Fairmont Tremblant – this mountainside luxury resort continues to meet and exceed guest expectations

Mont Tremblant is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Eastern Canada and the United States, having successfully transitioned from a ski destination to an all season resort area that offers six golf courses, miles and miles of hiking trails, cycling trails, gondola rides to the summit, a zip-line network that combines a nature hike; and aquatic activities at Lake Tremblant that include swimming, kayaking and sailing. Centrally located to all this is the luxurious Fairmont Tremblant – full measure for its 4 ½ star rating.

A Fairmont double room overlooking Lake Tremblant

Fairmont implemented a company-wide safety policy called AllSafe; designed to keep guests and staff safe during the pandemic. Major steps include limiting guest capacity to approximately 50% occupancy, socially distanced tables in restaurants, no maid service during  visits of three nights or less (fresh towels are available on request). Staff members are checked every day before entering the building, and several meeting rooms have been set up as socially distanced staff dining rooms to avoid crowding in the staff cafeteria. We have visited three Fairmont resorts in Quebec during the pandemic and felt completely secure.

Fairmont Tremblant has all the services, dining options and comforts that you expect when staying at a first class resort hotel. The ‘extra something’ you receive at this resort is a genuinely friendly attitude from the staff, all while delivering outstanding service. From the car valet, to our front desk check-in, Maitre D’ and restaurant staff – everyone made us feel genuinely welcome in an unrehearsed and authentic manner. They work in the hospitality business because they like people. Their natural enthusiasm is a perfect complement to the luxurious surroundings. When speaking with other guests, we received the same positive comments about the high quality of the service. Not surprisingly, this is also a theme on Trip Advisor.

One bedroom condo suites overlook the pool,
mountain and village

Fairmont Tremblant has a wide selection of accommodations amongst its 314 guest rooms and suites; including the always popular Fairmont Gold floor. Our most recent visit was in a large corner room overlooking the hill, which in summer is popular with hikers and a cart slide that was clearly a favourite with children. We’ve also enjoyed a lovely two bedroom suite when vacationing with our family.

The resort is located at the edge of the village, steps away to shopping, restaurants and bars with large terraces, performance stages and even a climbing wall. Fairmont’s outdoor heated pool (all year long) overlook the village and capture the sun for most of the day. BBQ and bar service is also available. The newly opened Terrasse Veuve Clicquot is adjacent to the pool deck and offers bar service and of course – perfectly chilled champagne! Marketing Manager Vincent Leblanc told me that this new feature was a big success with guests last summer, and will continue this season.

“My family and I keep coming back to Fairmont Tremblant because our feeling is that we are basically guaranteed to have a good time no matter what the conditions are like outside!” – Allan D., Ottawa

The fitness centre and indoor pool are located on the same level as the outdoor pools. One flight up is the Spa, with a full range of treatments offered by qualified therapists.

L’AXE lobby bar with its all-season fireplace is a
perennial favourite

During our tour of the hotel, we visited all four dining locations, starting with L’AXE, the lounge bar adjacent to the lobby. (The full menus for each restaurant are posted on the resort website.)   Vincent tells us; “L’AXE is really popular, partly because our mixologists put on quite a show, and they have a lot of fun creating specialty cocktails. Last summer jazz singer Nathalie Johnson sang for us on Thursdays and Fridays and we plan to have her or another entertainer again this season.” L’AXE also has food service that in my estimation includes the best cheeseburger in the Fairmont chain.

The Choux Gras Brasserie Culinaire is inspired by a Paris bistro, and this restaurant lives up to the translation, “good fortune”. We had a superb dinner here on our first night, made even more memorable by the outstanding service. The Maitre D’ explained that all the restaurant personnel were delighted to be back doing the jobs they love. Choux Gras windows overlook the famous replica alpine village at the base of the mountain. What was originally an outdoor deck was enclosed to expand the dining room and thereby provide diners a lovely view year ‘round.

The Choux Gras dining room offers fine cuisine, views of the mountain and excellent service

We enjoyed hearty breakfasts and a dinner in Le Comptoir. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a showcase view onto nature just on the other side of the glass. Formerly a buffet-style dining room, Le Comptoir is being re-imagined with an open kitchen Italian theme. A new pizza oven is already producing delicious thin-crust pizzas; and I can vouch that mine was delicious. A pasta station is coming soon. Italian cuisine is a worldwide favourite, and it’s sure to be a hit at Fairmont Tremblant.

At the time of our visit in mid-June, the outdoor pool capacity was limited to 35 people, with a 90 minute duration. We made our reservations simply by using the hotel concierge text app. (Same easy process for dinner reservations.) Guests wishing to take in more sun are invited to visit the adjacent Terrasse Veuve Clicquot. In between groups, all chairs and railings were sanitized by the pool staff. The indoor pool is also available, and because fewer people use it – the outdoor guidelines don’t apply.

Several creative guest options were developed during the pandemic, and some have already become regular guest offerings. During the winter, snow forts with outdoor fireplaces and seating proved to be popular for family bubbles. In the summer months, tepees for children replaced the snow forts in the outdoor family bubble. Without business meetings and receptions taking place in the multiple meeting facilities, a family bubble games room was equipped. Another meeting room was transformed into a family movie theatre, and for the time being; both will remain available to family bubbles.

ELMNT focus on wellness at Fairmont Tremblant

Montrealers familiar with ELMNT spinning and yoga classes will be happy to know that Fairmont Tremblant has entered a partnership with the well-known Montreal wellness facility to host ELMNT’s signature spin, yoga and movement classes in the clear mountain air. Co-founders Drew Bathory and Natalie Kakon and a select group of instructors will have 10 spin bikes and 16 yoga mats in an outdoor space. Bathory commented; “We are honoured to align our brand with Fairmont Tremblant, as space that has been claimed for such important human connection and at a time where we are rebuilding what the hospitality and service industry can look like through purposeful collaboration and human centered initiatives.”

Fairmont Tremblant (large building in the centre of the photo) is situated at the edge of Tremblant Village

Fairmont Tremblant’s General Manager, Anne Marie Johns says; “At Fairmont Tremblant, part of the Accor global hotel group, we believe that strength is in unity, and power is in diversity. This translates into a culture of inclusion that welcomes all people, regardless of their background, race, gender or background.” Continuing, Johns adds; “We also value the importance of augmented hospitality, a vision of hospitality and the tailor-made services that we can provide to a community of customers made of guests and locals alike. Our partnership with ELMNT is an offering that celebrated our approach to augmented hospitality.”

With so many activities to choose from, Fairmont Tremblant is an ideal location for a family holiday or couples getaway. We’ve enjoyed a multigenerational holiday as well as a getaway for just the two of us. Superior accommodations, a wide range of activities, your choice of fine or casual dining and above all – outstanding service make Fairmont Tremblant an easy recommendation for the coming summer and fall months.

Adjacent to the European-style alpine village and just 90 minutes from Montreal Fairmont Tremblant has proven to be a popular venue for corporate meetings and celebrations. The local airport has regular service from Toronto.

Fairmont Tremblant: For information and reservations: www.fairmont.com/tremblant or by phone directly to the resort: 1-819-681-7000