Winter in Mont-Tremblant feels like stepping into a postcard. The Laurentian Mountains stretch out in all directions, rolling hills blanketed in snow, evergreen forests glistening with frost. Known for its incredible ski village, and some of the best spring skiing in Eastern Canada, Mont-Tremblant also offers quieter experiences that connect you to the land itself. One of these is the Snowshoeing and Fondue Tour—a combination of outdoor exploration and traditional Quebecois dining that transforms a winter evening into something magical.
Mont-Tremblant and Versant Soleil
Mont-Tremblant is about 130 kilometres northwest of Montreal. It’s a place where nature takes centre stage, even in winter, when the landscape is wrapped in silence and the sky hangs low with clouds heavy with snow. On the resort’s quieter Versant Soleil side, the Snowshoeing and Fondue Tour begins.
The journey starts with a gondola ride. Rising above the treetops, you’re treated to panoramic views of snow-covered peaks and the sprawling forests below. The summit feels like another world—colder, crisper, yet alive with possibility.
The Hike to Refuge du Trappeur
From the summit, snowshoes strapped tightly, the trek begins. The trail meanders through the forest, where pine branches hang heavy with snow and the only sounds are the rhythmic crunch of snowshoes and the occasional whistle of the wind. It’s not a long hike, just five kilometres round-trip, but the terrain is hilly, and the cold adds a layer of challenge.
The destination is Refuge du Trappeur, a rustic log cabin halfway down the mountain. It emerges from the woods like something from a storybook—a warm haven in the wilderness. Inside, a fire crackles in the wood stove, and the scent of melted cheese fills the air.
What is Fondue?
Fondue is more than just food; it’s an experience. Originally from Switzerland, the dish found its way to Quebec and has become a staple of communal winter meals. At Refuge du Trappeur, the meal begins with a bubbling pot of artisanal cheese fondue, served with crusty bread and a selection of vegetables for dipping. Each bite is warm and rich, a perfect contrast to the cold outside.
And then there’s dessert: a velvety chocolate fondue with fresh fruit for dipping. It’s indulgent and sweet, best enjoyed slowly, with a cup of hot tea or coffee as the fire warms your fingers.
Heading Back Down Under the Stars
Once dinner is finished, the adventure resumes. By now, the forest is dark, and each participant wears a headlamp to light the way. The snow glimmers faintly, reflecting the light of the moon, and the stillness of the night creates a sense of adventure.
What makes the Snowshoeing and Fondue Tour special isn’t just the activity—it’s the way it ties you to the land and the culture of the region. Mont-Tremblant in winter can feel bustling and busy, but out on the trails of Versant Soleil, there’s quiet. The meal in the cabin feels earned, a reward for stepping into the cold and moving through the mountains.
This isn’t an experience that requires you to be an expert snowshoer, just someone with a bit of curiosity and a willingness to embrace the beauty of winter. For those who make the trek, it’s an evening they won’t soon forget.
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