By Jeff Swystun

Did you know that you can learn to ice climb just a short walk from the ski village? Under the gondola at the base of the mountain is a 35-metre rock wall. In the summer, it is an impressive waterfall. In winter, it freezes to provide a perfect place for this amazing activity. The setting and views enhance the entire experience.

The Activity Centre at Tremblant is an ambassador for the area. The staff members are experts on how everyone visiting can try something new, embrace a fun challenge, and make the most of their stay. The Centre provides an incredible range of activities and packages for individuals, groups and families. It was through the Centre that I showed up for a three-hour initiation to ice climbing.

It was much more than an initiation! It was the full experience. Prior to arriving, you are told to dress in layers because there are times when you are very active and times when you are not. You must also bring your own ski boots that work with the crampons provided. In my group, we had two wonderful bilingual instructors who shared their passion for the sport.

Fully accredited, these experts led us through the equipment. We were given crampons, harness, helmet and ice axes. The instructors ensured everything was well-fitted and safe. For ice climbing, children as young as eight can do it and in the summer, as young as five for the rock climbing. In no time, we were standing at the base of the ice wall. There were two sets of ropes already secured to the top.

The instruction included how to drive our crampons into the ice and the motion used by the arms for the ice axes. The good news is, the instructor always has you secured by the rope and is there to help with both the ups and the downs. Much to my surprise, I was to go first. Let me tell you, it was incredibly satisfying to plunge the axe into the ice, lift, and secure my feet with the crampons.

The motion was relaxing in a strange way. Calls of encouragement came from the instructors and the group. To see the ice in front of me was mesmerizing. At one point, all I heard was my own breath. Before I knew it, I was at the top. That was the first part of the adventure. I must admit, coming down was fun. You walk down backwards, all the time supported by the instructor on the rope below.

It was great to see our entire group scale the ice, including a young boy whose smile was infectious. The instructors told stories of their experiences and were very good at getting us all back on the ice to repeat the experience and try different techniques. Ice climbing is highly recommended for those visiting. It is a fun accomplishment and will give you a great story to share.

The Centre recommends booking in advance for any activity but you can drop in, as well. In winter, there is snowshoeing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, hiking, ziplining and much more. The Centre can arrange helicopter tours, treehouse camping, and even a wilderness survival hike. In the summer months, there is even more to experience.

The Centre is very creative when it comes to providing packages of activities. One package includes snowshoeing with visits to bison and sled dogs, or you can sign up for one of six different “passports”. For example, Passport #4 includes the ice climbing initiation, 10-minute helicopter flight, virtual reality arcade, and snowshoe rental.

Call the experts at The Activity Centre to make the most of your Tremblant visit. +1 819-681-4848

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