Tremblant to Complete Timber Expansion in 2027

Alterra-owned Tremblant today announced a CA$42.5 million investment catering to a broad range of skiers. Expanding the Soleil side of the mountain, Timber will open in two phases – a beginner pod with conveyor for winter 2026-27 followed by eight new trails and a detachable quad for 2027-28. “Timber Summit represents much more than an expansion of our ski terrain,” said Patrice Malo, President and Chief Operating Officer of Station Mont Tremblant. “It reflects our commitment to continually elevating the Tremblant experience and creating new opportunities for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, today’s families, and generations to come.”

Tremblant first announced this project March 10th, 2020, just five days before the entire North American ski industry shut down for Covid. After a six year pause, work began anew last month with tree clearing on the summit. The beginner portion of the expansion will include a 1.1 acre slope ideal for learning and a covered surface lift. “The gentle terrain and dedicated infrastructure will be designed to support progression from guests’ very first turns through the early stages of their skiing journey,” noted Tremblant. On weekends and peak periods, guests will access the zone from the village via the existing Casino Express Gondola.

Higher up on the mountain, crews are working to clear one new trail on the North side of Timber and seven trails on the Soleil side. These will total 62 acres and include 100 percent snowmaking coverage. The Timber Express high speed quad will ascend 1,388 vertical feet and transport 2,400 skiers per hour from the Soleil base, where a new Club Med is also under development. The new lift will become a modern alternative to the aging Soleil Express and span more than a mile (5,900 feet) with 125 chairs. A manufacturer hasn’t yet been selected.

Tremblant’s news comes during a busy period of expansion for Canadian ski areas. At least 16 resorts plan to build new lifts in 2026 and 2027 across British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia.

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One Dead, One Injured in Gondola Incident at Mont Tremblant

One person has died and another is in critical condition following a collision between a gondola cabin and construction equipment at Tremblant, an Alterra-operated resort near Montreal. The gondola car struck a drilling rig part way up the mountain, causing two adult riders to fall to the ground at approximately 11:30 this morning. The cabin remained attached to the haul rope. Both people were transported to a hospital where one later died. Other riders on the lift were evacuated with no further injuries.

The incident occurred part way up the Panoramic Gondola, one of three gondola systems at Tremblant. The lift involved was built by Doppelmayr in 1998 with cabins supplied by Gangloff. A photo later emerged showing half of a cabin completely sheared off where there would normally be a bench seat.

“Due to an incident on the Gondola today, July 16, we regret to inform you that we are canceling the remainder of the Tremblant Blues Festival and closing our activities for the day out of respect for those involved,” the ski resort wrote in an afternoon statement. “We thank you for your understanding.”

The Quebec Ski Areas Association also issued a statement: “We are saddened by the accident. Our hearts go out to the families and the Mont Tremblant team. An investigation is in progress and we offer our collaboration to the authorities,” the association wrote.

By evening, Tremblant issued a statement clarifying that the construction equipment was operated by a third party and offered condolences to those involved, who were visiting from outside the region.

On Monday, Forage M2P Inc. said one of its drilling rigs operating on behalf of Tremblant on an approved route struck both the gondola cabin with two riders who fell and another empty gondola. A 30 year old operator was repositioning the drill at the time of the incident and he was also hospitalized.

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