - both of which are condos that are part of Les Suites Tremblant - and one of the Domaine de la Foret complexes. Of those three, the Lodge is the only one with its own indoor AND outdoor hot tubs, but I don't know if that property has any 2 BR condos. For the others, there's an "Aquacentre" with communal (i.e. lots of kids) tubs and pools. The Plaza St. Bernard was right in "Old Tremblant" and convenient to everything. I was truly amazed at how quiet it was even with a large high school ski group also staying there - rowdiness was never a problem.<BR><BR>The closest airport is Mirabel, but not many airlines use it because it's located so far away from downtown Montreal. So you'll likely have to fly into Dorval. It's about 90 mins. to 2 hours from there to Tremblant.<BR><BR>The nightlife is legendary! Plenty of restaurants to try, and les Quebecois know how to party! Lots of Americans vacation there, so English-speaking is never a problem.<BR><BR>Snow in late December is like any other northeast ski area - mostly machine made, well groomed, icy underneath (a/k/a Eastern hardpack). Stick to the slopes with snowmaking, make sure your edges are sharp and you'll have a good time.<BR><BR>Prepare for a long haul to NYC. Figure on at least an 8-hour drive. Montreal is normally 4 hours to Albany and then it's another 3 hours or so to NYC. But since these are not normal times, you'll have to figure on waiting to get through Customs and Immigration. With bathroom and food breaks, it all adds up to at least 8 hours.<BR><BR>One concern I have about Tremblant is that Intrawest has really built up the place to the point where I think it's in danger of getting way overbuilt. We'll have to watch how they handle it.<BR><BR>In short, though, know that Tremblant truly is a lovely place and one of my favorite Eastern ski areas.<BR><BR>Hope this helps you.

mag

Thank you SO much for your insight Ben! It sounds great. Now we have to decide if it is worth the haul to NYC....<BR><BR>Does anyone have any info on the country inn and suites that used to be the Kandahar? Asking because I believe we could get an amazing military rate (both husbands are military officers). I know they won't have the private hot tubs but it may be worth that compromise if it's good otherwise. <BR>Thanks again Ben!

Ben

Mag:<BR>One thing I forgot to mention in my post yesterday - and this is relevant 'cause you live in Florida - is that Tremblant can get really, really, really cold. The cold isn't necessarily bad, you just have to know how to deal with it. A couple of years ago, I skied Tremblant over the MLKing weekend. While we were there, a howling storm came through overnight. The next morning, we awoke to temperatures of about -36F. It turned into one of the best ski days I've ever had - hard fast snow, crystal clear sky, and lots of first tracks because few others ventured out. Yeah, it was incredibly cold - but it just froze the big smiles on our faces.<BR>Enjoy!<BR>

Karen

Hi the former Kandahar is nice , clean and right at the hill. It is not a full service hotel , no lounge or restaurant because it is located right in the resort area. The rooms have a kitchen and fireplace and are quite nice with great views of the small lake and mountain. For the dollar they are very nice accomodations. The other more expensive hotels like the Marriot and the Fairmont are easily accessable from any hotel at the base of the mountain. Karen

Debby

I haven't been there but I've heard that Montreal Is a great place to be for New Years Eve.