”My trip to Tremblant for a mini family reunion and to cheer on Mikaela Shiffrin at the ‘23 World Cup
A story by Katie Steinharter
Many had waited years for the World Cup to return to Tremblant in December 2023, eager for the chance to watch their favorite ski racers. Despite working in the ski industry, being Mikaela Shiffrin’s point of contact at Ikon Pass, and being raised by an ex-ski racer, I, unfortunately, know very little about ski racing—and I’m actually a snowboarder! Of course, I visited Tremblant to see Mikaela race and rub elbows with the world’s greatest athletes. But I also came for the festive atmosphere Tremblant creates during events, the French cuisine, the picturesque village decked out for the holidays, the possibility of a reunion with my Vermont-based brother, the proximity to both Montreal and Quebec City, and the opportunity to snowboard at a new destination. So, really, I went to Tremblant last December to watch ski races—and so much more.
“I flew directly from Denver, Colorado, to Montreal, Quebec, rented a car, and drove to Tremblant, where I promptly parked it under the hotel and didn’t touch it for the next three days.”
As someone who also lives in a ski town (Winter Park, Colorado), I always look for proximity to adventure when planning trips. Tremblant has perfected the concept of a walkable resort experience—everything from the hotel to the village, restaurants, and slopes is just steps away.
Family, Friends, and Après-Ski: A Perfect Reunion
My younger brother, Jack, who was in medical school in Vermont at the time, jumped at the chance to study in a more scenic location. The next morning, he drove a couple of hours across the border to meet me for a late breakfast at La Maison de la Crêpe. Afterward, we headed back to the hotel so he could take a practice exam before gearing up and meeting me at the gondola for mid-morning laps. “That’s the benefit of the Ikon Pass”, he said. “It doesn’t matter how many laps I do—it’s always worth it to get out and explore somewhere new.” He makes me prouder every day, not only for how well he promotes the Ikon Pass but also for managing to graduate medical school after doing much of his homework on ski slopes.
After a few laps and scenic selfies from Tremblant’s summit, with the lake as a backdrop, we set off to find a spot to watch Mikaela race. We spent some time in the excitement of the crowd at the finish line before hiking up the slope to the Employee Section—an incredible perk Tremblant offered its staff to watch the event. The atmosphere was electric; people were in great spirits, national anthems filled the air, and everyone was cheering for the athletes. It was amazing to see so many different countries coming together to celebrate.
“After working with Mikaela for years, I finally had the chance to cheer her on as she earned a bronze medal back on North American soil!”
While Mikaela recovered, we celebrated. Jack, some coworkers, and I headed to one of the most renowned après-ski spots in the world—Le P’tit Caribou. Neon lights contrasted against the rustic wooden bars, a DJ played from inside a gondola, buckets of beers chilled on ice, and people who couldn’t speak each other’s languages somehow all knew the dance moves to “Y-M-C-A.” It was everything you imagine an après-ski party should be!
Après-ski at Le P’ti Caribou
Of course, after trying to keep up with the Quebecois lifestyle all day, we needed some rest and relaxation. Since the hotel was just steps away, we grabbed some cheese and crackers from the village market and settled in by the fireplace in the hotel room. When dinner rolled around, it was time for another reunion.
One of my father’s best friends from college, Charles “Barnesy” Darwin Jr. (yes, a descendant of that Charles Darwin), is married to Mikaela Shiffrin’s mother’s best friend. We celebrated our extended family reunion over a glass of wine and then joined a larger group to share several poutines before dinner.
“At the Coupe du monde Tremblant, it felt like professional skiers and their families were everywhere, and you were bound to know someone who knew someone.”
This year, I’ve already convinced both of my parents to join the Coupe du monde and our Tremblant ski weekend reunion from their home in Maine. They won’t let Barnsey, Jack, and me have all the fun for a second year in a row. Plus, Mikaela Shiffrin is on track to make history early in the World Cup again—this time, with her eyes on her 100th gold medal!
