Just a Bit Further

Like a true New Englander, I’ve spent plenty of time in ski towns from New Hampshire to Vermont—and even a few in Massachusetts. I expected Quebec to feel different, but this Mont Tremblant ski trip surprised me with its quality and ease. Just a bit farther than Stowe, my usual stomping grounds, yet a completely different experience.

The village stands out with its bold, primary-colored buildings, walkable streets packed with restaurants, and plenty of outdoor fires and heaters keeping the energy up—even in freezing temperatures (we arrived when it was a frigid 2 degrees Fahrenheit). Some shopping was inevitable, and yes, a little extra outerwear made the trip home. Read on for some design inspiration…

Fair Share of Color

In most places, primary-colored buildings might feel a bit Disney-like, but in Mont Tremblant, they just work. The bold hues blend with whimsical details—pitched roofs, dormer windows, and turrets—creating a fairytale charm. Every surface gets its fair share of color, from accent walls to window trim to rooflines. Color reigns.

Each building is a lively mix of uses—restaurants, shops, and condos all coexisting, each with its own distinct personality. The look echoes European Alps villages, where homes were intentionally painted in bright shades to brighten long, gray winters. My favorite pairing: burnt orange and sage green—unexpected.

Mountain Views

No visit feels complete without taking in the mountain views from the top. On the first day, bright blue skies stretched over barely touched white powder. By day two, a mid-storm transformed the scene, blanketing everything in fresh snow—like a black-and-white photograph. No matter the conditions, the landscape never fails to impress.

Inspiration Meets Function

Let’s get to the priorities—food and drink. Our small condo was perfect for lazy mornings with coffee and a few breakfast basics, all enjoyed in our pajamas. But exploring the village for lunch and dinner was part of the fun. Not exactly budget-friendly, but with the U.S. to Canadian dollar exchange working in our favor, it felt like a win. Plenty of great dining options, but one restaurant stood out—mostly because I’m a sucker for buffalo plaid.

Ambience is everything in restaurant design. As a luxury interior designer, I can’t fully enjoy my meal—or my wine—unless the finishes, lighting, furniture, and every last detail are just right (if you know, you know). This cozy spot, Le Q.G., perfected winter style with industrial metal chairs and lighting. An open kitchen featured exposed structural beams, with reclaimed wood accents throughout. Vintage skis and snowshoes lined the sloped ceiling, adding to the old-school vibe alongside black-and-white photos from Mont Tremblant’s early days. The taxidermy was a bit much, but the bear above the bar made an impact. Floating over the bar, it greets second-floor guests, framed by warm pendant lights. And, of course, plenty of red buffalo plaid set the tone.

Personal, Not Generic

My fingers may still be thawing—I’d have taken far more photos if it had been bearable to take my mittens off. Key takeaway: layers are essential. Ski pants weren’t just for the slopes; they became part of the daily outfit. Even the outdoor firepit couldn’t make swapping boots for skates worth it, so the rink stayed mostly empty. Despite the cold, the ease of this Mont Tremblant ski trip stood out the most. Everything was walkable—coffee, brunch, shopping, skiing, snowshoeing—no car necessary. A trip that was both effortless and worth every frozen moment. Learn how travel and great design go hand in hand.