Moving Mountains: How 24h Tremblant Fuels Children’s Well-Being in Québec

In the heart of the Laurentians, sport is more than a pastime—We see a vehicle for systemic change. Since 2001, the 24h Tremblant event has evolved from a local challenge into a massive philanthropic engine, raising a staggering $72 million to support children’s health and well-being. What we have is not a standard marathon or a typical tournament; it is a grueling, around-the-clock test of endurance designed to ensure that the most vulnerable children in the community have the resources they need to thrive.

For the global sports community, the event represents a unique intersection of extreme athletic effort and targeted social impact. By leveraging the prestige of one of North America’s premier ski destinations, the organization transforms a weekend of winter sports into a lifeline for families within the MRC des Laurentides.

The Ultimate Winter Sports Challenge

The 24h Tremblant is defined by a simple, punishing premise: from Saturday noon to Sunday noon, participants push their physical and mental limits without stop. It is a relay-style competition where teams of six to 12 participants rotate shifts, ensuring that activity continues through the freezing night and into the following day.

The challenge is inclusive of various disciplines, allowing participants to contribute through:

• Alpine skiing
• Snowboarding
• Ski touring
• Walking
• Running
• Combinations of walking and running

Even as the physical toll is significant, the primary goal is not the podium, but the purse. In the weeks leading up to the event, teams engage in aggressive fundraising campaigns. Every dollar raised is donated to five charitable foundations dedicated to improving the lives of children, creating a direct link between the sweat on the slopes and the support provided to families in need.

The Role of Fondation Tremblant

Among the primary beneficiaries is the Fondation Tremblant, which has been a cornerstone of the event since its inaugural edition in 2001. While the 24h event provides the visibility and the funding, the Fondation Tremblant handles the critical function of distribution and program management.

The foundation specifically targets the needs of the local community within the MRC des Laurentides. By implementing targeted programs, the foundation ensures that children and families receive essential support. This localized approach allows the organization to address specific gaps in care and accessibility, ensuring that a child’s socioeconomic background does not dictate their access to well-being and developmental resources.

For those unfamiliar with the region, the MRC des Laurentides is a regional county municipality in Québec, encompassing the area around Mont-Tremblant, where geographic isolation and winter weather can often complicate access to essential services.

Governance and Leadership

The scale of raising $72 million requires more than just athletic enthusiasm; it requires rigorous corporate governance. The Fondation 24h Tremblant is managed by a Board of Directors and a Leadership Committee composed of business leaders who volunteer their expertise to ensure financial transparency and strategic growth.

Key figures guiding the organization include:

• Sébastien Paradis: Co-president and President/General Manager of Les Brasseurs du Nord inc.
• Simon Lamarche: Co-president, Co-founder, and partner at Adviso.
• Alexandra Oberson: Co-Chair and President of Oberson.
• Patrice Malo: President and Chief Operating Officer of Station Mont-Tremblant.
• Claude Séguin: Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Fonds de Solidarité FTQ.

The Board is tasked with overseeing the strategic direction of the organization and ensuring that funds are allocated effectively to the beneficiaries. This structure provides the credibility necessary to attract high-net-worth donors and corporate sponsors, ensuring the event’s sustainability year after year.

Why This Model Works

The success of 24h Tremblant lies in its ability to gamify philanthropy. By turning fundraising into a sports challenge, the organization taps into the competitive nature of athletes and the community spirit of Québec. It moves the conversation from “charity” to “challenge,” encouraging participants to leverage their own business networks and social circles to maximize donations.

This model creates a symbiotic relationship between the luxury tourism of Mont-Tremblant and the grassroots needs of the Laurentian community. The high-profile nature of the event brings global attention to the struggles of local families, while the physical act of the 24-hour challenge serves as a metaphor for the persistence required to overcome childhood adversity.

Key Impact Metrics

Joining the Movement

For those looking to participate, the process is broken down into three distinct phases: registration, fundraising, and the challenge. Teams must first register their group, then launch a campaign to collect donations, and finally prepare for the physical demands of the 24-hour window.

The organization emphasizes the importance of logistics, particularly accommodation, given the intensity of the event and the overnight nature of the competition. Participants are encouraged to plan their stay in Mont-Tremblant well in advance to ensure their team can maintain the necessary rotation to complete the full 24 hours.

As the event continues to grow, it remains a testament to the power of sport to bridge the gap between privilege and need. By turning the slopes of Mont-Tremblant into a fundraising hub, the 24h Tremblant ensures that the joy and health benefits of a supported childhood are accessible to all, regardless of income.

The next official updates regarding registration and team subscriptions can be found on the official 24h Tremblant homepage.

Do you think more sporting events should adopt this 24-hour endurance model for charity? Share your thoughts in the comments below.