Snowshoeing

Well-marked trails at the Domaine

A confession: I had been on snowshoes only once before I came to Mont Tremblant.  It was cold, and I was snowshoeing with uber-athletes who were satisfied with only the steepest terrain at the fastest pace possible.  I didn't feel a need to snowshoe ever again.  But once I came to Tremblant, I fell in love with snowshoeing.  Everyone does it here, and I can see why:

• Good moderate exercise, so it keeps you warm on those ultra-cold days when you're reluctant to ski.  Plus the forest shelters you from the wind but lets the warming sun shine through.
• Gets you into the woods in the winter.  You'd be hip deep in snow if you walked in boots, but the snowshoes work wonders.  And if you like walking in the woods in the summer or fall, wait until you experience them when there are no leaves on the trees: amazing quiet, and amazing views.
• Speaking of views, the snowshoes make it much easier to climb steep terrain and get to rewarding panoramic views.  And with no leaves on the trees, so much more is revealed to you.

Great views off the R2-R5 circuit.  I can see my house
from here!

Now that I've sold you on snowshoeing, here's what I'd suggest you do:

• Visit the Domaine St. Bernard, which has miles of amazing trails built specifically for snowshoeing.  If you don't have your own snowshoes, you can rent them there for about $15.  Make sure you get poles!
• If you have about three hours and are reasonably fit, take the R2-R5 trail.  There are some challenging climbs, both steep and extended, but the trails twist and turn through stunning scenery and afford some great lookouts.  And there's the Refuge Audet about two-thirds of the way through, a cute little cabin equipped with a wood stove and snack tables.
• If you're not up to a major outing, just ask the Domaine staff which trail they'd recommend.  There are plenty of shorter, flatter routes that still make the trip worthwhile.  Remember to bring birdseed (or pick up a bag at the Domaine office) as the birds will literally eat out of your hand.
• We had friends visit us, and they rented snowshoes at L'ame du sport in St. Jovite, at 504 rue de St. Jovite.  If you do the same, you'll find tons of places around Tremblant (including the ski hills themselves) where you can snowshoe.

The Refuge Audet.  Isn't it cute?

Admittedly, our snowshoeing experience has been limited to just the Domaine and our local trails.  If you discover anything great, let us know by way of commenting below!