Tremblant turns its face to the sun in summer.

Winter activities are a part of life but the Quebecois embrace the onset of a new season as the hillsides turn a rich, Breton green - a painter's backdrop to the brightly painted homes and buildings that dot the region. Visit Tremblant and transport yourself - to Europe, at first, and then to France as the language flows around you as you walk the narrow streets. Close your eyes. Once you've adjusted, make your way to the summit of Mont Tremblant - the region's highest ski area - and get your bearings. And then, prepare yourself - there's a lot to do here.

Friends like to start off with a half-day hike, followed by dinner and a little partying after their first day in Tremblant. Then a horseback ride, a hot stone massage at one of the area's fabled spas to work the kinks out and dinner the next night. Take a ride on the gondola. Along with the views there's an ecocenter on the peak that explains local legend, flora and fauna. Trails lead down the mountain from there, waiting to be explored.

If your vacation seems lacking without a day spent in pursuit of the little white ball, you're in luck. Tremblant has five great courses designed to keep you amused and gawking. There's also a mountainside complex with indoor and outdoor pools, a water-sports center, a beach and tennis club, horseback riding stables and a mini-putt course to end all mini-putt courses.

Tremblant is approximately 1.5 hours from the Montreal International Airport. Take Autoroute 15 North to Ste. Agathe, then merge with Autoroute 117 North, and follow the signs to Tremblant.
Buses from the airport and downtown Montreal depart for Tremblant on a scheduled basis. Rental cars are available at the airport. A rental car is recommended because the autoroutes are easy to drive, and the scenery is breathtaking, especially the charming Valley of Sainte-Sauveur, just south of Tremblant.