Hotel Club Tremblant

I don't ski. For someone whose coordination skills are often questionable on level ground, the idea of strapping slats onto my feet and plummeting down an icy slope holds little appeal. So when my boyfriend suggested Mont-Tremblant for a weekend getaway, the response he got was a blank stare. But we were both in need of a quick vacation, and spring is a perfect time to visit if you're not a skier or you want to avoid the crowds.

On the other side of the lake, away from the village, is Hotel Club Tremblant. The resort has stood up remarkably well to the recent onslaught of new properties, thanks in part to a loyal clientele. There are 122 one- or two-bedroom suites - divided between the alpine-style main lodge and separate condominiums - which come with fireplaces, private balconies and magnificent views of the mountain. While the rooms may not be as posh as other hotels, they do offer something most don't: plenty of space. We managed to snag one of the condos, with a loft-style, second-floor bedroom. The bed was so comfy, we tried to convince the staff to tell us where they buy them. The fully-equipped kitchens can make the trip less costly, and are a nice option if you don't feel like eating out.

The hotel's dining room serves mostly French cuisine, but on Saturdays, there's a seafood buffet. The rest of the week, the restaurant features a five-course table d'hote - with more choices than the usual fixed-price menus - that was surprisingly good. From June through September, guests can take their meals at the lakeside Bistro Sur Lac. The Point du Vue bar, right next to the restaurant, is a study in woodsy kitsch, right down to the giant moose head fixed above the fireplace. Drinks are served seven nights a week, and there's live entertainment, which is more amusing than it's probably intended to be. If you're looking for a more lively night out, however, you're better off heading into the village.

The rooms may not be as posh as other hotels, but they offer something most don't: plenty of space.

Hotel Club Tremblant

Club Tremblant is open year round, so guests don't want for fresh-air activities. In the warmer months, you can go mountain biking, hiking, fishing, canoeing, or play golf or tennis. There's also a private beach and a water sports centre that rents kayaks, pedal boats and water-skis. Horseback riding and seaplane tours are available all year.

The hotel's ski school is reserved exclusively for guests, so beginners needn't worry about where to get lessons, and there's a shuttle service that takes skiers right to the mountain. There are plenty of other outdoorsy things to do too, including snowboarding, dogsled rides, ice fishing, snowshoeing, skating or snowmobiling. Whatever you decide to do, there's an activities desk off the lobby, where you can make reservations or get information.

The hotel has a day camp, for ages four and up, from June 23 to August 29. Children get their own vacation, with face painting, horseback and pontoon rides and campfires. The program includes lunches, supervised dinners and evening activities.

And while the little ones are getting muddy, you'll be doing the same at Spa-sur-le-Lac. There's a solid list of massotherapy, reflexology, aesthetic and body treatments. You can indulge in whatever your budget allows, from a 15-minute seated massage for $20, to the signature body polish for $105. Book your appointment before you go though -- space fills up quickly.

The all-inclusive package starts at $109 per person per night, double, including accommodation, buffet breakfast, dinner and access to resort facilities. Ski and spa packages are also available and include all of the above and more.