Mont Tremblant

Q: I hear that the resort in Mont Tremblant is good for families?

A: This is an understatement! Since mega-developers Intrawest took over this property in 1991, the number of yearly visitors has gone from 370,000 to three million. And with expansion always on tap, those numbers will only grow at this four-season attraction. It is a 90 minuter drive from Montreal, but a small airport opened nearby in December 2002 and although it presently only offers a few charter flights a week from Toronto that will change. The accommodations are wonderful for families. Les Suites Tremblant consists of a series of fully equipped condominiums nestled at the bottom of the slopes, including the exquisite La Tour des Voyageurs. There is a full kitchen, in addition to a fireplace, a comfortable living room and a colour television. There’s also a workout room, an outdoor jacuzzi and free indoor parking. A short walk away is the picturesque La Source water park facility, complete with refreshing waterfalls, kids slides, an indoor and outdoor steam bath and a tarzan rope for the youngsters. One of the neatest parts of this whole development is that once you park the car everything is within walking distance, from the slopes to 75 shops and restaurants. During the winter season, you must take the kids for a day of tubing. The Aventures Neiges (www.aventuresneiges.com) in Ste. Jovite is about a 10 minute drive. The resort’s activity centre offers a shuttle. You can also catch a movie at the Pine twin-cinema.

If mom wants to pamper herself, then Amerispa is then place. Located within the confines of the posh Fairmont Tremblant, on the resort site, it offers a full array of mass therapy, body treatments and esthetic treatments. While mom is getting her massage, dad can take the kids downstairs to the indoor and outdoor pools.

There are dozens of restaurants to choose from in the pedestrian village, the trendiest being Soto. Located within the two and a half year old Westin Hotel, it is part of the Soto Group, which now counts three other fine-dining establishments, 12 Soto Express sushi counters and a new Mediterranean concept restaurant called Kouras as part of its growing Quebec empire. While mom and dad will probably opt for the wide array of spectacular sushi, this place knows how to keep kids happy as well. The youngsters will love the shrimp tempura and the sushi chefs will be happy to whip up a yummy chicken dish. The dessert tray is to die for, particularly the decadent apple tempura and a selection of sorbets. They’ll even bring the little one a glass of milk to wash it all down.

I could go, but log on to www.tremblant.ca where all of the important guidelines are readily available.