PRESS RELEASE
The Return of Les Glissades Gamelin
A Unique Urban Sliding Facility in the Heart of the Quartier Latin
Montreal, January 14, 2026 — The Quartier des Spectacles Partnership is pleased to announce the return of Les Glissades Gamelin, an urban sliding facility in Place Émilie-Gamelin, in the heart of the city, for a third consecutive year. Each Friday, Saturday and Sunday from January 16 to March 8, the unique space encourages people of all ages to visit the Quartier Latin with family and friends and enjoy several sliding sports. Everyone is invited to take to the hills on a sled, snowskate, snow scooter or, for the youngest visitors, a learner’s snowboard, provided thanks to the collaboration of the Quebec Ski Areas Association (Association des stations de ski du Québec – ASSQ). Afterwards, head to the site’s heated chalet, L’Après-glisse, to relax and warm up. There’s also a great new feature this year: a free shuttle between Les Glissades Gamelin and the Esplanade Tranquille skating rink. The initiative encourages families to spend the whole day enjoying winter in the heart of the city!
Four Sports, Six Runs: Slopes for Every Level
Once again this year, Les Glissades Gamelin will include a variety of slopes suitable for sliders of all levels, allowing everyone to discover the joys of sliding. Thrill-seekers and experienced sliders can try La Yolo, while La Mollo offers a gentler slope perfect for beginners. La Fomo, with four refrigerated tracks reserved for sledding, gives everyone the chance to enjoy winter to the fullest.
Equipment loans are still free, and sliders can also bring their own equipment as long as it meets the facility’s requirements. On Fridays and Saturdays, a crowd animator helps create a festive atmosphere and joins the public in their sliding adventures. A returning partner, the ASSQ (the Quebec Ski Areas Association) also welcomes the public with a kiosk highlighting Quebec’s ski hills, as well as helping beginners by providing learners’ snowboards.
Starting January 14, visitors will appreciate a work called End Over End by Studio Vertigo (England), presented as part of LUMINO. Displayed in Montreal for the first time, the piece is a giant luminous Slinky that enhances the Glissades Gamelin site and the winter experience with a whimsical artistic touch.
There will also be one-off weekend activities, particularly during the Winter Olympics (February 6–22) and March break. During the break (March 2–6), the site will have special extended hours: Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A Free Shuttle Between the Rink and Les Glissades
New this year, a free shuttle called L’Inter-glisse links the Quartier des Spectacles’ two winter sports sites: Les Glissades Gamelin and the Esplanade Tranquille skating rink. Members of the public, especially families, will find it even easier to enjoy the downtown core’s winter hot spots. The 15 seats on the minibus will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis for the four hourly runs on Saturdays and Sundays. The bus stop for Les Glissades Gamelin is at the corner of Sainte-Catherine East and Saint-Hubert streets, while the one for the rink is located at Sainte-Catherine East and Saint-Dominique streets, in front of Le 2-22.
A Heated Chalet, L’Après-Glisse, and a Refreshed Site
After enjoying the slopes, the public is invited to warm up and relax in the cozy and welcoming heated chalet called L’Après-glisse. The space includes lockers for visitors to store their personal effects, and board games are available. Café Tranquille offers hot drinks, sweet snacks and new savoury offerings. It’s all accompanied by background music chosen specifically for the site.
The Glissades Gamelin site has been thoroughly redesigned to ensure a safe, fluid and fun experience despite ongoing construction being done by the STM and the city around Place Émilie-Gamelin. The site entrance is now located on Saint-Hubert Street, simplifying access.
Quotes
“Winter in Montreal is magical, and this is an extraordinary way to enjoy it! After two successful years, Les Glissades Gamelin is firmly established as an essential destination for families and everyone looking to rediscover the joys of winter in the heart of the city. By supporting unique initiatives like this one, we reaffirm our commitment to keeping our city’s public spaces lively and attractive in all seasons. I want to thank the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership for its exceptional work year after year!” said Montreal mayor, Soraya Martinez Ferrada.
“Energizing the Quartier Latin year round is a core part of our mission. Last year, Les Glissades welcomed nearly 7,000 children and more than 25,000 visitors in all, and we hope to welcome just as many this year. Thanks to the invaluable participation of the ASSQ, which helps introduce people to winter sports safely, and the support of the Ville de Montréal, Place Émilie-Gamelin is a true bridge between Montreal and surrounding areas. By marrying winter sports and luminous culture, we are making the Quartier des Spectacles a unique urban winter destination,” said Monique Simard, chair of the board of directors of the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership.
“After a successful initial experience last winter, the Quebec Ski Areas Association is pleased to continue its collaboration with Les Glissades Gamelin and help more people discover the joys of sliding sports in the heart of Montreal. Our presence in the Quartier des Spectacles allows us to share our passion for the mountains and showcase the countless great experiences offered by Quebec’s 72 ski areas. We thank the Ministère du Tourisme and all of our partners, including the team at the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership led by Éric Lefebvre, for their invaluable support for this initiative,” said Yves Juneau, CEO of the Quebec Ski Areas Association.
