Mont Tremblant Travel is Effortless with Porter – From Work to Ski in 65 minutes? #flyporter #travel #tremblant
I joke that I was born with two left feet. But I love to travel and a smart savvy tourist knows a great travel experience begins when you start off on the right foot. But sometimes it takes equal parts planning and luck to bring the magic. Our weekend family trip to Mont-Tremblant Resort was luck, planning and magic all rolled into one pretty winter family travel experience.
[tweetthis]Our trip to #Tremblant was luck, planning and magic all rolled into one #travel[/tweetthis]
Our trip began with a quick train ride from our house in London, a short shuttle to Billy Bishop Airport and our first ever flight on Porter Airlines. When I travel with my family I like certain things to be orderly and organized and this experience getting to Mont-Tremblant Resort was one of our best trips ever. Porter made it seem effortless. (which was good because skiing and lifting the heavy skis, boots and polls at ski school was going to require a lot of effort. But that’s another post. In fact, we did so much in Tremblant, that I have made this a series.)
First of all the short shuttle and ferry to Billy Bishop Airport meant we didn’t have to worry about parking at all. Bonus, right? I have never flown from Billy Bishop Airport in Toronto so I allowed a half hour for us to get on the ferry and to the airport. LOL. Little did I know the ferry is about 3 minutes in length and that might be stretching it. Easy check in at the airport and a super fast check through at security ( made a tiny bit longer only because one of my awesome kids decided she might need scissors for crafting on the plane and had tucked some into her school backpack carry on. Yeah….trust me these girls know better, because we travel a lot together. Anyways, that was a simple whoops and confiscated pair of scissors and a super funny explanation to younger daughter who thinks in black and white and was stupefied that someone would keep something that is not theirs. “But Mom those are not her scissors. Aren’t they going to give them back?” See these are all the funny unexpected events that are part of family travel and have potential to derail a great trip, but thankfully that was only a small blip on the radar.)
Anyways, a very short walk down the hall and there we were in Porter Airlines lounge. Wait, what? It’s open to all? Not just business and first class passengers? What a concept! At this point we had a bit of time to burn, because, as I said, I wanted this experience to be organized and I didn’t want to be that guy or gal running for the plane and missing their flight. (Tried that once at London International Airport and it’s no fun). The Porter Airlines lounge has a business centre and an open area where snacks are free, and so is coffee, tea, pop, water and refreshments such as iced tea. Loved that. We snacked and relaxed. One or two of us played Minecraft and one of us read the newspaper and I tweeted and caught up on emails. Happy Mom so far. Porter Airlines lounge alone is worth the small extra effort getting to Billy Bishop Airport.
[tweetthis]Porter Airlines lounge alone is worth the small extra effort getting to Billy Bishop Airport #tremblant #travel[/tweetthis]
Something I learned from this trip was that it is completely possible to leave Toronto on a Friday or a long weekend, hop a flight to Tremblant International Airport and be there at Mont-Tremblant in 65 minutes door to door. That’s ridiculously efficient and fast. The flight is about 50 minutes. Obviously our trip took a bit longer because we live in London and that adds a two hour drive or train ride to Toronto.
[tweetthis]DYK you can leave Toronto and be ready to ski in #Tremblant in 65 minutes? #travel[/tweetthis]
Aboard the plane, service was impeccable and friendly and staff was courteous. I obviously recognize that Porter Airlines and Billy Bishop Airport are both much newer and cleaner than Pearson, which is the airport we typically fly from as a family. But the customer service experiences are night and day. People at Pearson are rarely pleasant and we have had a lot of bad flights there this past five years. That simply made me appreciate Porter Airlines even more.
Are we here already? A choice of snack, a choice of beverage, free in flight wine, beer, juice or pop and there was barely time to find the washrooms and sit back down and then we landed.
Beautiful details inside. It all adds to the experience. We were all happy to be there and half a dozen shuttle vans were already waiting outside. Our luggage arrived fast and safe, with us (remember our cruise, when the luggage barely made it to us before we boarded? Yeah, there’s none of that here. Just peaceful, leave the city behind and find your happy place.) Oh, and the best part about the shuttle drive was spotting numerous deer all along the scenic forested areas we drove by to get to the Upper Laurentians. I mean you know you are in Quebec mountains when you start seeing deer on the horizon.
We arrived and were checked in at Ermitage Du Lac with plenty of time to be: fitted for skis, helmets, snowsuits and related gear. We managed a tour, had a leisurely and lovely Tapas dinner at Gypsy Restaurant and Lounge inside the Westin Resort at the village in Mont-Tremblant Resort. And then we prepared for family ski lessons and dog sledding the next day! This was a trip that started on the right foot which was super important because we were up for adventure and we planned to squeeze in as much sightseeing and adventure as our family could handle. By the way did you know Mont Tremblant is celebrating its 75th anniversary? You can read more about that on Facebook. Also there’s still plenty of time to drive or fly to Tremblant for the March break. Plus the web site has some excellent deals on ski passes and other packages.
[tweetthis]Traveller tip: try the tapas at Gypsy restaurant #tremblant #travel[/tweetthis]
Many thanks to Tremblant, Mont-Tremblant Resort and also Porter Airlines. It’s easy to see why Porter Airlines has earned the top small airline in the world award from Condé Nast. Stay tuned for the rest of the posts from this Go Big or Go Home Travel experience! We were guests of Tremblant and we were treated very well and loved learning to ski. Read all about that in the next Tremblant Travel post. You can also follow along via instagram. My channel is here: http://www.instagram.com/inkscrblr and Mont Tremblant has its own glorious Tremblant instagram feed which is incredible but the way. The social media person at Tremblant told me she literally skis all day and takes videos and pictures for their social feeds! Awesome job!
Stay tuned for Part 2: Can Your Family Learn to Ski in 2 days?
48 Comments
Tammy B
Looks like you all had fun. I haven’t gone skiing since I was a little, at Molson’s Park in Barrie with my school. (which is no longer there)
Paula
Tammy. We had a ton of fun actually. It would be great to go back.
Kerrie
I had no idea that you could fly right to Tremblant! That is amazing! Do they fly there in the summer? I love Tremblant in the summer!
Paula
I think they fly there all year round. I had no idea Porter had so many flights actually. There are many places they fly to.
canadianmomeh.com
Excellent post! I’ve been going to Tremblant for over thirty years but have never flown there. I am a big fan of Porter in general and absolutely love to relax in their Toronto lounge before a flight. I look forward to reading the rest of your series!
Jenn
What an awesome experience! I didn’t realize you could go from TO to slopes so fast! That is awesome! I love Porter! My sister use to fly from Tbay to there! Great airport!
Stephanie
I’ve never flown with Porter airlines. I’ll have to give them a try! thanks for sharing.
Tough Cookie Mommy
I’ve never been skiing with my family. However, I think we will definitely consider doing so after seeing how much fun your family had.
Paula schuck
Wonderful to hear that you would consider trying skiing Maria! Your boys would probably love it.
Debalino
What an incredible experience!! You had me at Porter Airlines Lounge, the 50 minute flight, and the yummy tapas dinner! Remind me to come on your next trip and pack myself into one of your luggages. Promise, I won’t bring scissors 🙂
Paula
I Know Deb the lounge was like what??? Normally I can;t even locate a plug to charge my phone when I travel. The coffee and cookies and private cubicles made the other area of the lounge feel like a living room waiting space. LOVED porter and can’t wait to fly with them again ASAP.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle
I would love to take the family here on a trip. We live in Georgia, so the most snow we’ve ever seen is about two inches.
Chrissy Mazzocchi
That looks like a gorgeous place to be. I love your pictures sn miss the snow! 🙂
Paula schuck
It really was gorgeous.
aimee fauci
We have never been skiing. Honestly I am a bit scared! That snow is gorgeous. I’d love to just sit in a cabin and stare out and relax
Terri Ramsey Beavers
Oh my that would be so much fun. I’ve never been skiing and we don’t get snow so I’m jealous of the fun you had.
ourfamilyworld
I never considered flying to Tremblant. That is good to know. Did you stop DEER? Oh my, that must beautiful. I cannot wait to read your skiing experience
Maureen @ A Debt Free Stress Free Life
Sounds like it was a great ski trip and you all look like you had a great time.
Chubskulit Rose
Skiing sounds so fun , looks like you all had a blast. We have never gone skiing as a family yet, maybe when my kids are a little bigger.
Amber NElson
Wow, sounds like a blast. A great way to handle winter.
Nina Say
Look at all of that gorgeous snow! I haven’t seen snow in many years.
CourtneYlynne
Tremblant is definitely awesome!!! I went age years ago, and minus the whole airline losing my luggage thing…. The trip was pretty awesome!
Lesley
Tremblant is definitely on my bucket list! Look at that pretty white snow!
Colette @JamericanSpice
What a fun adventure!
I’ve never skied before, but I would love to try someday.
Thanks for sharing!
Donna Ward
Well – I am really out of the look – as I never hear of and am so glad to hear about Tremblant – your trip sounds like a fun adventure and that airport – WOW! Great post 🙂
Donna Ward
Meant to say ‘out of the loop’ – 🙂 I’ll be sharing this with my hubby – it looks fabulous!
Elizabeth O.
That’s an awesome service! Flying straight to Tremblant is a welcome experience for any traveler!
Theresa
It looks beautiful there! I haven’t skied in about 15 years, but we are playing around with the idea of taking our girls next winter.
Angela Christoper
We really loves to travel, your pictures looks you had a lot of fun and you’re enjoyed your travel and looks very nice.
Jeanine
How fun! I went there as a kid, we didn’t fly but I remember going. I went to another place to ski too but I completely forgot where. I didn’t know Billy Bishop did flights there – that is really cool!
Sarah Bailey
Wow what an amazing looking place to be and so cool that it is so easy to get there. x
Carmy
Looks fun! But spring is FINALLY in Toronto so I’m not sure if I want to leave… haha!
Ann BAcciaglia
I want to go to Tremblant so bad! I don’t ski but I am ready to give it a try! I love your photos. It looks like you had a fantastic time.
Carra D
I’ve always wanted to go skiing but I rather just sit by the fire and drink hot chocolate lol. I hate getting bundled up. Looks like you and the fam. had a great time though
Taralyn
What a picturesque ski trip! My daughter has been begging me to take her on one of those.
Dawn
This sounds like a fun family vacation. I would love to learn to ski!
Erin
Confession time. I’m terrified of skiing. I’ve had people invite me and I’ll always find some excuse not to go because I just can’t…. lol.
Rosey
I haven’t heard of Porter Airlines until now. That’s cool that the lounge area was open to everyone. The pictures are great!
Natalie
This looks like a ton of fun! I haven’t been to a ski resort in forever. I need to take a trip again sometime! I need a vacation!
Beth
Wow, that seems like a lot of fun. I’ve never been skiing but would love to!
Chene Atkins- Whittington
This looks like it was so much fun! I really wish we could take a trip like this soon with the family.
Aisha Kristine Chong
Seems to me as if it was such a fun experience – I would love to have my experience there too.
Michelle @ Dishes and Dust Bunnies
It sounds like you had an amazing time there! Would love to travel there someday myself.
christina aliperti
The social media person at Tremblant has an amzing job, I have to say I’m a little jealous. I am not a fan of the cold, but I would tolerate it to go skiing, take pictures and get paid for it!
Lynndee
I really want to learn how to ski. I believe it’s fun. Unfortunately, the hubs is not interested. He haven’t tried skiing actually. 🙂
Cherri Megasko
I travel a lot, but I refused to pay to use airline lounges. I love that Porter offers it free to all their passengers!
Roselynn
It looks like everyone will be having a fun time learning to ski. I have never been skiing and have not really had an interest in it previously. I personally prefer my vacation spots to not include snow lol.
Deanna T.
I am usually all about the train, the train ride is sometimes my favourite part of the trip! But I’ve got to say 65 minutes and you’re off having fun… it sounds tempting. I had no clue Mnt Tremblant had their own airport. And it’s so darn cute. What a great start to your trip.