Destination Mont-Tremblant: Race, Train, Repeat

Set in the heart of the Laurentians, Mont-Tremblant has long been known as one of Canada’s top ski destinations. For a little over a decade, though, the pristine village at the end of Lac Tremblant has become known as both the host of some of the world’s most popular Ironman events and one of eastern Canada’s premier training destinations.

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There are about 10,000 people who live in Mont-Tremblant, but every weekend the population expands dramatically with all the people who come to spend time at the resort or cottages in the area. When they were pitching the area to Ironman in 2010, the race organizers were armed with a letter from the government committing to infrastructure development, including repaying the roads for the race course. Once Ironman agreed to have an event, work on the roads started in the summer of 2011, which meant that the course was in perfect condition for the first Ironman 70.3 Mont-Tremblant race in 2012. 

Race director Pauline Alix attributes the success of the event in Mont-Tremblant to the fact that in addition to the popular races, the area has become a training destination for endurance athletes. Getting athletes to come to the races was good. Getting them to come every weekend to train was considerably better for the community.

Meet Pauline Alix, the rookie race-director gearing up for a record-setting year of Ironman events in Mont-Tremblant

Which is exactly what happens as thousands of triathletes, cyclists, outdoor enthusiasts and fitness junkies come to the area every weekend through the spring, summer and fall to enjoy the incredible scenery, challenging terrain and smooth roads. (We’re not even talking about the ski enthusiasts who arrive through the winter.) In fact, many triathletes have become so enthralled with the area that they’ve invested in condos and cottages in the area so they can make the trip every weekend.

That infrastructure development by the government almost a decade ago has been a game changer. After it was repaved, the Ironman bike course was designated as an official Quebec bike route. The P’Tit Train du Nord, the old rail trail on which much of the run course takes place for the Ironman and 70.3 events, has been paved, making it more accessible for cyclists, rollerbladers and runners. Starting in June every year, the training centre at the swim start opens for athletes to enjoy open water swims and remains busy right up until the Ironman in August.  

It’s not just the Ironman courses, though, that contribute to all this activity. A few years ago, a new 25-m pool and recreation complex was built in Mont-Tremblant, in part from funds donated through the Ironman Foundation. 

“What helps keep us busy is all the infrastructure we have for training,” says Julie Marchildon, Marketing Manager of Tourism Mont-Tremblant and Training Mont-Tremblant. “It keeps athletes coming to the area all year long. We see world-class athletes around the region all the time, and there are lots of groups who have been coming here for training camps for years.”

According to Marchildon, the summer season has become incredibly busy at the resort, which is at 80 per cent occupancy from June through September. And it’s not just the Ironman events that are drawing crowds. August’s Mont-Tremblant Half Marathon will host the 21.1K provincial championship, while the Defi 808 Bonneville cycling event in September has become extremely popular, too. 

While triathletes might be drawn to the great training conditions, they can also enjoy outdoor activities with their families at the various parks in the area. Domaine Saint-Bernard offers up a swimming lake, hiking trails and a zip-line course through the summer, along with cross-country skiing in the winter months. Parc national du Mont-Trembant is another must-visit spot with its spectacular hiking trails, water-sports activities and wildlife. Inside the park are six rivers, 400 lakes, several waterfalls and 40 different animal species. If, for some reason, that might not be enough to keep triathletes and their families busy, other options include river descents, the world-renowned astronomy centre, canoeing, kayaking and SUP paddle boarding, the casino, climbing tower, aquatic world, birds of prey show and mini golf.

All of which makes Mont-Tremblant the ultimate training and racing destination for triathletes of all levels. Hit the resort for a full-fledged training camp or incorporate training into a vacation with your family. Either works when it comes to the pristine village in the heart of the Laurentians.  

This story is presented by Training Mont-Tremblant.