 Poster: A snowHead
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Hi Fur, and welcome to snowHeads. Sorry, I've never been to Tremblant so can't advise you. I just wonder why you want to go somewhere so far, and so cold, if most of you have never skied before and may not like it. There's a lot of standing around when you're first learning and it's a lot more fun if it's warm and sunny. Just my opinion - but for a first time, I'd go to Europe. In March. But if you're set on Tremblant no doubt there are people here to give you good advice 
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Hi Furbag and welcome to snowHeads
I've not been there either but Tremblant is in the snowBase here.
I think there were >20 referances found in the snowHeads forums (when u click the name) and there'll be a link to their website too.
Sorry I can't giver u anything first hand.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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maggi, at Tremblant or anywhere in Quebec in February, part of the first lesson from any instructor is to always stop in the sunshine. 
Furbag, -15 is an average. It can go either way from there, and -25c or 10c are not unknown. IF any of you are still considering gear purchase, Canadian clothing brands like Phenix and Karbon tend to be warmer.
Keep an eye on the calendar page for adult/senior ski week (they have such things) or email the resort directly if you need to book soon.
I don't know if anyone has posted the Tremblant Insider pages yet (apologies for repeats). I agree with him on two of the reviews and I'm inclined to believe him on the others. There is an online chat forum, too.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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Hi - I'm sure I've read a long thread about Tremblant before but this was all i could find - so maybe it was in the dark ages when we were on the SkiClub site!
http://snowheads.com/ski-forum/viewtopic.php?t=697&highlight=tremblant
The gist of what I remember was that Eastern Canada is ok - if you need a fix of skiing. But conditions can be cold and icy - not ideal if you are new to the sport as these are the sort of things that may put you off this fantastic sport! If you want to go over the atlantic for your first holiday - its maybe worth considering going a little further to the western side.
Either way - hope you have a fantastic 1st holiday and welcome to this place - you should find lots of helpful info!
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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| Furbag wrote: |
| but we do feel that at least in Tremblant they speak our language |
...... reluctantly!!!!
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Morning all,
Sorry comprex, I did go to the link but on the laptop and the font they use didnt make for easy reading so dumped it rather quick, have since gone back and ( on a 21" ) found it a lot better and informative, cheers 
PG : funny after I sent it, my wife said I think they speak french over there as well, DOH  , had a root about and.....oh yes the Tremblant site can run in either language , oh no WHAT NOW 
Cathy Coins : Ah that TV prog mmmmmm the more I hear from you peeps the more I wonder if we are going in totally the wrong direction ahhhhhhhhh.
All I want is to play in the snow with lumps of wood on my feet 
I have glanced at whistler and have friends that go there but it seems that its a posers paradise and even more pricey than T , Banff is not one I have taken a peep at yet so thats next on the list.
Another spanner in the works is that its only us blokes that want to play in the snow really the girlies want to do snowmobile stuff and sledging with woof woofs etc etc and I suppose thats why we sort of ended up with T as our starting point as they seemed to offer all that sort of stuff. May be I have totally got the wrong end of the stick
Changing the subject somewhat:-
So if we aimed ourselves into europe where would be good around the 16th of FEb 10days next year, A nice hotel is a must as some of us are a bit long in the tooth for all this 10 in a chalet lark and sharing kitchens with the other 40 in the building, which is what our younger friends all seem to do, We like our luxuries  also we really like the door step skiing idea as well, none of this catching a coach/mini bus lark.
Dont ask for much do we eh
Cheers all again and thanks for carrying on helping the numpties out
Fur
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Fur,
Banff was the first place I ever skied. A little on the chilly side late Jan/Early feb, so if I went there again I'd go a bit later say end of feb/start of March.
The reason for going there at the time was primarily financial, it was much cheaper to go for 10 days in Banff than 7 days in any of the major European resorts. Also I'd heard a rumour that Canadian Skiing was pretty good.
The ski school is good (despite our 18 year old instructor doing his best to be Eminem), the locals are friendly, and everything is v. cheap. But I guess if you want to avoid the bus then it may not be the place for you, though to be honest I didn't really find it much of a problem - not great for breaking up the Apres, but getting on the bus first thing and watching the sun come up over the rockies is pretty impressive - also the bus there isn't like your local UK bus service, it is a bit of military operation, it turns up at your hotel (if you pick one of the ones it stops at) bang on time, is very regular, and if it's full a bloke with a radio calls another one which turns up straight away.
Since then I've been lucky enough to ski some major European resorts, a few in the US, and quite a few times in Whistler. I'd rate whistler as the number 1 (as you may have noticed if you've done a search), but as beginners you may not agree, and it is definitely more expensive than Banff (though still relatively cheap compared to Val Despair or 3 vallees). The reason I say it may not be ideal is that the beginner slopes are lower down and the weather can be indifferent, and you probably wont get to appreciate most of the fantastic skiing there. The ski school there is however top notch, and there is (despite the rather odd advice in the SCGB bumpf) loads of slopeside accomodation and a great Village for bars/restaurants.
If you go to Europe, check your dates for half term dates and European holidays as you could find those dates being pretty busy and expensive (especially if you want ski in/out).
Personally I think I'd avoid the east coast US/Canada for a first trip because of the above mentioned icyness and cold (it's nice to have something soft to fall on!! )
In summary if you want the snowmobile thing(which incidently is fantastic fun), the dog thing (which is very cold and not as much fun as a snowmobile, though my wife liked it better), plus you don't want it too cold, if you can leave with the long flight (9 or 10 hours) I'd go to Western Canada somewhere. Not sure what the other resorts there are like (Sun Peaks, Big White, Silver Star, Panorama, Fernie, Kimberly, etc - I'm sure someone else here will know), but Whistler and Banff are both very good and do have the snowmobile/dog-sledding/ice hockey/soft snow/cheap price/friendly people/good ski school thing
(PS I'm not Canadian and I don't work for the Canadian tourist board, even if it does seem like it!!  )
Last edited by And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports. on Fri 10-09-04 17:35; edited 3 times in total
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Fur - from what you're saying I'd recommend Banff (having been there last year!) for the skiing, the ski school and the quantity of non-ski activities you can do! The only drawback is it isn't ski-in ski-out but that does then mean it's better for non-skiing members of your party. The thread on Banff can be found here: http://snowheads.com/ski-forum/viewtopic.php?t=103
16th Feb sounds very half-termish - to be avoided at all costs unless you are forced to take your hols then And a good possibility of it being cold, try the beginning of March for warmer weather, less people and cheaper hols
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You know it makes sense.
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Furbag,
The best reason for going to Canada for a first skiing experience is the quality of instruction. It's in your own language and it's good. The other good reasons are quality of accomodation and value for money. (I learnt to ski in the US, in middle age, and have been back to Canada and the US ever since).
I'd echo stuarth in recommending Western Canada rather than Quebec, though obviously the journey is longer. I'm a big fan of Banff, and the "Club Ski" instructional programme is excellent. After 10 days (and you don't want to go that far for a shorter time) you should be able to get around a lot of the area. Snow quality is also likely to be better than in the East.
Mid Feb. Well it can be cold, but you're more likely to experience extremes of cold in Quebec than in BC/Alberta (although Banff can be cold too). Whistler is likely to have the mildest temperatures since it's in a coastal area (but you'll get rain at the base).
You might consider going later in the year. March is likely to provide warmer temperatures and lower prices, and if you don't have kids, then you shouldn't be tied down to half-term (unless you're all teachers), so you'll be able to avoid the mass of Brits on the slopes.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Er, Furbag - I think you'll find that Quebec fiercely defends it's French heritage and will be predominantly French speaking. Although,as in all tourist resorts English will be spoken. It is kinda polite to be able to say at least 'Bonjour' or 'Comment allez-vouz?'. Or maybe 'Wie gehen Sie' or 'Guten Tag.' !!!!!!!!!!
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Poster: A snowHead
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erica2004, Perhaps not quite as bad as a Brit trying to speak French to an inhabitant of Flanders, but not far short!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Furbag, my sister-in-law wnet with the kids , had a great time, but then, they aren't really seriuos skiers, they like loads of other distractions, pools, ice-rinks, as one of the kids isn't keen on the snowsports!!! It was also extremely cold, definitely more than Banff .
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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PG - too right! I have a sister who lives in Brussels and I once gave my dinner order in French, in a Flemish part of town.
PG - try Austria - the natives aren't as snooty about their language as the French. In fact when I've tried to speak German there, I have been told 'We haven't time for that, just ask in English.' !!
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Furbag, you'll get used to the cold by the third day or you won't get used to it at all. Just never, ever, drink anything out of a can outdoors.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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Furbag, if Tremblant is booked up, have you considered Wengen? (or La Rosiere, or Les Arcs via Bourg St Maurice?). Rumour has it that they're worth a visit!!
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Ray Zorro, I thought you had decided that Wengen was not the answer 
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Furbag, I'll be over there next year, what dates are you thinking about?
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marc gledhill, we are looking at 16th feb 2005
D G Orf, re your comment on the equip forum how do I pm you ?? sorry to be a thicky but normally theres a PM button somewhere but I am damed if I can find it
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Furbag, I've sent you a PM with my email adress in it, look under the snowheads logo at the top of the page and you will find the send/read Private Message function
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Furbag, I think we're there 11th/18th Feb, but I'll check that.
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Hi every one , a blast from the past , well since the 22nd of sept took a while to find the thread again.
A update for all , we have booked our selves 7 days in Tremblant mid Feb,
OH MY GOD 
Slight change of plans , the other couple cannot go so its just myself and my wife.
Booked with Inghams in the end and we are staying at Tours des Voyageurs and have booked a 3 day learn to kill yourself package
Currently our kit level stands at coat and trouser thingys , and the regulation silly hat each , we have got some thermal stuff but still need more I feel. Luckly my wife has built in insulation
Still need goggle things , but again its all so baffling , and check out those prices !!!! I really dont understand the difference between the 39.99 ones and the 120 quid ones , and i recon the 39.99 ones are price, or am I just tight. Gloves and socks I feel need to be the best. I get cold in the UK so god knows what I am going to be like out there
Fur
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You know it makes sense.
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Furbag, as you say gloves and socks are important, because you only usually wear one pair of each, goggles get double lens ones to help prevent fogging 40 to 50 quid should be more than enough for a good pair 120 is just stupid. don;t forget with ski clothing think in layers rather than one really insulated jacket a shell plus a fleece plus polo neck plus thermals will be far more practicle
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Furbag,
I too am new to this forum and I am from the States. I have been to Tremblant and am returning next week. I have skied all over the western US and western Canada. I am going to Tremblant because I am taking my son who doesn't like long flights and we are just going for a quick weekend. The lodging is quite nice as it is a pedestrian village. There are several bars/restaurants and shops. It is very french although everyone speaks english as well. The skiing can be cold but hey, it's winter. Dress in thin layers and you'll be fine. The runs are nice and it is relatively scenic although nothing like the Canadian Rockies. There is also a little movie theater in the village and loads of activities if you choose to skip some ski time. The people are quite friendly and the conditions aren't that bad. While they don't get a lot of snow, that is a good thing for beginners. The grooming is good and the conditions will be fine. I will try to let you know other info as soon as I get back. We are leaving Friday and returning Monday. By the way, I am also going there because my son hasn't skiied before either. Good Luck. Jerry
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Poster: A snowHead
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Furbag, I will provide you with loads of info upon my return next monday. First, I have to figure out how to PM as I am new to this forum. Any help guys? thanks. Jerry
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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miserbank0312, use the send/read messages tag at the top of the page, when you send a message you get an option to search for a users name to send it to or you can reply to an existing message using the reply function
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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We own a place is Tremblant and obviously have been there a gazillion times. The
Tour de Voyageur which you booked is right in the middle of the pedestrian village. You
can pretty much ski in, ski out. Yes is can be cold, right now it is very cold -20, but by mid-feb
it should be warmer avg -6 to -10. Mid-Feb is a big American Holiday (Presidents Week) so
there will be a lot of Yanks there and quite busy. Snow right now is pretty good and should be
better by mid Feb, but like most east NA resorts Tremlant is not at high altitude and rain is not
out of the question at any time. There is a lot of other stuff to do there, and the village of St. Jovite
(about 10km's drive) has a lot of good restaurants - better food and cheaper than in the Mountain
Village. Its a very good resort by eastern NA standards, but not huge like the West of Alps, but for
a beginner it will be enough. Have fun.
Sawni
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Hi sawni and a welcome to snowHeads from across the water
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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sawni, Hi and welcome
I'm out in Tremblant from the 9th February to the 16th, when is Presidents Day?
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We (2 adults + 3 kids) went to Tremblant in Feb 2002. The kids loved it, especially the maple syrup with everything breakfasts at Jacques(?), despite it being perishingly cold (-27C at the bottom, colder at the top + wind chill wasn't uncommon). I would say that face masks are essential (we took them "in case" and wore them all the time and the kids used their hand warmer packs every day. The resort is owned by Intrawest and it is a bit reminiscent of the Prisoner or West World. I wouldn't be surprised if the lift attendants were robots (especially the ZZ Top look alikes) and the shops/restaurants seemed to sell remarkably similar lines. Having said all of that.... the journey from the UK was very pleasant (Air Canada), the transfer was short (< 2 hours) and painless, the food was good, the snow was good/guaranteed, the ski instructors (for the kids) were terrific and very safety conscious eg in poor conditions they would merge some classes with one of the instructors skiing at the back of the line to make sure nobody got lost/into trouble and there was a very nice atmosphere about the place at night.
(One tip. There is only a small hut in the village selling essentials like shampoo - oh alright then, wine & cheese. The shops are a short bus journey away. On the way from the airport the bus driver might stop at a supermarket and I would take advantage of this to make you don't run out of any "essentials", at least during the first couple of days.)
The only negative about our trip was the return journey where Heathrow was foggy and hence stacking the planes for longer. The Air Canada plane didn't have enough fuel for this and had to land a Paris. By the time we were cleared from Paris, the crew had gone beyond their duty time and we eventually landed at Heathrow at midnight rather than 8 in the morning. Maybe BA would be a better option after all.
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jtr, thank you for that. Did you use face masks for the kids too? Ours are seven and two, so I'm not sure where to find their sizes.
My wife got a facemask for Christmas but I was planning to pull my buff up a bit. Is that a good idea or should I get myself a face mask too?
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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The kids wore masks, helmets, goggles and neck warmers/balaclavas (mitts are also a good idea). We bought the skis masks at an Outdoors shop (not Ellis Brigham) near the Snow Dome at Milton Keynes. In any case, the shops in Tremblant sell them. Our youngest was 8 at the time and an XS fitted him. The ski school is very well organised and has a huge heated marquee for the kids' lunch which they also use as a refuge if it gets too cold. Our first day was windless & overcast and I survived without a mask. The next day was a blue ski/-27C at the bottom/colder at the top type. I skied about 100 metres before I had to stop and get the face mask on (I thought my skin was going to crack) and I used it for the next 8 days. I know it sounds a bit of an ordeal but we did enjoy it and as long as you're prepared for the extreme cold it is a good place to ski.
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Thanks for the welcome, President's Day is actually Feb. 21st but both that week and the week before will be
busy at Tremblant. I would definitely suggest a face mask, but you can get it there.
We are actually going to France in mid-March, never having skied in Europe before, we are thinking of
going to Meribel-Trois Valleys Area. We are actually going to be there for about 11 days, wouldn't mind
staying at two different villages. Any recommendations? Are catered chalets the way to go? Will anybody
to a 7 day and 4 day stay. We were going to drive from Lyon to Meribel, is that a good idea? Also, a big
nordic skier what are the tracks like?
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FAQ
