Tremblant invites you to its fourth annual Festival Rando Alpine, scheduled for February 2 to 4. It will provide an opportunity for the curious, the knowledgeable and major fans of this sport – a sport whose popularity is growing exponentially – to take in a special event. Starting on Friday night, those who enjoy the activity are invited to a trek as daylight fades and to sip a beverage at the Octobar where this fabulous weekend kicks off.

It’s a promise kept for this group of friends, for whom alpine touring is practically a religion; they had the excellent idea of helping people discover the mountain from a new perspective. The number of activities on offer have grown over all four years. Fatbike excursions on groomed trails, and splitboard outings, have been added to the many alpine touring opportunities. Sporting types who want to improve their off-piste skills are invited to the “free climb” activity. They will be accompanied by none other than Simon St-Arnaud, festival spokesperson and host of television programs dedicated to skiing.

While most of the excursions are fairly taxing and aimed at experienced athletes, the simply curious have not been forgotten. There will be several introductory excursions in both alpine touring and fatbike so that newbies can become familiar with both equipment and technique.

New this year, the Tadāsana Pō climb starts with thirty minutes of yoga and is aimed at tourers of all levels. The climb is broken up by three stops – the last of which is at the summit – which will allow participants to gauge their endurance level. A guide will subsequently head down the mountain with those who have reached their limit.

The festival’s headliner activity is undoubtedly the fondue dinner. Seasoned skiers and riders will be able to climb the mountain as the night falls and reward their efforts with a cheese fondue supper, served in the North Side chalet. The headlamp-lit descent on a freshly groomed trail is the magic time of the evening. Many surprises await participants. Anyone who so wishes may join the supper by taking a shuttle provided.

On Sunday, at 11 a.m., the Festival competition offers a sprint and endurance trial on a 3.5 km course for those who enjoy splitboarding, snowshoeing and alpine skiing. Each loop has about 500 metres of climb and two steep boot-packs (climbs with skis attached to your backpack).

Without a doubt, this event will thrill both newcomers and those who already love this activity