The slopes of Mont Tremblant will seem closer when Porter Airlines launches a direct flight to the ski resort from Toronto City Centre Airport on Dec. 22.

Powder hounds will be able to make the transition from downtown to Quebec ski country in 70 minutes.

During the winter holidays, Dec. to Jan. 6, flights are scheduled for Monday, Wednesday and weekends. Regular weekend service begins Jan. 7, with one Toronto-Mont Tremblant round-trip on Saturday mornings and another round-trip on Sunday nights through March 31.

"Whether travellers want a quick weekend getaway or a week-long ski holiday, the convenience of Porter service makes Tremblant remarkably accessible," Porter president and CEO Robert Deluce said.

Not surprisingly, the folks at Mont Tremblant International Airport are pleased.

"As the premier resort airport, we know how speed, quality and first impressions affect the experience of travellers," airpot president Serge Lariviere said.

For 11 years, Tremblant has been rated the No. 1 ski resort in the east by readers of Ski Magazine. State-of-the-art snowmakers pretty much guarantees skiing from November to April.

Initial one-way fares for the Porter flights start at $129, plus taxes and fees. Food and beverages are included. For reservationsvisit, flyporter.com, call 1-888-619-8622 or 416-619-8622, or contact a travel agent.