The intersection of athletic endurance and philanthropy reaches a peak in Québec with the 24h Tremblant, recognized as the largest philanthropic sporting event in North America. Since its inception in 2001, the initiative has raised more than $36.7 million to support children’s causes, blending high-intensity winter sports with a mission to make health and well-being accessible to all children, regardless of their financial background.
The Ultimate Winter Sports Challenge
From Saturday noon to Sunday noon, the slopes of Mont-Tremblant transform into a battlefield of endurance. Teams consisting of six to 12 participants engage in a grueling 24-hour relay, pushing their physical limits through a combination of alpine skiing, snowboarding, ski touring, walking, and running. This high-energy challenge attracts over 30,000 people annually, including approximately 4,000 active participants, celebrities, musicians, and sponsors.
The event serves as a massive fundraising engine, with participants launching campaigns in the weeks leading up to the challenge. These efforts are designed to meet an ambitious annual goal of raising over $4 million, which is then distributed to non-profit organizations and five charitable foundations dedicated to improving the lives of children.
Driving Impact for Vulnerable Youth
At the heart of the event is the Fondation 24h Tremblant, which focuses its resources on medical and social organizations. The mission is clear: ensuring that children—whether they are battling physical or mental illness, living in underprivileged environments, or facing special needs—have the opportunity to grow and thrive in good health.
A key beneficiary, the Fondation Tremblant, has been partnered with the event since its first edition in 2001. This partnership specifically addresses the needs of the local community within the MRC des Laurentides, providing targeted programs that allow families and children to receive essential support.
Strategic Leadership and Governance
The scale of the operation is managed by a dedicated Board of Directors and a Leadership Committee composed of diverse business professionals. This team ensures sound financial management and strategic oversight to maximize the impact of the funds allocated to beneficiaries.
Key leadership figures guiding the foundation include Co-presidents Sébastien Paradis (President and General Manager of Les Brasseurs du Nord inc.) and Simon Lamarche (Co-founder and partner of Adviso), alongside Co-Chair Alexandra Oberson. The board too features expertise from figures such as Patrice Malo, President and COO of Station Mont-Tremblant, and Pierre Rodrigue of Bell Canada – BCE.
By leveraging sports and community spirit, the 24h Tremblant continues to bridge the gap for low-income families, ensuring that the benefits of health and sports are accessible to the children who need them most.
