Chalet season is about to start in the Laurentides. Tremblant plans to open its slopes on November 26, 2026, Quebec’s winter tire rule kicks in on December 1, and holiday weeks are already filling up across Saint-Sauveur, Val-David and Mont-Tremblant. Before you send a deposit, here is a practical update on what is new this winter and how to make sure the chalet you book is legal, registered and ready for snow.
What’s new in the Laurentides this winter
Tremblant’s season and new beginner area
Tremblant’s 2026-27 season is planned from November 26, 2026 to April 18, 2027. A new 1.1-acre learning area with a covered magic carpet opens at the base of Versant Soleil, the first phase of a $42.5 million expansion that will add eight trails, called Timber Summit, in 2027-28. Construction has also started on Club Med Tremblant, targeted to open in December 2028. Read the full Tremblant 2026-27 season update on The Laurentides.
For chalet renters, the takeaway is simple: demand around Tremblant and Saint-Sauveur peaks from Christmas to early January and during Quebec’s spring break weeks. Our selection of ski chalets near Tremblant and Saint-Sauveur is the best place to start if you want to be close to the lifts.
Winter tires mandatory from December 1
On October 19, 2026, Quebec’s transport ministry reminded drivers that winter tires are mandatory on all vehicles registered in Quebec, including rentals, from December 1 to March 15. Fines range from $200 to $300. Many chalets sit on steep private roads or at the end of gravel lanes, so good tires matter even more than on the highway. Official details are on Québec.ca.
Short-term rental rules: check the registration number
In Quebec, any accommodation rented to tourists for 31 consecutive days or less must be registered under the province’s tourist accommodation rules. Since September 2023, rental platforms are required to make sure listings display a valid registration number, and they face heavy fines when they publish illegal listings. Hosts who rent their main home and those who rent a dedicated chalet fall under different categories, and many Laurentides municipalities also limit where commercial short-term rentals are allowed.
Why should a guest care? Because a registered chalet is much less likely to be cancelled at the last minute by a municipal inspector, and it usually means the owner carries the liability insurance required to register. In practice:
- Look for the registration number and its expiry date on the listing.
- Be wary of listings that ask you to pay outside the platform or by bank transfer only.
- Expect Quebec’s 3.5% lodging tax and sales taxes on your invoice; they are a sign the rental is declared.
- Ask about the maximum occupancy allowed; many municipalities cap it based on septic capacity.
Our chalet rental guide explains how to spot scams and secure your booking. Owners can review coverage needs in insuring a short-term rental chalet in Quebec.
Winter checklist before you book
Access and snow removal
Ask who clears the driveway and how quickly after a storm. Confirm whether a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended and where to park if the lane is not plowed on arrival day.
Heating, wood and the hot tub
Check whether firewood is supplied and whether the spa is open all winter. Hot tubs are the most requested feature in January; compare options among our chalets with a private hot tub.
Group size and pets
Ski weeks with friends or extended family need bedrooms and bathrooms that match the head count. See our large chalets for groups and, if the dog is coming, the pet-friendly chalets list.
Where to look this winter
Saint-Sauveur and Morin-Heights are ideal for short drives from Montreal and night skiing. Val-David and Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts offer cross-country trails and quieter lakes. Mont-Tremblant remains the premium choice for ski weeks. Compare these zones in the best areas to rent a chalet in the Laurentides. Prefer a hotel for a couple’s weekend? Check Laurentides Hotels, and if you are coming from outside Quebec, BookingHotel.ca covers flights and packages.
FAQ
How do I know a Laurentides chalet rental is legal?
The listing should show a valid Quebec tourist accommodation registration number with its expiry date. If it is missing, ask the owner before paying.
When should I book a chalet for the holidays?
Now. The best chalets near Tremblant and Saint-Sauveur for Christmas, New Year’s and spring break are often booked by early November.
Are winter tires required on a rental car?
Yes. From December 1 to March 15, rental vehicles registered in Quebec must also have winter tires, and rental companies equip them accordingly.
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