Golf

Many people I speak to in Toronto about Mont Tremblant are surprised that we come up in the summer.  "But ski season is over!" they say.  The reality is, there's more to do in Tremblant in the summer and fall than in winter, and golf is one of the major activities.  Karen and I didn't golf at all during our first two years, but now that she's taking the game up in earnest, we are getting to more and more of the local courses.  So for now, this post is an overview and will likely be phased out as I write up each course.

There's tons of golf in the area, and judging by the number of golf bags I see loaded on the summer Porter flights, Tremblant is increasingly seen as a weekend getaway for golf enthusiasts. Here's my summary of the courses within ten minutes of the resort area:

• Although the Gray Rocks resort has been shuttered for some time, they did keep their beautiful golf courses operating.   La Belle (the Beauty) is 80 yeas old, and reminds me of some of the Stanley Thompson courses I've played throughout Canada.  It's probably the cheapest golf in the area too with green fees ranging from $20-55.  About a dozen years ago, Gray Rocks constructed a companion course, La Bete (the Beast).  Definitely a more modern course with beautiful mountain views.
• The two courses that are officially promoted by the Intrawest folks are Le Diable and Le Geant.  Both are pricier and (appear to be) a bit more challenging than their Gray Rocks counterparts.  They're also closer to the resort, and for those interested in real estate, you can buy on-course houses and condos.
• Le Manitou is a par-58 executive golf course.  Sweet looking course, cheap at $44, and very close to the resort.
• Le Maitre is a ClubLink course, located about a ten minute drive from the resorts along Rue La Belle.  Again, I haven't golfed it but I have jogged the paths and this is a beautiful course with a stunning club house. 

Further afield:

• Royal Laurentian is located near St. Faustin, about 20-25 minutes from the resorts.  Sure looks pretty from the highway, situated in a valley between the mountains.  And reasonably priced.
• The Old Farm, or La Vielle Ferme, is a quaint, family-oriented par three course located near St. Agathe.  They have mini putt, a driving range, a Casse Croute, and 18 holes at prime time is $21.  You get the picture.
• Les Ruisseaux is just east of St. Jovite off hwy 117, and is a par-36 9-hole course which plays about 3,400 yards from the tips.  Also cheaper than the fancy courses closer to the resort, with green fees at a max of $35.  This course has become our "local"...read our account of Les Ruisseaux,