Yea, hard pack is the word. I ride with a helmet as well, so used to it now, and its quite comfy and warm!
Tremblant is a solid 2 hour drive. Really expensive and overrated IMO. Id rather drive 3 hours toward Quebec city for other hills (Massif / Ste Anne)
Used to go to Jay a bunch when I was younger - Was 'closer' than it is now. They do get some nice dumps, its a fun hill. Th border is a real pain though. Its quite unpredictable time wise, and can easily through off your days. Some of my friends also have a record (DUI and other crap) and that always makes things complicated so long story short kinda avoid Vermont for now. Once my kids get older, well hit that up - Smugglers / Jay / Sugarbush and Id like to try Stowe, but damn that place is pricey!!
I ski at Owls Head from time to time, which is right across the border from Jay. I can see Jay from the top of Owls Head on a clear day.(Mansonville Quebec).
Where do you snowboard at Garden Skater77?