Tremblant, Quebec

Tremblant is located in the Laurentian Mountains, about 150km from Montréal. It has been a ski resort since the 1930s, and has a reputation for great skiing and facilities enriched with the 'joie de vivre' of Quebec's French heritage. The very low winter temperatures, with extensive snow-making equipment, ensures good snow cover through the season.

On the mountain, there's plenty of exciting skiing, though make sure you wrap up warm against the cold. The heated gondola up from the village to Grand Manitou can give you the wrong idea - it's normally absolutely freezing when you step out. The main beginner area is just above the village. More ambitious skiers should venture over to the North side of the mountain, to challenge themselves with steeper slopes.

The village centre is at the foot of the slopes, and it's nearly always possible to ski back to your lodgings. There's numerous restaurants, but the nightlife can be a little quiet.